What tires for Touring edition wheels?

[misslexi]

So I managed to score 4 Touring wheels for my 06 Standard. I use the word scored loosely; I didn't get screwed as bad as I could have.

Anyway, I need some new tires and want to stay with the stock Touring size which is 195-55-R16.

I've only been to Les Schwab so far, they have only one tire in that size which is the Toyo Proxes T1R.

I plan to keep the stock wheels and tires for winter/snow driving.

I'm hoping for tire recommendations, comments about Proxes if any, and about the stock Touring tire which I think is a Bridgestone model.

[meinbmw]

Take a look at tirerack.com

[patsparks]

Look for silica tread compound and high sidewall pressure ratings for lower rolling resistance.

I prefer Michelin.

[lefat1]

i have the original bridgestone turanza's with 7000 miles and just rotated them 40F 38R, they still look and feel great...not sure what to expect after more mileage though.

[misslexi]

Originally Posted by meinbmw

Take a look at tirerack.com

I visited tirerack.com and notice the majority of the tires in this size are RunFlat. The local tire dealer I spoke with bemoaned run flats as a "bad program". He says they actually have to have a dealer send them a mounted replacement wheel and tire as they cannot work on them. This guy has always been a straight shooter but that sounds bizzare to me.

Anyone have experience with RunFlats?

[bob2780]

After a blowout on 3/07, 4 month old 07 touring with only 1900 miles on the Bridgestone’s on a trip from Vegas to LA
I haves since put over 9000 miles on the new set of Michelin Pilot Primacy tires (the OEM tires for the Prius touring in Japan)
Finally the MPG on the Primacy is equal or better then the original Bridgestones wear is better too as well as GREAT handling even in rainy weather. It is a summer touring non-run flat LRR Low rolling resistance silica tread compound high pressure up to 51 psi tire. Some say in tire reviews they are noisy so far so-good no issue there their Great Tires!!!

Read My post on Priusonline Checkout the photos on Page2

http://priusonline.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=10666&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&sid=a18ef 3b8209f9c235df45b0e2efc5e27&start=0

Bought then at tire rack Purchased road hazard but also available at Costco included in the price size is the same as OEM tires Runflat add weight lower MPG but they also make a runflat version I don't know if its available in the U. S.
Hope this Helps

Bob2780

[Boo]

FYI, here's the TireRack.com comparison chart for all Touring OEM size summer or all season tires that are not run-flats. Not much to choose from. If I were in your situation, I'd consider going with a different, more common size.

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[misslexi]

Originally Posted by Boo

FYI, here's the TireRack.com comparison chart for all Touring OEM size summer or all season tires that are not run-flats. Not much to choose from. If I were in your situation, I'd consider going with a different, more common size.

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Easier said than done: the wheel size (16") offers very few alternative sizes that keep tire circumference (and speedometer accuracy) close. This is especially true if I try to find a close match which is a more common size.

Here's a handy calculator I found when shopping for tires...

DML Tire and Wheel Calculator

[Boo]

Originally Posted by misslexi

Easier said than done: the wheel size (16") offers very few alternative sizes that keep tire circumference (and speedometer accuracy) close. This is especially true if I try to find a close match which is a more common size.

Here's a handy calculator I found when shopping for tires...

DML Tire and Wheel Calculator

Hi misslexi,

Yes. There are definitely tradeoffs (and some gains).

I see some Touring owners have gone to the 205/55/16 size. There are A LOT of tires available in that size. On your standard Prius the 205/55/16 will result in a 1.7% under-read (if your speedometer says 60 mph, you'll be going 61 mph), plus the height of the wheel/tire combo will be slightly greater, and your actual gas mileage may drop a little. However, you should get noticeably better handling.

BTW, I like the Miata Tire Calculator. It's easy to use and read, and gives more information than some calculators.

Tire size calculator

Anyways, good luck.

[ZC1]

Check out the tires here:

http://www.1010tires.com/tire.asp?tiremodel=Ziex+ZE-912&tirebrand=Falken

Seems okay by the reviews. This may be the tire I will buy when I decide to upgrade to 16" wheels and tires

ZC1