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We just got a 2014 300H and when we bought it they offered us a rim package but we turned it down because the rims were just UGLY so we stayed with the stock rims.
Now 3 months later my wife decides she wants rims but I told her I was unsure if we could put aftermarket rims on the car so my question is this
Can we put aftermarket rims on the car if they are the same size as the factory rims ( rims and tires ) or maybe go 1 size up with a smaller tire and still not hurt the Hybrid part of the car ?
I just don't want to screw anything up as far as how the car reads MPH and actives and deactives the engine and such....
Hybrid wheels are lighter than regular factory wheels and they also use straighter tires with strengthened side walls for better mpg. Aftermarket wheels are usually heavier than the factory, especially the cheaper ones. It will put more strain on the motor and brakes and lose mpg. But most importantly, there is a big potential of warranty being voided. There is a big grey area here. From what i understand, if you battery dies prematurely, the dealer can argue that the aftermarket wheels caused extra strain on the battery causing it to die faster and void the warranty.
On the contrary, aftermarket wheels are actually lighter that factory stock rims, of course not the cheap ones. It depends on the brand you are getting. But I agree, don't change the wheels just yet since you have a hybrid and potential warranty being voided.
The wheel/tire size of hydrid cars are selected for a reason and that is for better battery efficiency.