Dealer's tire inflation rate

[cmeteach]

I just got my 20,000 mile oil change and was hit with the news that I need new tires. The sides of my tires are totally worn and I am totally befuddled! The dealer told me to inflate no higher than 35psi, but I decided to stick with somewhere between 35-40 since the tires where rated higher and I was concerned about the wear on my tires. Yet here I am trying to understand how tires that are rated at 50,000 miles are totally worn at 20,000. I have had the car since May '07 and although I admit 20,000 miles in a little over a year is a bit much, but wheels are wheels right? ugh...I really don't feel like forking over $$$ for tires right now, but I have no choice. Are the goodyear tires the best or are there others???

[Patrick Wong]

Originally Posted by cmeteach

I just got my 20,000 mile oil change and was hit with the news that I need new tires. The sides of my tires are totally worn and I am totally befuddled! ... Are the goodyear tires the best or are there others???

The Goodyear Integrity tires are not good for much except they allow pretty good mpg even when new.

If you are a Costco customer, that chain carries Michelin-X in the Prius size. That tire model should offer exceptionally long tread life. However I suggest that you inflate at 42/40 psi to promote even tread wear.

[doubleg2005]

every time i take my Touring in for an oil change and tire rotation, I ask them to look at the sidewall ratings on the tires (51) and inflate the fronts to 50 and rears to 48. after they finish i look at the tires and can actually SEE that they are too low, and when I ask about it... without fail, they have looked not at the sidewall, but at the door sticker that suggests to inflate to 35 and have put all four tires at 35 psi.

when i ask them to look at the sidewall or to allow me to use their air compressor, they cite that that would create an unsafe environment. thank goodness Brookshire's offers free air...

[Fraser]

Just talked with a Goodyear dealer about Integrities. He recommended using the door panel figures, adding the tire is pretty good for its type. I replied that many Prius owners go to max or near-max of the tire. He said that will wear out the center tread early. I countered that mileage gets better with higher pressures. He shrugged, we talked about our various diseases. Knowledgeable guy, and he may be right about tire pressures. I intent to at least try the higher pressures for a while. He strongly recommends the TripleTread, BTW.

[F8L]

Originally Posted by Fraser

Just talked with a Goodyear dealer about Integrities. He recommended using the door panel figures, adding the tire is pretty good for its type. I replied that many Prius owners go to max or near-max of the tire. He said that will wear out the center tread early. I countered that mileage gets better with higher pressures. He shrugged, we talked about our various diseases. Knowledgeable guy, and he may be right about tire pressures. I intent to at least try the higher pressures for a while. He strongly recommends the TripleTread, BTW.

In terms of the Integrity he is wrong about excess tire pressures wearing out the center of the tire. There have been enough anecdotal evidence to prove otherwise.

I've got over 40k miles on these ones with pressures exceeding 50psi. Right now they are at 66/64. I'll likely drop em to 60psi or 62/60.

[Sheepdog]

some of your dealers service advisor's are real idiot's! I told my dealer exactly what I wanted in my tires. 42/40 and he started to object but I asked him how he liked me coming back?

My service file now states to maintain 42/40 and it's in my service records that they do it. and yes I also check to make sure....

[dwreed3rd]

Way to go Sheepdog!

[pt95148]

My dealer actually told me to ignore the psi on the door plate and to go higher as he said the Prius drives and glides better. I checked the tires when cold and found that they inflated to 40 all round.
I just went in for a warranty check on alignment, nothing else done.
When I took it back, it was washed!
"zero' dollars paid and a free car wash
Totally did not expect that!