Will need new tires before winter. What are considered to be the best overall tires (15" rims). MPG is top priority then, traction and/or handling, then wearability. TIA Jim
Simple question with a very complicated answer I'm afraid. I'd recommend starting your journey here: http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-modifications/20573-tire-upgrade.html If mpg is your only goal, the stock Integrity tires are probably as good as it gets. But as you no doubt realize, they are no so great as far as handling and tread wear. I went with Pirelli P4 Four Season tires in 195/60/15 size. So far they have been great in dry and wet conditions (only 1500 miles on them though). Possibly a fuel economy hit in the range of 2-3 mpg I think, but I expected that going to a slightly wider tire. Still compiling data though. I should have a better handle on it in a few days.
I put the GoodYear ComfortTreds on 12k miles ago. Very nice tire with decent handling...mpg seems unaffected after first 1000-1500 miles. I recommend this tire highly and its wear rated at 80k miles.
I just got a set of Nokian WR G2's and absolutely love them! When installed, the tire guy pumped them all the way up to 29 psi. My mpg went from 47 to 51 (vs. the Goodyear TripleTreds I've had for 30,000 miles). I've since corrected their conservative pressurization (42 front, 40 rear... they're rated to 51), so we'll see what happens! I couldn't recommend a tire more highly.
For a wet weather tire I agree but for those of us that rarely see such weather the recommended tire (by Nokian) for maximum fuel efficiency (stock size on our Prius') is the i3. I will end up getting a pair this fall in preparation for the winter as my Integritys could be considered borderline unsafe by then. You can check out the Nokian brand on their website HERE. I urge you to take environmental practices of any company into account when considering purchases as well.
Agreed with all of the above. Nokian make many great dry road tires and have an intriguing environmental outlook. The OP is in Ohio, so rain, snow and ice are most certainly in his future.
Agreed. I just like to add the other information for all those reading the thread now or in the future and who might automatically assume one tire is the best without taking into consideration their local climate.
The Nokian i3 looks like a nice alternative from the Integrity. I am just not so sure how easy it is to get a set. Perhaps we have to special order them. I haven't seen a local tire shop here that sells Nokian tires.
N3FOL there's a link to a place called badboytires,I guess on another thread. but they have the Nokian's, very reasonable. they operate like tirerack.com I believe
Earlier threads on tires seemed to have a bias towards Michelin tires. According to Michelin, their lowest rolling resistance tire these days is the Primacy MXV4, which is available in the Prius size. I decided to go with these tires and will have them installed next week. I will be particularly interested in any impact on MPG (as well as winter driving in Rochester/Buffalo).
The Michelin Primacy was high on my list due to their very low rolling resistance. I just couldn't pass up the Finn's knowledge of ice and snow and the fact that the asymmetric design of the WR G2 is just downright funky!
I've been trying to find documentation somewhere that there are in fact two alternate Goodyear Integritys; one for the Prius, one for the Corolla. I've been reading this site and other related sites for some time and this has been espoused but I've never seen anything to support this. As I can't find this either at Goodyear.com (only one Integrity is available) or Toyota (online, I haven't spoken to anyone; I prefer reading a fact), I'm curious if this is true or not. I know the Intergrities are crummy, but they are cheap and do the job. (On my 2005, purchased brand new, I've got just over 36k miles on these original tires. I drive very conservatively; it's mostly just for carting Mumsy around, not for driving enthusia. So no jack rabbit stops, i keep tons of space between myself and any driver ahead of me, and average 61mpg.) If I have to, I'll go with the superior but pricier Michelin Primacies. But if I could find out how to determine that the Integritys at Sams Club or Discount Tire are the LRR tires made for the prius and not the Corolla, I'm going with that. And yes, I've read the Tire Upgrade thread, it's fantastic but either I missed the information I'm looking for or it's not there. Also, any other suggestions for replacements are welcome. But please don't link to tire reviews from 2003 -2005, it's hard to find those instock anywhere around here.
AT 18,000 miles I had blowouts on both front tires in the same week. Most likely related to the wonderful country roads here in Arkansas. AT any rate, I am now shopping for new tires and am tempted to go with a larger wheel, but due to finances, I think I will stay with the stock 15's for the next 30K or so miles.. Or whenever we need tires again. The OEM tires are the worst I have ever seen. Almost completely worn out at less than 20,000 miles. True, we live down a dirt and rock road, but so do most Arkansans around here. Anyone else with these driving conditions have a brand or type of tire to recommend? Thanx.... jf
Well, our Intergrities lasted 39K. Actually, they probably had another 3-4K let, but I replaced at 39K. Purchased the Primacys, based on Michalein telling me that that was their lowest current rolling resistance tire. Too soon to comment on mileage impact, but they are much more responsive (takes a little getting used to) and seem to ride better.
