Tire Upgrade

[fruzzetti]

I use a yard / meterstick and two rulers to read tire diameter (I <3 improvisation). Then, since a mile is quite a few multiples of tire circumference, I use a high-precision conversion to get the number of revs per mile, such as:

[ 63360 (inches / mile) ] / [ d * π (inches / revolution) ] = r (revolutions / mile)

If you have to approximate for π, remember you're looking at 500-1000 revolutions per mile, so if necessary approximate π to at least five decimal places (3.14159) to avoid rounding error.

~ dan ~

[pascoprius]

X

[pascoprius]

[quote=nyprius
However, I've got 30,000 miles on the TT's. The tread is still good. But I don't think I'll get the 80,000 miles claimed for the tire. The tire might last that long. But I think the tread would be too worn out to be safe when you're getting anywhere near 80,000 miles. Based on current wear, I might replace the TT's at 50,000 miles.

I might try a new tire too. There are many other excellent tires for the Prius mentioned on this and other posts.[/quote]

Great thread nyprius, Thanks. Now that you have 30k miles, how have the TTs effected your milage?

[nyprius]

Originally Posted by pascoprius

Great thread nyprius, Thanks. Now that you have 30k miles, how have the TTs effected your milage?

Thanks Pascoprius!

My mileage stayed about the same with the TT's as with the Integrities. I drive the Prius like a normal car, generally on the faster side. I don't try to maximize mileage through pulse/glide, etc. In the summer I get about 45-46 mpg. In the winter, I get about 40-42 mpg. Most of my driving is on the highway, often in the left lane driving with faster moving traffic. I'm sure I could get better mileage of I put some effort into it.

[butchbs1985]

Originally Posted by nyprius

Thanks Pascoprius!

My mileage stayed about the same with the TT's as with the Integrities. I drive the Prius like a normal car, generally on the faster side. I don't try to maximize mileage through pulse/glide, etc. In the summer I get about 45-46 mpg. In the winter, I get about 40-42 mpg. Most of my driving is on the highway, often in the left lane driving with faster moving traffic. I'm sure I could get better mileage of I put some effort into it.

agreed!

Originally Posted by nyprius

However, I've got 30,000 miles on the TT's. The tread is still good. But I don't think I'll get the 80,000 miles claimed for the tire. The tire might last that long. But I think the tread would be too worn out to be safe when you're getting anywhere near 80,000 miles. Based on current wear, I might replace the TT's at 50,000 miles.

I might try a new tire too. There are many other excellent tires for the Prius mentioned on this and other posts.

Even More Agreed!!!!!

While my mileage did not change but I got supremely better handeling when I switched to the TT's, I now have 46,000 MI on the tires and am looking for something to replace them with. To me, that life is unacceptable for an 80,000 MI tire. However, I am thinking that it is not worth trying to get Goodyear to prorate the tires because I would then have to either get another set of TT's or ComforTreds (Which I hated on my other car).

I am just beginning my search so all insight is appreciated. What does everyone else think about the low tread life?

Nyprius, have you replaced your TT's yet? If so, what are you using? I am in Chicago so I need something that will perform on snow as well as during the summer months.

[butchbs1985]

Well, it did not take me long to find a short list of possible replacements for my tires: (No particular order)

Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Pole Position
Bridgestone Potenza G 009
BFGoodrich Traction T/A T
Kumho Solus KR21
Yokohama AVID TRZ
Michelin HydroEdge

Based on ratings / price, I think that I will be purchasing the Kumho Solus KR21. That choice is based on price, reviews, and warranty. At $48 each on Tire Rack, even if they only last 40,000 miles, it is a steal. (They are rated for 85,000 MI)

Sears Auto is listed as a Kumho retailer and is located right behind my house so I will be calling to see if they can match the Tire Rack price. If not, I will order from Tire Rack but it looks like they are backordered.

Anyone have these tires? I found a couple of Corolla owners reviews but no Pirus'.

[nyprius]

Originally Posted by butchbs1985

Nyprius, have you replaced your TT's yet? If so, what are you using? I am in Chicago so I need something that will perform on snow as well as during the summer months.

Hi Butchbs1985, my TT's have about 30,000 miles on them. There is still plenty of tread left and I'm very happy with their performance. They continue to be excellent on snow and ice, which we've had a lot of in Saratoga Springs lately. They're also great on wet and dry pavement.

When I said I'd probably replace them at 50,000 miles, I was just guessing. If the tread we still deep enough, I'd keep them longer.

I just looked over the Consumer Reports ratings for all season, performance and ultra high performance. The TT is still number one in all season. Based on my experience, that seems like a valid rating. There are many other good tires shown in all three categories, including some of the ones you mentioned.

I haven't done enough research to develop any ideas on a new favorite tire. When I started this post, I did lots of research, and liked the TT best.

However, the TT's are expensive. For about half the price you probably could get several tires that are nearly as good. I didn't care too much about price though. Tire price is small in relation to the car price. And tires make such a big difference in performance. I decided to get the best I could find regardless of price. I'm not saying TT's are the best. Just that they're among the best.

[NOPEC]

I had four new Michelin Primacy MXV4's put on my 08 basic yesterday. I went with the 195/60/HR15 size. I decided to replace the stock Goodyears even though my Prius has only 2000 miles on it. Huge improvement in both cornering and highway performance. The meter says that I picked up an extra 2 dBA in interior noise and I think I'm off maybe a mile or two per gallon, (from 40 to 39). I have the BT Plate on order and the journey continues...

[butchbs1985]

Originally Posted by nyprius

Hi Butchbs1985, my TT's have about 30,000 miles on them. There is still plenty of tread left and I'm very happy with their performance. They continue to be excellent on snow and ice, which we've had a lot of in Saratoga Springs lately. They're also great on wet and dry pavement.

When I said I'd probably replace them at 50,000 miles, I was just guessing. If the tread we still deep enough, I'd keep them longer.

I just looked over the Consumer Reports ratings for all season, performance and ultra high performance. The TT is still number one in all season. Based on my experience, that seems like a valid rating. There are many other good tires shown in all three categories, including some of the ones you mentioned.

I haven't done enough research to develop any ideas on a new favorite tire. When I started this post, I did lots of research, and liked the TT best.

However, the TT's are expensive. For about half the price you probably could get several tires that are nearly as good. I didn't care too much about price though. Tire price is small in relation to the car price. And tires make such a big difference in performance. I decided to get the best I could find regardless of price. I'm not saying TT's are the best. Just that they're among the best.

I too did LOVE the TT's. Just dissapointed in the tread life vs. the cost. Once I get the new ones on, (haven't ordered yet) I will post as to what differences I notice.

[nyprius]

Originally Posted by NOPEC

I had four new Michelin Primacy MXV4's put on my 08 basic yesterday. I went with the 195/60/HR15 size. I decided to replace the stock Goodyears even though my Prius has only 2000 miles on it. Huge improvement in both cornering and highway performance. The meter says that I picked up an extra 2 dBA in interior noise and I think I'm off maybe a mile or two per gallon, (from 40 to 39). I have the BT Plate on order and the journey continues...

Nice move! If I had to do it all over again, I would have replaced the Integrities right from the start as well. Getting the 195/60's was smart too. I think that's the best size for the Prius.

Here are a few other things I've done to my Prius and would do again if I bought a new one:

-- Back up light bulbs. the back up lights are really dim. You can get ones that are more than twice as bright on this site: Sigma Automotive – Toyota Hybrid Prius 2004 - 2006 OEM & JDM auto accessories
the bulbs are blue and look cool in the fixture.
-- Mud flaps. the site above sells them.
-- Ding bars. I had the dealer put black ding bars on my blue Prius. I like them better than the color matched ones. They break up the solid blue and match other black trim on the car.
-- Front and rear ploybra. Dealer installed.
-- Disconnect middle speaker on dash. Makes system sound better.
-- Turn off reverse and seat belt beepers. Instructions on PC.

I also had a handicap retrofitter move my front seats back 3 inches.

Good luck with your new Prius!