Honda Insight Forum banner

Preferred winter wheel/tire combination

1.1K views 2 replies 2 participants last post by  mpg_numbers_guy  
#1 · (Edited)
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.

-------------------

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.
 
#2 ·
I would say none of those. The only winter tires Nokian makes that are low rolling resistance in factory size are the old R2 tires which aren't available in that size anymore. The new R3 starts off at a 175/65/14. Any other Nokian snow tire is not low rolling resistance and tends to be louder.

The Nokian representative said to go with the R3 one size up even compared to the R2 in factory size because there's been that much of an improvement in rolling resistance. Their other tires are traditional snow tires and while very good grip wise are not great mpg wise. The R3 is very light for a 175 at 14.3 pounds compared to the usual 16 pounds so it shouldn't be an issue.
 
#3 ·
Hm, interesting. I was under the impression that the Nordmans were also low rolling resistance?

Are there other brands of low rolling resistance tires that would come in a more efficient size? I've heard that the Michelin X-ice's are supposed to be low rolling resistance but everyone says that Nokians are better.

I wonder if the reduced rolling resistance of the bulkier R3s really makes up for the added weight and width..

155/80R13: 13.1lbs
VX rims: 9.7lbs
22.8 lbs each

175/65R14: 14.3lbs
HX rims: 11.5lbs
25.8lbs

An extra 3 lbs per wheel?

Compared to RE92s:
165/65R14: 12.7lbs
OEM rims: 10.5lbs
23.2lbs

The R3s would be good for 2.275% taller gearing, or a 44.5 RPM drop @ a normal 2000 RPMs. Not that the Insight really needs taller gearing.

It just seems from what I've read that people who run 175/65R14s just don't get the same fuel economy.

Thanks for the info!