efficiency with / without wheel covers - 20"

[newlucidguy]

so I have a '25 AT stealth with 20" wheels. searched but didn't see anything - any info on efficiency gains with the wheel covers on? Mine are off (which I prefer) and I was thinking to put them on for trips, however I saw that this may cause the wheels to scratch, which I definitely don't want to do. I would think they would make a few % points of efficiency. does anyone have any more concrete info on range with / without wheel covers? how much am I losing if I don't use them? TIA!!

 

[GrayFawkes]

I just picked up the same exact spec and did the same thing. From what I could find here is that its 5% hit to range. At least that is what most people seem to agree on. I haven't tested it myself.

 

[newlucidguy]

I just picked up the same exact spec and did the same thing. From what I could find here is that its 5% hit to range. At least that is what most people seem to agree on. I haven't tested it myself.

congrats on the car! I kinda assumed it would be about 5%. wheels do have an impact and it could not possibly be as high as 10% (was hoping not anyway). I wish I didn't read that the wheels can scratch from on / off (or on and dirt gets between the cover and the wheel and rubs as you drive). looks better off, will have to decide when to use them (sparingly).

 

[GrayFawkes]

congrats on the car! I kinda assumed it would be about 5%. wheels do have an impact and it could not possibly be as high as 10% (was hoping not anyway). I wish I didn't read that the wheels can scratch from on / off (or on and dirt gets between the cover and the wheel and rubs as you drive). looks better off, will have to decide when to use them (sparingly).

yeah same, I don't drive very long distances often so taking them off was an easy choice. I do wish they wouldn't scratch the wheels too for when I do need to use them.

 

[californiaboy935]

yeah same, I don't drive very long distances often so taking them off was an easy choice. I do wish they wouldn't scratch the wheels too for when I do need to use them.

Maybe using some contact cement to felt the attachment points on the wheel would eliminate the scratching. I’m not sure what the tolerance are like, but I feel like that might be a viable way to fix it.

 

[Knucklehead]

I believe these are the same wheels on the Gravity. Do you have pictures with the covers off?

 

[GrayFawkes]

I believe these are the same wheels on the Gravity. Do you have pictures with the covers off?

Here's mine without the covers.

 

[Neurio]

Maybe using some contact cement to felt the attachment points on the wheel would eliminate the scratching. I’m not sure what the tolerance are like, but I feel like that might be a viable way to fix it.

Part of the contact point is the clips that attach the cover to the wheel, so you definitely wouldn't want to put felt there. The other points are random and due to vortices forming and turning dust into sandpaper.