We have the luxury package with the 20" wheel options that have plastic wheel inserts. You can change the color of the wheel inserts so they can be popped out. Has anybody actually permanently removed the plastic wheel inserts and driven around without them? I can't imagine there being any negative effects to not having them unless they provide some aerodynamic benefit from the air passing through the wheels or something like that. They seem like pretty flimsy plastic and the brake dust will probably build up quite a bit behind the plastic inserts on the wheels over time.

Your thoughts?

 

One of the reasons I picked the Autumn Shimmer exterior is so I could match my wheels with Autumn Shimmer inserts. I'm not sure if there would be any aerodynamic problems by removing them. The 2016 Toyota Prius has similar inserts and here is what the manual states. Note: it says "Do not remove decorative resin parts."

Check out this thread on the Priuschat Forum: http://priuschat.com/threads/plastic...-wheel.162934/
As for brake dust, I'm certain that there will be dirt and dust attaching to the back of the insert. The area behind the insert is actually quite large. See this video: Personally, I have never had a problem with brake dust on plastic covers on steel wheels, so I don't forsee any issues here. As always, it is beneficial to coat/wax your wheels to repel the brake dust.

 

Just add remember to clean em during your washing regimen. I would suggest at your own risk remove them and see if it effects wheel balance. But again I`d just leave em and clean em lol

 

Why do you want to remove them?

 

^ Might be due to the fact they are a bit goofy looking and while the idea is an interesting one the execution ruins the look of the wheel. The inserts are swoopy on a wheel full of nicely cut lines mounted on a car full of nicely cut lines. They look awkward.

 

I am not a fan of the Luxury wheels, but without the inserts, they look even worse.

 

Hi i'm looking for alternatives to the wheels Luxury,but in Italy in configurator car there is anything for Rx 450h 20', can you help me?

 

Has anyone removed the plastic inserts? If so, did you remove them yourself or take to dealership for them to do it? Do you have pictures to share?

While the car is new, the inserts look fine, but I'm sure over the years, they will not withstand the weather and elements the same as the alluminum wheels and I may want to take them out.....

 

I've had the same thought. I don't particularly like the look of the inserts, but they came on the luxury model.

 

someone sent me this photo with the inserts removed. looks better but the holes makes me think twice! it looks odd i think. what do you guys think? will this fly?

 

You could probably find a plug (rubber or plastic) to fill that hole, without adding much weight to mess with the balance, or just leave them alone..

 

I just purchased a 2017 RX 350 w/luxury package. It came with 20 inch "Obsidian Colored Inserts". I'm "Thinking" I'd rather have the "Silver Lining Metallic" color.
Does anyone have a Pic you could post ..... if you've changed yours out? I have the Pearl White Exterior. I need some Guidance guys or your thoughts!

Thanks also, to all of you that helped me decide between the Premium and Luxury package!! Your input was very much appreciated!

 

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...ge-wheels.html

Here is some info to start your search....maybe you have seen this?

 

Thank you Fast Ford, no I hadn't seen the thread. My dealership says, it will take some time before they can get the color I want. Lexus offer 4 colors for these Inserts, but it appears they all come with Obsidian here in the states.
They're trying to convince me, their paint and body shop can achieve the same look by painting my present inserts ... but this concerns me! Any thoughts????

 

I'm one of the few people on ClubLexus that has some experience with the wheel inserts. I got Autumn Shimmer inserts to match my paint. Personally, I find that it ties the car together really well.

All US luxury models come with Black (Obsidian) inserts. However, Europe gets Atomic Silver inserts. The image below is what you mentioned, Eminent White Pearl Paint with Atomic Silver inserts.

Now, if I were you, I would get Eminent White Pearl with Eminent White Pearl Inserts as shown below:


Silver (Atomic Silver) works best with Nightfall Mica in my opinion.

For the inserts, I paid $600 dollars. This was negotiated with the final price of the car so I made that money back in other places. If the dealer can paint the inserts for less than $600 AND warranty them...go for it! My inserts and wheel are protected in a wheel protection package. If you go the route of paining, ask for them to add a high heat rating wheel clear coat to protect the inserts from brake dust and road grime.

Oh...and make sure to post photos of the final result!!!