lighter weight wheels

[LDB]

I'm wondering how much effect lighter wheels would have to ride, handling, mpg but can't find any specific information about the stock wheels.

[JockoT]

Reducing unsprung weight always improves handling and, depending on the tyres fitted, possibly ride. Reducing vehicle weight, in theory, should reduce fuel consumption. How big a weight saving the wheels make depends on what you are replacing and with what. You might make a bigger difference taking the change out of your pocket!

[Draigflag]

Less weight is always a good thing for both performance and economy. My car has 18" standard, but the upgraded 19" I have are 3 kg per corner lighter. Can't really comment on ride or handling sorry.

[LDB]

Yes, I spent all the coins I had at dinner. The problem is finding any information on the weight of the stock wheels.

[JockoT]

Pop into your local dealer, with the bathroom scales, and ask if they have a wheel in stores that you can weigh. After what you have spent on the car they would have a cheek not to indulge you.

[LDB]

I thought about that and have to go pick up the spare key they forgot to give me so I may try that out.

[ChewChewTrain]

Originally Posted by LDB

I'm wondering how much effect lighter wheels would have to ride, handling, mpg but can't find any specific information about the stock wheels.

On paper lighter wheels look GREAT. I replaced my 16 pound steel rims for 9 pound, Honda VX rims.

Practically speaking, in our day-to-day driving I personally don't think it amounts to much MPG gain. But it makes you feel smarter!!!

[LDB]

Yeah, I don't think it will do too much for mpg. I'm more curious about ride and handling.

[ChewChewTrain]

Originally Posted by LDB

Yeah, I don't think it will do too much for mpg. I'm more curious about ride and handling.

Well, if you're pumping up your tires to the max sidewall pressure, you're not likely to have any different ride.

[JockoT]

Normally, reducing the unsprung weight, at manufacturer's recommended tyre pressures, improves the ride (all else being equal - tyre width, profile, etc). I would imaging it should be the same for elevated tyre pressures, albeit probably not as marked.