Tire Upgrade

[nyprius]

typo

[nyprius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Boo @ Jul 21 2007, 10:26 AM) [snapback]482746[/snapback]</div>

Hi Frank,

I haven't put the TTs on my Prius yet, but will probably do so soon. As much as I love the TTs, I've had a hard time accepting the thought of throwing away the perfectly good (my Prius only has 1000 miles on it), albeit, bad performing Integrities.

After I install the TTs, I may install the stiffening plate. If I do, I'll be sure to let everyone know what difference, if any, I perceive the stiffening plate to make, and I will also gladly let you do a long test drive of my car (I live in Stuyvesant Town) if you want to test the plate yourself.

Anyway, time to go install the PriusChat Accessories Shop's body side moldings on my car (I already put on bumperdefender.com's 2" full-width, color-matched front and rear bumper guards, which, for their intended purposes, I like and recommend as much as the TTs).

Cheers,

Tom
[/b]

Hi Tom,

If you put on the stiffening plate, I'd love to take you up on your offer for a test drive. The bumber guards sound great, especially if you park on the street in NYC! I've got a polybra on the front and back bumpers. They work well, but I think the bumper guards would provide more protection. I put black ding bars on the sides of my car. They make it look sleeker and do a great job of preventing dents from people opening doors on my car.

In my experience, the TT's are excellent. I don't think anyone would go wrong with them. But there are many other great tires for the Prius.

I replaced the Integrities when they had 25,000 miles on them. Knowing what I know now about how bad they are and how good other tires are, I would replace the Integrities on day one if I had to do it all over again. I bet someone would give you credit for Integrities with 1,000 miles on them. Good luck!

I would go for the tire upgrade, even if the Integrities are new. $500 is a small price to pay (in relation to the price of the car) given the massive improvement in performance you'll achieve. Why not have excellent tires on the car during the best part of it's life.

Please let me know if you put on the BT plate...

Thanks, Frank

[hesterdendy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nyprius @ Jun 26 2006, 10:46 AM) [snapback]276822[/snapback]</div>

I’ve benefited greatly from the experience of others on Priuschat and therefore wanted to share my experience and research related to choosing a replacement for the Prius US OEM tire (Goodyear Integrity 185/65R15). [/b]

Thanks for the interesting post on all-season tires!

Does anyone have specific recommendations on dedicated snow tires and rims?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Three60guy @ Jun 28 2006, 01:19 PM) [snapback]278138[/snapback]</div>

I had also concluded that the OEM tires were not safe in rain nor snow. And the attachment I share with you was created by someone on PriusChat a year ago but was really a wonderful piece of work. So here it is again.

Here is what I used to make up my mind about what tires to use. I finally concluded to use the Goodyear Comfortred Tires. Best compromise between all the variables. And they work really great in snow and rain.

(You may have to modify the font sizes for best viewing of this Excel spreadsheet.)
[/b]

I'm unable to download this file for some reason. Is there another place to view it or can someone send it to me direct?

TIA

[Boo]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hesterdendy @ Aug 10 2007, 10:10 AM) [snapback]493497[/snapback]</div>

Does anyone have specific recommendations on dedicated snow tires and rims?
[/b]

I do not have personal experience with snow tires in the past 25 years, but FYI:

The Michelin X-Ice is the highest rated snow tire in Consumer Reports' last test of snow tires. PriusChatters as well as TireRack customers also give this snow tire high marks. TireRack.com sells the 185/65/15 size for $81 (USD).

P.S. What "Other Hybrid" do you drive?

[mmoore]

Thanks for the excellent info nyprius - I just discovered Priuschat while looking for new tires. You seem to have done extensive research on this, so we would appreciate your input on this. Since we live on a wet, mountainous, one lane road with blind curves that has caused us more than once to slam on the brakes going downhill around a curve (to avoid uphill speeders, usually guests of someone who just don't know better) our priority is the very best tire we can find to help us stay dent free in these situations. We have decided on the Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S and would go for the 205/60-15 except for the comment you made about the slightly higher tire perhaps not cornering as well, and the tread on the road not actually being wider. If it turns out that the Exalto 205 does have a slightly wider footprint than the 195 (unlike the Goodyears you have) do you think there would be any real benefit to them, or are we just being obsessive? In our case, stopping even 1/2 inch sooner could make a difference and the loss of mpg isn't an issue. Thanks in advance for any thoughts you might have on this.

[Boo]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(White Lightning @ Sep 25 2007, 02:03 PM) [snapback]517476[/snapback]</div>

Thanks for the excellent info nyprius - I just discovered Priuschat while looking for new tires. You seem to have done extensive research on this, so we would appreciate your input on this. Since we live on a wet, mountainous, one lane road with blind curves that has caused us more than once to slam on the brakes going downhill around a curve (to avoid uphill speeders, usually guests of someone who just don't know better) our priority is the very best tire we can find to help us stay dent free in these situations. We have decided on the Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S and would go for the 205/60-15 except for the comment you made about the slightly higher tire perhaps not cornering as well, and the tread on the road not actually being wider. If it turns out that the Exalto 205 does have a slightly wider footprint than the 195 (unlike the Goodyears you have) do you think there would be any real benefit to them, or are we just being obsessive? In our case, stopping even 1/2 inch sooner could make a difference and the loss of mpg isn't an issue. Thanks in advance for any thoughts you might have on this.
[/b]

IMO, as a general matter, the wider footprint will not perform as well (stopping, handling, hydroplaning) under wet conditions, but should perform better under dry conditions.

[mmoore]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(White Lightning @ Sep 25 2007, 10:03 AM) [snapback]517476[/snapback]</div>

Thanks for the excellent info nyprius - I just discovered Priuschat while looking for new tires. You seem to have done extensive research on this, so we would appreciate your input on this. Since we live on a wet, mountainous, one lane road with blind curves that has caused us more than once to slam on the brakes going downhill around a curve (to avoid uphill speeders, usually guests of someone who just don't know better) our priority is the very best tire we can find to help us stay dent free in these situations. We have decided on the Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S and would go for the 205/60-15 except for the comment you made about the slightly higher tire perhaps not cornering as well, and the tread on the road not actually being wider. If it turns out that the Exalto 205 does have a slightly wider footprint than the 195 (unlike the Goodyears you have) do you think there would be any real benefit to them, or are we just being obsessive? In our case, stopping even 1/2 inch sooner could make a difference and the loss of mpg isn't an issue. Thanks in advance for any thoughts you might have on this.
[/b]

Thanks for the input BOO. That makes sense now that you mention it, so for our wet-road purposes the narrower tire is the better option.

[Boo]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(White Lightning @ Sep 26 2007, 02:17 PM) [snapback]518002[/snapback]</div>

Thanks for the input BOO. That makes sense now that you mention it, so for our wet-road purposes the narrower tire is the better option.
[/b]

Of course I have no scientific data or test results to back this up. Just makes sense to me as a general matter based on anecdotal personal experience --- e.g., the only times I've experienced serious hydroplaning is when driving sports cars with their wider than average tires.

Sounds like your choice of Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S is a great one for your purposes. Top Rated by Consumer Reports and TireRack customers for performance all-seasons, and liked by a lot of PriusChatters (though its 45,000 miles wear warranty is kind of average).

[nyprius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(White Lightning @ Sep 25 2007, 02:03 PM) [snapback]517476[/snapback]</div>

Thanks for the excellent info nyprius - I just discovered Priuschat while looking for new tires. You seem to have done extensive research on this, so we would appreciate your input on this. Since we live on a wet, mountainous, one lane road with blind curves that has caused us more than once to slam on the brakes going downhill around a curve (to avoid uphill speeders, usually guests of someone who just don't know better) our priority is the very best tire we can find to help us stay dent free in these situations. We have decided on the Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S and would go for the 205/60-15 except for the comment you made about the slightly higher tire perhaps not cornering as well, and the tread on the road not actually being wider. If it turns out that the Exalto 205 does have a slightly wider footprint than the 195 (unlike the Goodyears you have) do you think there would be any real benefit to them, or are we just being obsessive? In our case, stopping even 1/2 inch sooner could make a difference and the loss of mpg isn't an issue. Thanks in advance for any thoughts you might have on this.
[/b]

Thanks for your feedback on my post White Lightening! In terms of improving performance, I think tire quality is more important that tire size. As Boo said, the Exalto is a high rated tire and seems like it would do a good job under the conditions you described. Being high performance instead of regular all season, it won't last as long (ie: 45,000 mile warranty). But that's a pretty small price to pay for better traction.

While tire quality may be more important than tire size, tire size clearly makes a difference too. All things being equal, the wider tire holds the road better under most conditions, except perhaps loose snow and deep water. Virtually all high end cars use wider tires. They wouldn't do this if it didn't improve performance (and not just under dry conditions).

Re tire size, I'd go for the 195/60 or 205/60, instead of the 195/65 or 205/65. The 65's are higher and distort RPM too much. Plus the higher tire usually has narrower tread. And it's more likely to hit the wheel well. Re the 205/60, many people on PC have 205/60's on their cars. I haven't seen one complaint related to this tire size. So it's probably fine.

I lean toward the 195/60 though since it's the design width for the car (ie: OEM in EU and Australia, option in US and Japan). The 195/60 is slightly lower than the 205. So on several tires, such as the TT, it has the same or nearly the same tread width. Also, since it's slightly lower, it would tend to handle a little better. This might offset the improved handling of the wider, but higher 205.

Bottom line: there probably isn't much difference between the 195/60 and 205/60 in handling. The key is getting a high quality tire. Replacing the low quality Integrity is key. Upgrading from the skinny 185 is also a good idea.

[mmoore]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nyprius @ Sep 27 2007, 09:34 PM) [snapback]518881[/snapback]</div>

Thanks for your feedback on my post White Lightening! In terms of improving performance, I think tire quality is more important that tire size. As Boo said, the Exalto is a high rated tire and seems like it would do a good job under the conditions you described. Being high performance instead of regular all season, it won't last as long (ie: 45,000 mile warranty). But that's a pretty small price to pay for better traction.

While tire quality may be more important than tire size, tire size clearly makes a difference too. All things being equal, the wider tire holds the road better under most conditions, except perhaps loose snow and deep water. Virtually all high end cars use wider tires. They wouldn't do this if it didn't improve performance (and not just under dry conditions).

Re tire size, I'd go for the 195/60 or 205/60, instead of the 195/65 or 205/65. The 65's are higher and distort RPM too much. Plus the higher tire usually has narrower tread. And it's more likely to hit the wheel well. Re the 205/60, many people on PC have 205/60's on their cars. I haven't seen one complaint related to this tire size. So it's probably fine.

I lean toward the 195/60 though since it's the design width for the car (ie: OEM in EU and Australia, option in US and Japan). The 195/60 is slightly lower than the 205. So on several tires, such as the TT, it has the same or nearly the same tread width. Also, since it's slightly lower, it would tend to handle a little better. This might offset the improved handling of the wider, but higher 205.

Bottom line: there probably isn't much difference between the 195/60 and 205/60 in handling. The key is getting a high quality tire. Replacing the low quality Integrity is key. Upgrading from the skinny 185 is also a good idea.
[/b]

Thanks for taking the time to respond, nyprius! I'm going for the Exalto 195/60. I very much appreciate how much I have learned in the last 4 days since I discovered priuschat.com - and getting what I consider the best possible advice from the prius experts has helped much more than what I was able to glean from online research and talking to tire dealers. This is a great resource, and it looks like driving our 2005 Prius is going to become even more fun! I look forward to learning more, and giving something back when the time comes.