We received 2" of snow yesterday and it was with some trepidation I left work for the 4 mile commute home with my stock Integrity rubber. I even called my insurance company and changed my deductible from $1,000 to $250. That was a mistake! My Prius drove home in 5 o'clock treaffic without a problem! Neither better or worse than all my previous cars. So much for the doom and gloom posts I've read here....
I found the same, there is not a problem untill there is 4+ inches. The low ground clearance can be problematic, and is the biggest concern for me.
My 2006 Prius (Jan., '06) was OK in snow as well for the first two winters when the Integrities had more tread. This year, I noted a sharp degradation in performance in an early season snow as well as one instance last Spring when we had a bit of freezing rain and I couldn't get up my driveway and out onto the street. I did purchase Nokian Hakkepeliitta Rs just a month ago. They make my car handle better than when it was brand new--very aggressive, high tech tread design with snow-shedding tread in a unidirectional tread pattern makes these work very well. Also they're rated as Ultra Low Rolling Resistance. I have had NO impact on mileage so far--still 49.9 mpg winter rating. With careful driving, you probably will not experience any major difficulties until deep snow. I'm certain that even with my new tires, deep snow will present something of an obstacle for me here in snowy, Rochester, NY. Recognizing that everyone's driving conditions and experiences are different, I try not to generalize a limitation or issue that I have and alarm folks on here. The Integrities do seem to wear a bit faster than other stock tires I've had on new cars, but I didn't find them to be the horror stories that I've read on here. When Spring comes, I have a brand new set of Integrities on Prius alloy wheels that I'll put right back on the car. The snows will sit in the garage at the front of the Prius and perhaps keep the TPMS light unlit for most of my short duration driving.
I need new tires for my 2004 Prius. Please send recommendations. Toyota dealer sells and features yokohama Also any recommendations on where to buy them? Thanks Betsy
I'm never been comfortable when I have to go up a hill. This is my second Prius but I still think it is a dangerous car in the winter. I suggest the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R. Brand new tire in Sept 2008. It is the best LRR winter tire they make, so your MPG will like you, and they are as good a winter tire as you can get without studs. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R If you don't mind studded tires (I hate them) consider the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5 Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5
I thought the same thing last year - my Turanza tires were brand new. This winter, I have 17k miles on the tires and they are horrible in snow. I have changed my tune, and put Bridgestone Blizzaks on. If you put snow tires on your car, you will love them.
Your profile doesn't list your location so it is hard to recommend a specific tire. If you are in Florida, the answer will be different than if you are in Maine A good place to compare tires is TireRack: Customer Tire Survey In any case: Call around your local tire stores. Any tire sold at my local Toyota dealer is WAY more expensive than the same tire at the tire shops, including places like Sears.
