Tire Upgrade

[darwin100]

Does the the 195/60R15 need new rims?

[Larry_R]

Quick lesson learned about larger tires.

I just returned from a friend's home, after she and I had gone to a tire shop - where they balked and refused, then finally agreed to mount some 195/60 R15 Bridgestone Turanza LS-T tires on her 2006 Prius.

She wanted me to drive over there, then drive back, so I could see/feel the tire differences, if any. Wellll, let me say there were a LOT of differences!

Turanza tires made the car feel more solid and secure. We had "stock" inflation of 35/33 - so I did not get a chance to see what the tires would do a few pounds inflated.

There was a bit more "bite" when turning the wheels at low speeds, but aside from that, the ride was smoother and quieter, the handling seemed so much more secure, and I'll have to say that there were no "negatives" involved.

Don't know what y'all feel about the Turanzas, but in this case, I think she made a wise choice. When we got back to her place, I urged her to take the car out by herself for a few miles, which she did. When she returned, she was all smiles. "Drives like a combination sports car and luxury car," she said. OK - good enough. . .

When/if I ever get our new Prius, I shall away to a tire store, and dump the Integreties!

[nyprius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Wryter @ Jun 21 2007, 08:05 PM) [snapback]466104[/snapback]</div>

Wowzer! Thanks for all the tire information. This goes right along with what an auto-writer friend of mine in Chicago is telling folks about the Prius: go with 195 tires, instead of 185.

So - 195/60 R15 will be the next thing I research. I'm assuming that these tires will fit on the Prius rims with no problem, and no safety issues?

what about steering weight, and road "feel?"

I hope to get my new Prius next week - and I want to get new tires on the car NOW.

This thread gives me new hope.
[/b]

Thanks for the feedback!

The stock 6 inch wide/15 inch high rims on the Prius can handle up to a 225 width tire. There is no problem upgrading from a 185 to a 195 on the OEM Prius rims. There's plenty of room in the wheelwells. Many Prius's around the world are driving on 195 tires with no problem.

As you saw in my opening note on this post, switching from the 185/65 integrity to the 195/60 TT was like day and night. Part of the huge improvement in handling was the fact that I was replacing old tires with new. Almost any new tire will feel better than the ones coming off the car. However, I'm sure that was only part of the reason.

There are many tires that provide hugely better performance than the Integrity. The TT is one of the better ones. I think they're great. I've had no problems in rain, snow or ice since putting them on. That was definitely not the case with the Integrity.

If I had to do it over again, I would have changed the tires when the car was new before I drove it off the lot. My recommendation is upgrade to the 195/60 (or 195/65 or 205/60 as others have done). The wider tires are clearly going to provide better performance, safety and looks. As noted above, cars of the Prius size and weight usually have wider tires than 185.

If you're buying a new car, upgrading the tires is a small price to pay to have far better performance, safety and looks during the first 25k to 40K miles of the car's life. Why tolerate low quality, poor performing tires during the best part of the Prius's life.

If you look around on PC, you'll see nearly everyone reports about the same mileage with the 195. I"m getting slightly better mileage. I think mileage has more to do with tire quality than a slightly narrower tread.

BTW, some tire sales places say they will only put on the 185 OEM size. If you sound like you know what you're talking about and push them a little, most will give you the tires they want. They'll try to talk you into the 185. But if they realize their options are, sell you the 195's or sell you nothing, they'll usually make the right choice. Pointing out that the Prius comes with 195 as OEM or option in Japan, Europe, Australia and the US, will help convince them. If the tire seller still refuses to put on the 195, I suggest going somewhere else, even if you have to pay a few dollars more. The improved performance will be worth it.

[Larry_R]

Excellent info, for which I thank you! Already copied down the original posting dealing with tire sizes, etc. for my future reference.

Unless somebody on this forum has a good suggestion about getting a "trade-in" on the OEM tires, I guess I have to take a bath on them? Or does anybody know if the likes of Sam's Club, Goodyear or Firestone do give allowances for tires with less than 50 miles on them? Waste is such a horrible thing - especially if it's my money! (grin)

[Ichabod]

You could also post your tires on craigslist, or here in the private sales forum since lots of us drive around and feel perfectly comfortable on the Integrities.

[nyprius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Wryter @ Jun 22 2007, 01:36 PM) [snapback]466417[/snapback]</div>

Excellent info, for which I thank you! Already copied down the original posting dealing with tire sizes, etc. for my future reference.

Unless somebody on this forum has a good suggestion about getting a "trade-in" on the OEM tires, I guess I have to take a bath on them? Or does anybody know if the likes of Sam's Club, Goodyear or Firestone do give allowances for tires with less than 50 miles on them? Waste is such a horrible thing - especially if it's my money! (grin)
[/b]

Thanks again!

I've seen several posts on PC from people who upgraded their tires before accepting delivery of their new Prius. The dealer gave them credit for the Integrities since the tires were new and could be resold -- probably to some unfortunate, unaware Prius owner replacing old Integrities...

[Rae Vynn]

Do these sizes and specs apply to the base model Prius, or the Touring model?

Before winter, we may be looking at upgrading the tires on our Prius, as we do get a LOT of rain here, and some winter ice/snow.

Hydroplaning and road grippiness is my main concerns.

[Larry_R]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nyprius @ Jun 22 2007, 01:42 PM) [snapback]466426[/snapback]</div>

Thanks again!

I've seen several posts on PC from people who upgraded their tires before accepting delivery of their new Prius. The dealer gave them credit for the Integrities since the tires were new and could be resold -- probably to some unfortunate, unaware Prius owner replacing old Integrities...
[/b]

By that, sir, do you mean they got the new and larger tires at the dealer - or swapped out at a tire store, and then brought the Integrities back to the dealer? I'm doubting that a T dealer would put larger tires on the Prius???

[blzlovr]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PC-12 Fan @ Feb 28 2007, 01:28 PM) [snapback]398012[/snapback]</div>

Wow, I found this site/topic at the right time.

I am seriously considering putting the standard Scion TC wheels which are 215/45-17 on my 2004 Prius. I saw a pic of this same application on ebay and I really like the look.

Any words of wisdom? I have seen where some have tried 205's but I didn't see anyone mention 215's. I'll try to post a link to the pic when I get home as the "computer communists" block me from getting to ebay at work.

Regards
[/b]

I bought General Exclaim UHP 215/45ZR-17 (18lbs.) from America's Tire store and 17" Scion chrome wheels from eBay. I have not had any problems with bigger size wheels, except about a 2 MPG hit. Picture link here: http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=3...mp;#entry421384

Sherril

[nyprius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Wryter @ Jun 22 2007, 02:04 PM) [snapback]466444[/snapback]</div>

By that, sir, do you mean they got the new and larger tires at the dealer - or swapped out at a tire store, and then brought the Integrities back to the dealer? I'm doubting that a T dealer would put larger tires on the Prius???
[/b]

Good point. I believe those who swapped their tires at the dealer before picking up their new car were putting on the same size tires. Nevertheless, I'm pretty sure some dealers will put on the 195's. They know the touring model comes with the 195. My dealer, Westborough MA Toyota, said they'd put on the 195/60. They didn't hesitate. But this was when I had 25K on the tires.

If a Toyota dealer won't swap the tires, I think some tire dealers would give you credit if you turn in a new set of integrities. Even if they don't, I think it's worth paying for better tires if necessary. It's a small cost in relation to the price of the car. But it makes a big difference in performance, safety and looks.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rae Vynn @ Jun 22 2007, 02:04 PM) [snapback]466442[/snapback]</div>

Do these sizes and specs apply to the base model Prius, or the Touring model?

Before winter, we may be looking at upgrading the tires on our Prius, as we do get a LOT of rain here, and some winter ice/snow.

Hydroplaning and road grippiness is my main concerns.
[/b]

The wheelwells of the base and Touring models are almost certainly the same. So the discussions in the post apply to both models. However, the Touring model already has 195 tires.

A better tire, such as the TT, CT, HE or many others, will help with hydroplaning and road grip, whether you chose the 185 or 195. However, all thinigs being equal, the 195 provides provides a better road grip under nearly all road conditions. That's why higher end cars use wider tires.