Efficacy of Aero Wheel Covers

[Tiny Tim]

And so you should...
You could save more by leaving the other half behind then you wouldn't need the return journey
(Joins you running for cover)

Would walking not be more energy efficient.... ?

 

[4ND]

Like the previous definitions: hub caps and wheel trims, I think 'gimmick' is another.

 

[Ian Key]

Would walking not be more energy efficient.... ?

True. I'll walk for cover then

Getting back to the original topic. Anticipation and a light right foot will have more effect on efficiency than fancy aero covers, rear spoilers etc. as well as the weather.

 

[Kithmo]

Do Aero covers make better frisbees than hub caps ?

 

[William]

All black aero covers and steel wheels on the SE in France. No priv glass either. I like it.

View attachment 11082

Hi,

Where did you get these?

 

[Buster72]

Clearly a large wheel 21" / 22" (?) will have very low profile tyres therefore the actual wheel rim will be much closer to the ground and much more likely to be below the height of standard kerbs compared to a 16" wheel with high profile tyres.

The arithmetic suggests that the rim of a 22" wheel will be 3" closer to the ground than a 16" wheel.

The risk of kerbing is additionally dependant on the overall diameter of the tyre / wheel combination which obviously varies considerably depending on the vehicle to which it is fitted.

In addition, large wheels with low profile tyres have higher rolling resistance which requires more fuel, be it oil or grid based, to overcome it.

Yes definitely.
My current Ford Fiesta Vignale was fitted with 18" rims from new. And to keep the correct gear ratios, it came with low profile tyres.
It has been a disaster because all 4 rims have been damaged by getting too close to the kerbs.
So I for one am very happy that the MG4 comes with plastic hub caps.

 

[WonkoTheSaneUK]

Hi,

Where did you get these?

As @Whiskey Foxtrot says, that's just how the car comes in France.
Manufacturers commonly vary specifications & trims between countries.

 

[Jef]

I have never had the wheel covers fitted, asked my dealer to leave them in the boot which they did and off their own bat fitted MG branded centres (from another MG model apparently) and also supplied and fitted locking wheel nuts. I prefer the look, and like others have mentioned a light right foot does perhaps more for economy than glitzy wheel covers do..

 

[Deleted member 10041]

I think it was jester who posted pictures of his wheels with the covers off and centre caps added they looked pretty good. I'm sure someone else has mentioned the same and planned to get the wheels powder coated black.
There was a mention of a drop in efficiency with removing the covers, would just be guessing if I said, someone will remember

 

[siteguru]

3-4% potential drop I recall reading. How real-world that it is would be another question.

 

[bowfer]

They just look better than the alloys underneath.
MG clearly knew they’d be covered and made no attempt to style them to the car and then also painted them silver, which is at least 10 years out of date for alloys.
Taking the covers off harms the looks of the car to a massive degree IMO.

 

[BugEyed]

I'm sure someone else has mentioned the same and planned to get the wheels powder coated black.

@Stageshoot was going to do that, but I can't recall seeing the photos.

There was a mention of a drop in efficiency with removing the covers

For Tesla M3 a figure of 2-3% at highway speed is quoted, and considerably less at lower speeds. Given how far recessed the MG4 tyres are I'd say it'll be less bad, and if you aren't always at 70+ it'll probably get to the point of being unmeasurable.

 

[pd2]

I don't think it will be long and they'll be new cover designs available on AliExpress.

There seems to be plenty for Tesla's on it.

 

[JuziWomble]

I have never had the wheel covers fitted, asked my dealer to leave them in the boot which they did and off their own bat fitted MG branded centres (from another MG model apparently) and also supplied and fitted locking wheel nuts. I prefer the look, and like others have mentioned a light right foot does perhaps more for economy than glitzy wheel covers do..

Care to post a picture ?

 

[Jef]

Not the best photography, 'twas raining cats and dogs when I went out.

 

[JuziWomble]

These
Buwei 4pcs 56mm Car Wheel Center Hub Caps Universal ABS Vehicle Tyre Tire Rim Cover https://amzn.eu/d/17Gagh0

Wonder what a black set of the center hub caps for an orange Trophy would look like ?

 

[JuziWomble]

Not the best photography, 'twas raining cats and dogs when I went out.View attachment 16360

And which wheels were they meant to be fitted too ... Hmm - Looks good

& from a distance - how do they look ?

 

[Jef]

And which wheels were they meant to be fitted too ... Hmm - Looks good

& from a distance - how do they look ?

I spoke to my local dealership, apparently they are from an MG3, part number 1007 1402 but I think I have read somewhere on the forum that Ali Express can supply the caps with the MG logo.
As mentioned above the are 56mm.

I will try to get a better picture tomorrow - when the rain stops!

As far as economy without aero covers, local use is returning 3.2 miles/kW.
I plan to visit my son next month which will be a 200 mile motorway trip so with higher speeds that might be a more useful efficiency test.

 

[Jef]

From a distance as requested:

 

[Deleted member 10041]

I think the covers look better than the wheels