new tires for 2010 package 5 ? 17 rims

[ianp]

I have a 2010 package 5 with the Advanced Technology option.
I love all the gadgets and use them all the time. I have about 2000 miles on it and enjoy it - with the exception of the much rougher ride than my 05, and 06 Prius. Any ideas to get more rubber on the beautiful 17" rims? I dont like the lower profile tires at all and would like to get more rubber between me and the road. Will taller tires work or will they screw up the speedo and other electronics?

[bob brown]

I was wondering the same thing. I want the V for its advanced technology, but would prefer it with the better ride and fuel economy of the other pack's. I would buy a different car if I wanted sportier handing.
Can I simply put the 15" wheels and their tires on a V?

[a priori]

Originally Posted by ianp

I have a 2010 package 5 with the Advanced Technology option.
I love all the gadgets and use them all the time. I have about 2000 miles on it and enjoy it - with the exception of the much rougher ride than my 05, and 06 Prius. Any ideas to get more rubber on the beautiful 17" rims? I dont like the lower profile tires at all and would like to get more rubber between me and the road. Will taller tires work or will they screw up the speedo and other electronics?

Presumably you are looking for more air between you and the road, but doing so will increase the circumference of the tires and alter the speedometer readout. The stock 15s with the 195 tires will have about the same circumference (and revolutions per mile) as the 17s with the 215 tires.

[wvgasguy]

Originally Posted by a priori

Presumably you are looking for more air between you and the road, but doing so will increase the circumference of the tires and alter the speedometer readout. The stock 15s with the 195 tires will have about the same circumference (and revolutions per mile) as the 17s with the 215 tires.

I'm sure you will fing numerous takers if you want to trade your 17" set up for someone's 15"wheel/tire combo.

[DCRC]

Originally Posted by bob brown

I Can I simply put the 15" wheels and their tires on a V?

Sure can, be glad to trade if you want to get rid of them awful 17" .

Toyota really needs to offer a 16" wheel combo.

[bob brown]

If I can trade with no adverse effects (other than poorer handling), I would. I am also concerned with comments about stiffer suspension and anti-roll bars, etc. I want a smoother ride, not a sports sedan.

[32kcolors]

I believe the rougher ride is caused by the low rolling resistance tires, so perhaps seek out different and the smoothest riding tires you can find for the 17" instead of going back to the 15"?

Otherwise, I guarantee you'll find at least 100 members here who are willing to swap out their 15". Upgrading to the 17" factory wheels is nearly $4,000 alone according to one forum member!

[stream]

Originally Posted by ianp

I have a 2010 package 5 with the Advanced Technology option.
I love all the gadgets and use them all the time. I have about 2000 miles on it and enjoy it - with the exception of the much rougher ride than my 05, and 06 Prius. Any ideas to get more rubber on the beautiful 17" rims? I dont like the lower profile tires at all and would like to get more rubber between me and the road. Will taller tires work or will they screw up the speedo and other electronics?

Given the wheel well clearance, I'd think you'd be able to get tires with a bit taller sidewalls, but have you tried (he leads with his chin...) lowering the tire pressure a bit? What are you running at? The b-pillar sticker says 33/32, which I ran for a while, then increased to 38/37, and I don't find the ride rough at all--of course, I've been driving cars with 18" wheels and low profile tires for a long time so I guess I'm used to it.

[dc202]

I plan to upgrade my tires and wheels and I am still trying to decide whether to to with 16 inch or 17 inch. Your posting gives me pause regarding going with the 17 option.

[nylion]

Originally Posted by ianp

I have a 2010 package 5 with the Advanced Technology option.
I love all the gadgets and use them all the time. I have about 2000 miles on it and enjoy it - with the exception of the much rougher ride than my 05, and 06 Prius. Any ideas to get more rubber on the beautiful 17" rims? I dont like the lower profile tires at all and would like to get more rubber between me and the road. Will taller tires work or will they screw up the speedo and other electronics?

From what I have been able to learn, you just can't swap out your 17" tires and wheels. The V has a stiffer suspension and tighter steering. Lots more road feel. The low-profile tires are rated "V" (very high speed). Automakers frequently need to do this with low profile sidewalls to add stiffness for turns. V's are inherently stiff and don't wear as well as lower-rated tires.

Changing the profile of your tires (buying 60's instead of 45's) will soften your ride, but may unbalance your suspension. Also, there may be clearance issues the the fatter tire. More importantly, the ride will never be the same as a II, III, or IV; the suspension is different.

Let me suggest that instead of concern about the rougher ride, you try enjoying the improved handling and more responsive steering. Whether you knew it at the time or not, when you got that V, you got a "sports" version of the Prius. I love mine!