My new Karoq has the aerodynamic wheel inserts ( plastic) which remind me that we all had plastic wheel trims on steel wheels. Can Skoda quantify the benefit in MPH, I doubt it whatever they may say. However other manufacturers are also fitting them. The problem is you cannot successfully clean the alloy wheels without removing them and thats both an added chore and eventually the inserts will be damaged. I am going to take mine off but will need 4 new center caps. Can someone point me to a supplier please, 18 inch alloys.

 

From new with 230 miles on the clock this car a 1.5 tsi act auto petrol showed 52.7 mpg on a 135 mile trip across country from North Wales and I was very pleased with this. However I repeated the journey 10 days later in  BMW X1 2.0ltr M sport, 3  years old and the trip showed 53.1mpg. That surprised me.

 

Thanks in advance

I got rid of hideous inserts as soon as I got my Karoq, there are some part numbers in the thread I started here…

 

 

 

Many thanks Modders, they are going in the loft for at least 3 years.

20 minutes ago, Widescreen said:

Many thanks Modders, they are going in the loft for at least 3 years.

Exactly where mine are for the next 3 years 😂

 

I don't know I think there's something to be said for thouse plastic aero inserts, I don't find them any more unattractive than most alloy wheels, which are to my mind just a fashion accessory.  In fact with those plastic inserts we could go back to those sensible steel wheels that are potentially lighter, easier to repair and cost less in the first place.  I'll now go into hiding.

Now that would be a really good idea!

 

Not just potentially lighter either, my winter wheels are way lighter than the fragile leaky OE alloys.

 

How times have changed, in the 70's alloy wheels were highly desired for their weight saving, its not just the reduction in weight but a huge reduction in rotational kinetic energy.

 

Now we have dustbin lids shod with rubber bands whose combined weight is beyond most peoples ability to lift onto the wheel hub at a roadside tyre change without risking injury and which require bigger brakes just for the increase in rotational kinetic energy.

 

As an engineer I understood this but as a Chancer I disregarded it when having changed from a Shogun to a Suzuki SJ410 I was left with a set of off road wheels & tyres from the Shogun, I machined up & welded hub adaptors to the rims and fitted them to the Suzuki making it look like a Tonka Toy.

 

Obviously the gearing was trashed but they were for off road trials and road posing, the dramatic effect was on the braking which was excellent on the stock Suzuki wheels but downright dangerous at the same speed on the Shogun wheels.

 

The difference in mass was probably 1/4 of that of carrying an extra passenger but the difference in rotational inertia was enormous and beyond the capability of the brakes.

I like the inserts, as they confuse the heck out of my neighbours. “Where  are the wheel nuts?”, they say. I tell them it is all the rage to fit wheels that pop off by pressing a button in the cab!