Tire Upgrade

[nyprius]

Originally Posted by sunnymoe

Hi Frank.Thanks for a great in depth & scientific article!
As to tire pressure. The "Low Pressure" dashboard indicator seems to be very sensitive and triggers almost to 1 psi loss. I was told not to pay too much attention to it. What's your opinion on this?
Thanks again,
Moshe

Hi Moshe,

I'm glad you found the write up helpful! The TT's are great tires. They hold the road very well. However, I'll probably get different tires when I replace them. My TT's have about 45,000 miles on them. The tread is still good. But they'll probably need to be replaced at 50-55,000 miles. My two concerns with the TT's are noise and the directional tread. As the tires have gotten older, they have become noisy. Also, because of the directional tread, I can't rotate them to the other side of the car without taking them off the rims. I have a slight pull to the left, even though the car is aligned. I can't tell if the problem is the tires since I can't rotate them to the other side.

When I replace the TT's, I'll get tires that are quieter and have non-directional tread, as well as have excellent handling. Also, I'm wondering if a straight tread pattern would do better in the snow than the diagonal pattern of the TT. The TT's have been fine in the snow. But sometimes I haven't made it up hills. The CT's are rated better in the snow than the TT's, but worse on other surfaces. I assume that's because the straight tread pattern with jagged edges cuts down into the snow better. A diagonal tread seems like it might tend to ride up on the snow more. However, I'm just guessing about this. I haven't researched this, the way I did when I bought the TT's.

Someone said the CT's didn't handle well after 20,000 miles. So I'll probably look for another brand. Many good suggestions have been made on this post.

Re the low pressure indicator, my 2005 Prius doesn't have one. But the TT's rarely lose air. Checking them once a month is more than enough.

All the best, Frank

[harrybet]

[

"Bottom line: The US OEM tire is poor quality and not the right size for the Prius. Putting good 195/60R15 or 205/60R15 tires on the car is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to greatly improve the performance and safety of the Prius, with little or no mpg loss. The car looks a lot better with the 195/60 TT too. The 195/60 is .4” wider than the 185/65. This is noticeable. It makes the car look more stable and solid. This is the way the car was designed to look.[/quote]"

I have GY TT on my '01 Sienna and they're great...a might noisier than the previous Comfort Treads...but the wet road grip& cornering is worth it...As to Prius 195/60 vs 195/65..your decision (60's) was based on potential underread and not other factors? appreciate clarification....thnks,Harrybet

[Salt]

Originally Posted by Boo

Hi Salt,

Looking forward to your future reports on the Ecopia EP100.

-- Do we know if it is the same tire as the Ecopia EP20 that was on the 2010 Prius models at the various auto shows and Prius Connection events? (It does sound like it's the same.)

-- What size did you get and how much did you pay?

Regarding the warranty, this report said 3 years:

Hi Tom,

I think the EP100 and EP20 are the same...just a way to distinguish OEM from aftermarket.

I went with the stock size at $84 ea., so out-the-door was a little over $400.

As far as warranty, the 3 years covers manufacturing defects, but there is no minimum mileage rating. They do offer a 30-day return policy, but so far I'm happy. Cheers, -Jay

[Boo]

Thanks Jay. Useful to know that the OEM Ecopias are moderately priced.

[gordonr]

Originally Posted by Salt

Hi Tom,

I think the EP100 and EP20 are the same...just a way to distinguish OEM from aftermarket.

I went with the stock size at $84 ea., so out-the-door was a little over $400.

As far as warranty, the 3 years covers manufacturing defects, but there is no minimum mileage rating. They do offer a 30-day return policy, but so far I'm happy. Cheers, -Jay

My local tire dealer said the EP100 won't be available for another month. Just curious - what tire dealer did you use? Also, any more early impressions about these tires?

Anyone out there running the Yokohama Avid TRZ? My local dealer (Hogan Tire in MA) has a buy 3 get one free sale on pretty much any tire they sell through 3/23/09 so these would be pretty well priced compared to Michelin.

Also seems like many here like the Michelin Radial-X, but would have to spend $50 to join Costco. Not sure it would be worth it in the end compared to the Yokohama tires.

[Boo]

Originally Posted by gordonr

.... Anyone out there running the Yokohama Avid TRZ? My local dealer (Hogan Tire in MA) has a buy 3 get one free sale on pretty much any tire they sell through 3/23/09 so these would be pretty well priced compared to Michelin....

Consumer Reports likes the Yokohama Avid TRZ a lot among passenger all season tires (see attached chart):

Consumer Reports Ratings Passenger All Season Tires.doc

[uclabruins]

I'd like to hear how many people have tried the Yokohama TRZ and their findings.

[thomatt12]

Regarding the Yokohama TRZ, noise is not the best I must say but they are excellent in the rain. A far cry above the stock tires.

__________________
audi oem parts

[bwcgrx]

I just ordered a set of stock sized Avid TRZs, from TireRack, for my 2006 Prius. Hopefully will have them installed on Friday or Saturday. I will report on mileage impact and other issues/thoughts.

[Boo]

Originally Posted by bwcgrx

I just ordered a set of stock sized Avid TRZs, from TireRack, for my 2006 Prius. Hopefully will have them installed on Friday or Saturday. I will report on mileage impact and other issues/thoughts.

I would tell your tire installer:

(1) to watch out for and be careful not to damage the TPMS, and

(2) to make sure wheel balancing weights are not put on the outside of your wheels, see: http://priuschat.com/forums/care-mai...balancing.html