OT: Wheels for cars, aero? Lightweight?

[Likes2ridefar]

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[yinzerniner]

On my previous vehicle I downsized from 19" to 17" and found increases in ride quality, noise, and MPG (22.5 to 26). Yes the handling wasn't quite as "sharp" but I didn't track the vehicle so wasn't really too keen on getting the utmost out of said handling improvement. Also curb rash decreased significantly.

Don't know if the 15% mileage gains are truly scientifically calculated, but I wouldn't be surprised at 10% just from the factors you already mentioned. Also the stock 19" wheel pattern on your Accord might have been especially un-aerodynamic. When people do those "hypermiling" exercises they usually put some sort of cover on the wheels, just like disc (covered) wheels for time trial, track, tri bikes etc.

Tires are oftentimes much cheaper and readily available for 17" as well.

As for tire choices, Conti is one of the best (just like bike tires). Since you're in Arizona an ultra high performance all season will probably work fine, since they have great tread wear and good overall performance. Summer tires are super fun, but they wear quickly.

Just go to tirerack.com and input your vehicle, they'll give you an option on whether you want tires or wheels with tires. You can even see how it looks on your vehicle.

[Ken Robb]

Someone has to ask: Will your brake rotors fit with smaller wheels? On some cars bigger wheel also come with bigger diameter brake rotors. Have you priced a used replacement wheel?

[AngryScientist]

Originally Posted by Ken Robb

Someone has to ask: Will your brake rotors fit with smaller wheels? On some cars bigger wheel also come with bigger diameter brake rotors. Have you priced a used replacement wheel?

The fitmemt guides on TireRack are pretty good about this info and for a popular vehicle like an Accord; I would trust their research.

[Ralph]

Many steel wheels are lighter than you might think. I used to drag race some, and rotational weight on drive wheels is a big deal. I found many 17" steel wheels weighed in low 20's. Not much different than Chinese made alloy wheels. Also keep in mind....it's not all about wheel weight, consider tire weight also. Once the car is moving, I wouldn't expect much difference in MPG, if overall circumference stays the same. More aspect ratio does give a better ride at the expense of some handling. And wider tires do have more drag. Look at a Prius.....or most entry level EV's, narrow tires for improved MPG. And low drag (hard rubber) tires. And slight changes in tire circumference changes effective gear ratio as well...which affects fuel economy (and acceleration). Use to play with all that stuff. Lots of variables. The entry level tire /wheel combo on many vehicles, may be the lightest lowest drag combo with best MPG. And like Ken says....it has to clear the brakes. And aftermarket wheel has to have the correct dish.

[RobbieTunes]

Or used, or aftermarket. Very cheap compared to OEM.
Check to make sure the circumference w/tires is the same as with 19’s.

You may be able to recalibrate the speedometer via a laptop, OBD, but if others drive the same model with 17’s, may be little difference at all.

[verticaldoug]

Originally Posted by Likes2ridefar

I struggle to park the long sedan still or maybe always will going fwd (reverse no issue) and what pushed me to finally swap to smaller tires is after replacing two tires and one rim to get the car on the road again, parking it on Sunday I nailed a curb and took a huge chunk out of the rim and tire.

The rim is exposed on the 19” model and will hit the curb before the tire.

I thought the Accord comes with Parking Assist? This doesn't help with the curb

[Likes2ridefar]

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[tylercheung]

see if there's NOS Campagnolo wheels :P

[paredown]

I've had pretty good luck picking up OEM wheels on eBay or FB Marketplace, especially if the kids are doing what kids do, and putting stupid big wheels on their new rides.

I've seen sets of 4 OEMs with almost new tires for our Acura (smaller size--17") for like $1200/set. It sounds like your OEM wheel is a bit more rare--but I would take a look to see if there are any new take-offs around...

[Likes2ridefar]

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[jlwdm]

Tire Rack is a great resource with excellent selection prices and customer service. Tire Rack was purchased by Discount Tire around the first of the year. Costco can be good but tire choices are limited.

I switched from 18/19 wheels to 17/18 for my car I take to the track as there are more high performance tire choices in 17/18. Then with COVID everything became hard to find. I have stockpiled 12 tires though.

Personally I would only go with wheels that looked great on the car, but I want everything I buy to look good.

Jeff

[Likes2ridefar]

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[Mark McM]

Originally Posted by tylercheung

see if there's NOS Campagnolo wheels :P

[Likes2ridefar]

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