CR's Top-Rated Falken Ziex ZE 512 tires for the Prius

[Arroyo]

There's been a lot of discussion about the Michelin HydroEdge and GoodYear Assurance Comfortred and TripleTred tires for the second-generation Prius.

A low-cost alternative that should be considered is the Falken Ziex ZE 512. It's the top-rated tire in Consumer Report's November 2003 test of performance all-season tires (top-rated status reaffirmed in October 2004 report).

There are two big reasons to consider it, and a bunch of little reasons. First, the little reasons: According to CR, it excels in comfort, quietness, handling, dry braking, wet braking, hydroplaning, and ice braking.

Now, the big reasons: It's a low rolling resistance tire, and you can get them at Discount Tire Direct for $47-48 each (depending on whether you choose the standard 185/65R-15 or 195/60R-15 - the latter being cheaper by $1).

Right now, shipping is free, and you'll pay no tax if your state is outside the four DTD warehouses. Other than a $12 charge for a set of four valve stems, there are no other charges.

After the tires arrive in a few days, all you have to do is go to your local Discount Tires or America's Tire store, and they'll balance and install the tires for $10 per tire. I went this route (I opted for the standard 185/65R-15 size), and I was amazed that they didn't try to charge me for disposal of the old tires or separately for the balancing.

As for the performance of the tires, they live up to their Consumer Reports rating status. The tires out-perform the OEM GoodYear Integrities in handling and braking by a country mile. Ride and noise are also significantly improved. In the critical area of gas mileage, I detect no difference between the Integrities and the Falkens.

The one unknown factor with this low-cost tire is in the area of wear. CR didn't test for it, but Discount Tire indicates its wear rating is 420.

All-in-all, a very good tire for the price.

[onerpm]

good Falken deal!

[Arroyo]

FYI - The Sunday paper contained a brochure from Sears indicating a tire sale. Evidently, Falken Ziex XE-512V tires are now on sale.

[jimofdg]

This is good information, all in one place not requiring CR/CU membership. Thanks.

Now I'll ask the obvious question, so we can set the comments about wear in the proper perspective later: what tire pressure are you using, front and rear? Was your mileage affected? Okay, that's two questions.

Thanks again.

[Arroyo]

Originally posted by jimofdg@Oct 25 2005, 06:32 AM
This is good information, all in one place not requiring CR/CU membership. Thanks. Now I'll ask the obvious question, so we can set the comments about wear in the proper perspective later: what tire pressure are you using, front and rear? Was your mileage affected? Okay, that's two questions. Thanks again.

[snapback]145275[/snapback]

The America's Tire Co. store I went to put 32 psi in the tires all around. I just went back for a 5,000 inspection yesterday evening, and they upped it to 35. I'll report on any mileage differences.

[CraigCSJ]

It's the top-rated tire in Consumer Report's November 2003 test of performance all-season tires (top-rated status reaffirmed in October 2004 report).


The November 2005 issue of Consumer Reports evaluates all season tires. Falkein Ziex is not rated.

CraigCSJ 04 Driftwood #9BC

[Arroyo]

FYI - The November 2006 issue of Consumer Reports is out, and the Goodyear Assurance TripleTred has dropped to 12th place among H-rated tires. It was the top-rated tire in the November 2005 report.

Curiously, the Falken Ziex ZE 512 is rated again - and it's No. 3 overall(!), after the Dunlop SP Sport 5000 and Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S. The Falkens remain much cheaper than all other other top-rated tires, however.

[prberg]

Are you sure these tires are LRR? Their website doesn't list that as one of the features. I have read that some people have taken a MPG hit with these tires. Think they will be as good or better than the stock Goodyears for mileage? Do you think they will last as long (or longer) under normal driving conditions?

thanks so much. So many choices.. hard to find the right tire.

-Peter B

[Presto]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Arroyo @ Nov 8 2005, 07:07 AM) [snapback]152444[/snapback]</div>

The America's Tire Co. store I went to put 32 psi in the tires all around. I just went back for a 5,000 inspection yesterday evening, and they upped it to 35. I'll report on any mileage differences.
[/b]

I, personally, have found that ~35psi gives a decent ride, but I can feel the side walls squishing down on harder turns. The tires are rated for 51psi and that's what i have them at now. I am quite satisfied with the comfort and handling now at that pressure.

[Arroyo]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(prberg @ Oct 16 2006, 07:51 PM) [snapback]333808[/snapback]</div>

Are you sure these tires are LRR? Their website doesn't list that as one of the features. I have read that some people have taken a MPG hit with these tires. Think they will be as good or better than the stock Goodyears for mileage? Do you think they will last as long (or longer) under normal driving conditions?

thanks so much. So many choices.. hard to find the right tire.

-Peter B
[/b]

Back in 2004, Consumer Reports rated the Falkens as low rolling resistance. For the 2006 report, however, it's just rated average for rolling resistence. I don't know if this means the state-of-the-art in rolling resistence has gotten better in two years, or if perhaps the size variation between the tested tires made a difference.

As for wear, the Falkens are not as good as the TripleTreds. They should be as good as the Integritys that came on the car. Discount Tire Direct still sells the Falkens for around $50, and shipping is still free, BTW.