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will changing tyres to 215/55/17 create any problems?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Fuel Economy' started by nirmal, Aug 29, 2016.

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  1. nirmal

    nirmal Junior Member

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    Hi all i am from sri lanka,

    i have 2012 prius gen 3 imported from japan which have 215/45/17 tyres
    my cars ground clearance is not enough cause of the bad road conditions in my country , my cars underbody got scratched several times now , im planning to change my tryes to 215/55/17 soon to get a better ground clearance, i would like to know if this will cuase me any significant drop in gas mileage and speed display error , please help me i want to replace my tyres soon cause the orginal tyres are worn out. Thank you
     
  2. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    IMHO oversized tires are not a good ground clearance solution. I would look at lift kits that raise the suspension knowing you may have limited resources. The reason is wheel well clearance, the rear is the critical part.

    My experiments revealed interference on bumps actually rubbing tire against body. I moved those tires to the front where there is more clearance.

    I recommend researching lift sites and vendors first BUT your time and money.

    I am running oversized tired based on revs/mile to correct the speedometer and MPG metrics. I also did one pair at a time and moved them rear to front after testing on local speed bumps at different speeds.

    Good luck!
    Bob Wilson
     
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    How badly scratched? If I look at ours I'll see cosmetic scrapes, mostly from running over parking lot front wheel stops that were a bit too high. The front end in particular.

    The first point of contact is often plastic underpanel, and mild abrasion I'm ok with. For me, it's only a concern if it gets to the point the underpanel fasteners are getting chewed up, are in need of replacement, and the panels are in danger of dragging.
     
  4. nirmal

    nirmal Junior Member

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    Ty for the reply ....not only i have got scrtached i was stuck in a oversized speed bump one day with 4 passengers on board with no lugage . i had to empty the vehicle and it still hitting that speed bumper
     
  5. nirmal

    nirmal Junior Member

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    Ty for the reply.....if i changed to the oversized tyres will i have to do a correction in the vehicle computer?
     
  6. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    I have found no computer option to change.

    You might look at some towing suspension options. Some of them include spacers to increase the spring height.

    How old is the car? If it has been heavy duty taxi service, it might make sense to have a mechanic check the springs in the front and back. The standard service ones might be sagging.

    Bob Wilson
     
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  7. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    @nirmal I despise speed bumps; they are a penalty imposed on everyone, due to irresponsible speeders. They cause many, many problems.
     
  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    @nirmal I despise speed bumps; they are a penalty imposed on everyone, due to irresponsible speeders. They cause many, many problems.
     
  9. Blizzard_Persona

    Blizzard_Persona Senior Member

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    Have you tried taking the speed bumps at a 45 degree angle? Go slow also. How big are these speed bumps? They sound huge to actually get a passenger car hung up on. Lol!

    And as stated above depending on age and wear and tear your vehicle might need new shocks / Springs..
     
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  10. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I find diagonal speed bumps even worse, at least for the physical jostling. You get 4 jolts instead of 2.
     
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  11. nirmal

    nirmal Junior Member

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    most speed bumps in here near the capital is made to standard heights the ones in rural areas and temporary bumps are the problem i dont know who supervise these , theres is a small metal rod like thing protecting the sump and the plastic gurd in my car thas where i got stucked i hope usa cars have it too my model is zvw30 2012
     
  12. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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  13. Jith

    Jith New Member

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    I am also from sri lanka. I have 2014 prius GS with GS alloys with 215/40/18 tyres. I have the same problem