In the past I have always minus sized the wheels on my VW diesels because it made sense to me to spend less in the long run on tires and get a softer ride and better mpgs. Anyway I bought a new 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (Limited) which comes with 17" wheels. The less fancy version of the hybrid comes with 16" wheels and is rated 1 mpg better. So I strolled up to the service guys and said I would like to switch to the 16" wheels. I was told that it is not advisable because it could damage the transmission and all the computer settings would be off. I was shocked. I was also told that the wheels on the hybrids are a different beast and contain magnets used in regenerative braking. Can anybody straighten me out on this? Can I really not change out my wheels either to the 16's on the lesser model or to aftermarket wheels? Thanks for any enlightenment. Peter
The regenerative braking is not done in the wheels itself. Maybe at the wheels if the HSH has electric motors at the wheels, but I doubt that. Regenerative braking is probably done by the transmission. Hybrids usually have special lightweight alloy wheels, so I do understand their hesitancy to switch though. In a Hybrid, it is always a best bet to stick with the stock wheels and tires. Even keeping the stock wheels, but switching to a different tire can have a negative impact on fuel economy. I'd keep it the way it is, but their reasoning for keeping it stock is crazy. The person who said that didn't understand how the car worked, but did know that switching the wheels and tires was generally a bad thing.
In general I understand not changing out wheels on a hybrid but I cannot fathom why I could not use the stock 16" wheels from the base Sonata hybrid. Thoughts? Peter
Bullshit. The wheels and tires are just that, wheels and tires. On a hybrid they're likely to be lightweight wheels and low rolling resistance tires, but that's it. As long as the outside diameter is the same, it will not affect anything major on the car. https://www.hyundaiusa.com/sonata-hybrid/specifications.aspx SE: P205/65/R16 LTD: P215/55/R17 Sidewall height is 205*0.65 = 133.25 divide by 25.4 to get inches = 5.246 times 2 for top and bottom sidewall = 10.492 plus 16 for the wheel = 26.492 inches Same math on the 17's = 26.311 inches, less than 1% different. They're both factory options, so they'll be fine. If your dealer won't do it, find another who will.
Peter, try a different dealer and see if they have the same story. I would doubt it. Good luck. p.s. Welcome to CleanMPG!
I like the bigger wheels because they have less sidewall flex for better handling, they're lighter weight which reduces unsprung weight (again for better handling). They're usually wider, though, which increases rolling resistance and air resistance. The LTD is 60 lbs heavier than the SE which will also contribute to that 1mpg hit in FE.
The tires may be lighter, but the wheels are heavier. Plus, the mass of the rim is farther out, making rotational inertia worse. For our purposes here, smaller wheels with taller tires is almost always the better choice. Sidewall flex? pump up the pressure.
Absolute hogwash and I agree with Mike, find a new service department. I hate when people spout "out-your-butt" facts!
Lol, cannot the change the rims Really every snombelt car needs black steel rims for their winter tires , that is the winter look
