at millage should i get new tires?

[Gilbert]

Im thinking that its probably almost time to get new tires, almost have 18k miles on my 2008 prius

I'm also thinking of changing stock rims for some nice looking ones with some nice tires too. what should i look for in rims? lightweight? size? width? rim composition?

and then tires... i want nice looking ones, like low profile ones, but im aware they have to be of certain resistance rating and what not..

Anyone that can provide information on what to do and what to buy?

thanks in advanced.

[subarutoo]

I'm at 67,000 on the original Goodyears. I'm starting to think about tires. Anybody use Michelin Primacy, or Exalto PE2? Stock size or maybe 195 60s. I'm happy with the BFG G-Force Sports on my Subaru, and I'm thinking about them too. Going to 16s will hurt mileage, but if its looks and handling you're after go for it.

[Wildkow]

You might want to use the search function at the top of the page to find tons of discussions on tires. Here's a few I found . . .

Choice of replacement Tires?

Best tires for the Prius?

Anyone Have LRR Tires?

Good luck . . .

Wildkow

[bac]

Originally Posted by Gilbert

Im thinking that its probably almost time to get new tires, almost have 18k miles on my 2008 prius

Miles driven is not a good indication of tread wear. For some perspective, some members here have over 80,000 miles on their stock tires.

Instead of using mileage, measure the tread. It's the ONLY way to tell if your tires are worn out, or not. Here's a method that ANYONE can do:

Check your Tires
a few easy steps
by Rick Smith
http://http://www.reviewsonline.com/auto/TT03-1.htm


With driving safety depending on the condition of your tires, you'd have every reason to invest in a fancy tire gauge. But, look in your pocket - you might already have the tire gauge you need.

Got a Lincoln penny? Chances are you do, since the U.S. Mint has been cranking these out since 1909. Because a simple Lincoln head penny is the perfect size, using one will make it easy to determine when to buy new tires.

It only takes a few steps to check your tire depth:
Pinch a Lincoln-head penny, from the base, between your thumb and forefinger, so that the top of Lincoln's head and the words "In God We Trust" are showing.

Place the top of Lincoln's head into one of the tire tread grooves -- try to measure in the lowest point within the tread.

If any part of Lincoln's head is obscured by the tread, you're all set -- you have a legal and safe amount of tread. However, if you can see above Lincoln's head or any of the "In God We Trust" letters above his head, then you are ready for a new tire.

Check your tires in several tread locations. Be sure to check both inner, outer and middle grooves of each tire, because tires can wear differently on each side, due to improper wheel alignment and/or low inflation.
This penny trick works because the distance between the rim and Lincoln's head is 1/16 of an inch -- the minimum required tread depth.

When your tire tread is lower than 1/16 of an inch, your vehicle can have handling problems in adverse conditions (rain, sleet, snow). In short, bald tires are dangerous and could even get you a ticket in some states.
While checking tire tread depth is a critical technique to insure tire safety and performance, there are several others:

Measure tire inflation pressure on a monthly basis

Maintain tire pressure at manufacturer's recommendation

Rotate your tires every 5,000 miles

Check your tires visually for wear or damage

In the past, there were only mechanical inflation gauges, but now there are many digital gauges that range from one to ten dollars in cost. While I dearly love my circular racing tire gauge, these digital gauges are simpler to operate, much less expensive and more accurate. Many are so inexpensive that they don't have replaceable batteries, but have a five to ten year life-span. So, all it takes is a little time and not much more than pocket change to pump up your car's tire safety

... Brad