Replacement tyres

[kenmac]

Hi folks,
Recently I discovered that the Prius had picked up a small nail on a rear tyre.
I consulted the local tyre "experts" and they confirmed that it had fully penetrated.
They say it is in a dangerous position - about 10mm in from the tread edge, and therefore they cannot repair with the usual "internal plug" method.
Apparently it is unsafe to do so, because of the high degree of flexing in that area - the repair will eventually come loose and allow air out/moisture in, etc.
So, they recommended a new tyre, even though this one is only 10,000km old.
I am not sure why they can't just fit an inner tube - might be the moisture, steel radial mix problem I guess.
Anyway, having accepted that it was going to cost me for a new one, then came the next bad news.
Michelin Energy XV1 195/60 R15 88V are priced at $260AU each!!($200US).
The next interesting news was that they are not available anywhere in Oz (except on Prius's).
The tyre firm said they could fit a different type, but it would need a matching pair for the rear! (same size/same tread)[2 x $260AU!!!]
Toyota Service people weren't much help - just said use another type!
So, I contacted the local Toyota Customer Service and explained the situation.
This person then passed the information/problem on to Toyota Australia H.O.
Currently I am waiting for their response - it will be interesting to say the least.
Why would they import a vehicle fitted with tyres that are not available in the country??
This situation brings into sharp focus the use of the "special spare"!
If I had a normal spare, I could have had this one repaired and swapped with the spare.
What would have happened if I blew a tyre out in the remote rural areas?
The "special spare" is only for low speed use to get to the next help area - it would take forever in some spots in Oz.
Then we would be stuck without replacement tyres available anywhere.
I guess there would be the option to fit another tyre that fitted the rim, (if available - just to get home.
Oz is a big country and has some very isolated spots - the use of a "special spare" is a bit pointless in those areas.
I suppose there is always the option of purchasing another wheel/tyre for use as a full spare - I dread to think of the cost of that!
I am currently still running the Prius with that nail "reinserted" - there is no leak.

kenmac

[jayman]

What would have happened if I blew a tyre out in the remote rural areas? The "special spare" is only for low speed use to get to the next help area - it would take forever in some spots in Oz.

Probably the same thing that would happen if you blew a tire in a remote rural area of Canada: you'd be S.O.L.

I've often worried about this too, though I rarely drive in rural/remote areas anymore. Most of those "temporary" spare tires state "not to exceed 80 km/h or 80km distance." So even if you poke along at 80 km/h, you're still not going to make it if you're in BFE.

Now that you've got me worrying about this, I remember from my last stroll through Canadian Tire they were advertising this green glop in a pressure can. Supposedly, you can spray this glop into the tire and it will magically seal itself and you merrily drive off.

I'd see that to believe their claim, but it may save your a** if true. Another option would be to get a cheap steel rim and have a tire the same size fitted, but that would take up most of rear hatch. No easy answer.

At least the Prius sold here have a very common 185/65 15 tire size, every dealer I've asked claims this is a popular size and they routinely stock many brands.

[kenmac]

Hi again,
An update of my situation:
Because there isn't any replacement Energy XV1 tyres available in Oz, Toyota Aus. have decided to replace the full set of 4, with Energy MXV8's.
I only have to pay for one, at $192AU ($148US)!
How is that for Customer Service?
I think they are reacting to the weakness that we found in their (or Michelin's? )support /supply system - maybe embarrassed?
A great Customer Relations effort.
Anyway, I hear that they are arranging with Michelin to fly in some of the XV1's to cover any immediate future requirements.
I will now be interested in how the new tyres affect the driving and consumption of the Prius.

kenmac

[jayman]

Well, if it's any consolation, Toyota Australia appears to be giving you premium replacement tires:

http://www.michelin.com.au/tyres/passenger..._energyMXV8.asp

Michelin claims the MXV8 has reduced rolling resistance. It's unclear how this would compare to the Energy XV1 since - as you stated - even Michelin Australia doesn't list it for comparison.

Please check back with us to let us know how the new tires compare eg: fuel economy, ride, etc.

[IsrAmeriPrius]

I did a cursory search for the Michelin Energy XV1 tire on the Michelin U.S. web site as well on some tire retailers sites. It does not appear as if that particular model is available in the USA.

[DanMan32]

I was told by Goodyear that the spare is actually good for 5000 miles, but not to exceed 50MPH.

[jeromep]

I was going to add that in the U.S. they are putting Goodyear Integrity tires on the current shipping Prius, and frankly they are not all that wonderful. I will probably swap them out at 15,000 miles for something from Michelin that is much better. As usual, tires from the factory are less than stellar.

[jayman]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DanMan32\";p=\"77408)</div>

I was told by Goodyear that the spare is actually good for 5000 miles, but not to exceed 50MPH.[/b]

Dan:

A couple of days ago when I took the Dunlop winter tires off and put the Michelin Harmony 3-season tires back on, I also checked the pressure of my temporary spare.

Pop quiz: how many of you bother to check the spare?? Hmmmm???

Anyhoo, it's not a Goodyear but a Bridgestone temporary spare. The side of the rim that would face out is painted a horrid day-glow yellow too.

I suppose that's to announce to the entire world "Hey, look at me! I'm driving on a Temporary Spare!"