So I have been debating about the "perfect" setup for winter rims/tires for my Insight.
I currently have a set of black, 11.75 lb HX rims I used to run on my Civic that would work with Nokian 165/65R14 winter tires.
VX rims on 155/80R13 tires are arguably the "best", but I just haven't been able to source any.
I have seen a cheap set or two of OEM 13x4.5 CRX HF 12.75 lb magnesium-steel wheels. This would allow me to run 155/80R13 Nokian winter tires.
EDIT (again): I was also just given the opportunity to purchase a set of '85 CRX SI 13" alloys for $50.
Note that this is for winter tire setup; not replacing the Bridgestones for summer tires. Both winter tire options are Nokians, so rolling resistance ability by brand should be equal.
The 155/80R13 tires are slightly lighter than 165/65R14s if I remember correctly. CRX HF rims weigh about a pound each more than HX rims. They're are 4x100, so I'm assuming they'd fit?
155/80R13 Nokian tires are about $25 cheaper each per tire than Nokian 165/65R14s last time I checked, which is the main reason why I'm considering it. I might even consider other 13" rims if they're light enough due to the lower cost....as long as they weren't heavy enough to negatively impact my fuel economy in and of themselves.
My question is, would the narrower, slightly taller combo return better fuel economy? Cost isn't an issue; I could easily sell my HX rims for more than I'd pay for the HF rims.
Also, is it true, or just a myth, that steel wheels are better in the winter than aluminum? because that might be another point to consider.
Throwing on a regular set of heavy steel wheels is not an option; I'd rather keep the HX wheels.
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EDIT: Sourced a set where they're asking $300...a bit much but if I could get them for $200?
VX setup:
VX rims: $200
Set of Nokian 155/80R13 tires: $263.36
Net: -$463.36
HX setup:
HX rims: $0
Set of Nokian 165/65R14 tires: $364.52
Net: -$364.52
CRX HF OR CRX SI setup:
CRX HF rims: $50
Set of Nokian 155/80R13 tires: $263.36
Net: -$313.36
Pretty sure I could easily sell the HX rims for more than the difference.
I currently have a set of black, 11.75 lb HX rims I used to run on my Civic that would work with Nokian 165/65R14 winter tires.
VX rims on 155/80R13 tires are arguably the "best", but I just haven't been able to source any.
I have seen a cheap set or two of OEM 13x4.5 CRX HF 12.75 lb magnesium-steel wheels. This would allow me to run 155/80R13 Nokian winter tires.
EDIT (again): I was also just given the opportunity to purchase a set of '85 CRX SI 13" alloys for $50.
Note that this is for winter tire setup; not replacing the Bridgestones for summer tires. Both winter tire options are Nokians, so rolling resistance ability by brand should be equal.
The 155/80R13 tires are slightly lighter than 165/65R14s if I remember correctly. CRX HF rims weigh about a pound each more than HX rims. They're are 4x100, so I'm assuming they'd fit?
155/80R13 Nokian tires are about $25 cheaper each per tire than Nokian 165/65R14s last time I checked, which is the main reason why I'm considering it. I might even consider other 13" rims if they're light enough due to the lower cost....as long as they weren't heavy enough to negatively impact my fuel economy in and of themselves.
My question is, would the narrower, slightly taller combo return better fuel economy? Cost isn't an issue; I could easily sell my HX rims for more than I'd pay for the HF rims.
Also, is it true, or just a myth, that steel wheels are better in the winter than aluminum? because that might be another point to consider.
Throwing on a regular set of heavy steel wheels is not an option; I'd rather keep the HX wheels.
-------------------
EDIT: Sourced a set where they're asking $300...a bit much but if I could get them for $200?
VX setup:
VX rims: $200
Set of Nokian 155/80R13 tires: $263.36
Net: -$463.36
HX setup:
HX rims: $0
Set of Nokian 165/65R14 tires: $364.52
Net: -$364.52
CRX HF OR CRX SI setup:
CRX HF rims: $50
Set of Nokian 155/80R13 tires: $263.36
Net: -$313.36
Pretty sure I could easily sell the HX rims for more than the difference.