Winter Tires

[williab]

Needing to get winter tires for my 2007 Prius - found Bridgestone Blizzak's but said the rims did not come with the tire pressure system - any input as to what to do ???????? Looking for alternate tires/rims that work well in heavy snow --- Question on wiper blades - is it worthwhile to get winter blades? Saw others say you have to buy a new arm, just cannot put on blades?????? Not very car smart, need help - thanks

[prius2go]

just about to try some dunlop winter M2

[nwpa]

I live in Erie, PA, and I use winter wiper blades. I use Trico brand, one part number 37-260, 26 inch blade for the driver's side, and one part number 37-180, 18 inch blade for the passenger's side.

They just snap onto the existing arm.

I purchased mine at Auto Zone which offers to install them for the customer at no charge.

[jayman]

As far as the winter tires, I use studded Goodyear Nordic brand, which were introduced in Canada last year by Canadian Tire. It's the same tire as the Goodyear Ultra Grip 500 used in Europe

http://eu.goodyear.com/home_en/tires/repos...p?page=benefits

If you click on "Profile" you will get a Flash presentation about the tire. Last winter was quite serious for us in Manitoba, and these tires really are outstanding, especially on ice. The price is also very reasonable too.

However, any Canadian who is considering this tire should be aware it is *very* noisy on dry pavement. Not so much the noise from the studs, but the growling/humming noise from the very aggressive tread pattern. If you must drive in "real" winter conditions, this is the tire for you

As far as the winter wiper blades, I swear by them. They're very easy to put on, the old blade just unclicks and pops out, the new one clicks in. Especially in a blizzard, I'm surprised at all the people here who bitch and moan about their windshield being iced over by frozen wiper blades.

They can "afford" snazzy ultra low profile wheels, but can't aford $20 worth of winter wiper blades that might just save their life. Get real

As far as the TPMS, the warning light will remain on the entire winter. Once Spring arrives and you put the factory wheels back on, the light will go out

Question about your rims: are they steel? I would suggest going to NAPA and getting the correct conical seat lugnuts. The Toyota factory style lugs for the aluminum wheels will loosen up on a steel rim.

[craigk]

I'm getting a second set of rims to put on either Blizzaks or Michelin X-ice, but don't plan on using the TPMS sensors. Most of us can figure out if we have a flat and can check our tire pressure regularly. I did fine in last year's Minnesota winter on my regular tires but expect the car to do even better in the snow with the tire change.

[Neicy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Perk @ Oct 14 2007, 06:10 PM) [snapback]525534[/snapback]</div>

I use Trico brand, one part number 37-260, 26 inch blade for the driver's side, and one part number 37-180, 18 inch blade for the passenger's side.

They just snap onto the existing arm.

I purchased mine at Auto Zone which offers to install them for the customer at no charge.
[/b]

That's good to know. I have always had winter blades on other cars, and prefer them. They don't get ice stuck in them!

[RedHotPrius]

I like Michelin XIce no studs (at Costco) they work well in the snow

[onerpm]

I run Blizzaks on dedicated wheels on both my Prius and my wife's HyCam. They are sweet. I skip the whole TPMS thing in the winter.

rpm
(MN)

[craigk]

I just got an extra set of Prius rims and put on Nokian Hakkapeliitta RSi's, skipped the TPMS sensors too. I'll report back, they look incredible, hope they work as well as they look!

[williab]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(craigk @ Oct 14 2007, 09:04 PM) [snapback]525618[/snapback]</div>

I'm getting a second set of rims to put on either Blizzaks or Michelin X-ice, but don't plan on using the TPMS sensors. Most of us can figure out if we have a flat and can check our tire pressure regularly. I did fine in last year's Minnesota winter on my regular tires but expect the car to do even better in the snow with the tire change.
[/b]

Where did you get your second set of rims ??????? Steel or alloy?????? How much and do I need new lugs to fit ????? Thanks