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PIP stock tires safe???

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by G. G., Nov 24, 2012.

  1. G. G.

    G. G. Junior Member

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    Hello, I am wondering if the low resistance tires that my new PIP came with are actually safe in rainy and snowy weather?? They are Yokahamas as you PIP owners know. I AM purchasing studded snow tires for my car this week--seeing as we get TERRIBLE ice and snow here in upstate NY, next to the Canadian border. I will put the Yokahama's back on in the spring, but I am mostly wondering if they are safe for traveling on rainy roads on the highway. THanks,
    GG
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    well they're probably not as safe as specific rain or snow tires. but mine have served well for 8 years. you should probably drive carefully in inclement weather.
     
  3. priuskitty

    priuskitty PIP FAN

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    you've had your PIP for eight years? wow!:rolleyes:
     
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  4. G. G.

    G. G. Junior Member

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    Thanks. I usually DO drive more carefully is bad weather anyway, but since I take longer trips in the summer when it rains, I was wondering about their safety then. Thanks,
    GG
     
  5. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

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    Technically, there's no such thing as a "safe" tire. Some type of qualifier is needed.

    For example, here in the metro area of Minnesota, I have no concerns about snow or ice. The factories been handling fine so far, similar to that with my 2010.
     
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  6. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    As John stated, safe is relative to some sort of benchmark. I don't think the S33D is a great tire for wet weather but I wouldn't call it unsafe. Drive appropriately for the conditions and you should be fine. If you want an extra margin of safety and more confidence behind the wheel then sell your tires while they are still worth something and pick up a set of Continental PureContact or ProContact with EcoPlus tires. They are excellent in the rain and last longer than the OE tires. You may take a small loss in mpg though.

    Continental PureContact with EcoPlus Technology

    Tire Test Results : Testing Grand Touring All-Season Tires
     
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  7. G. G.

    G. G. Junior Member

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    Thanks for the info. As of yesterday, I purchased a set of Winterforces, and also added studs. I DO NOT like the front end shutting down when the wheels spin if I get stuck on ice, etc. because of the traction control. My 2006 Prius left me sitting in the middle of the road once w/ oncoming traffic headed right to me; I also got stuck on a friend's inclined driveway, so I've opted for studs. I know my mpg's will be lower this winter, but I don't care. I still got 48 mpg's to and from work on crappy roads today...that's still 5 mpg's better than what I used to get w/ my 2006 w/ studded snows on--it averaged about 42. So, I'm sill pleased. Love this car!! Looking forward to spring, summer and fall! :)
     
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  8. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Safety trumps fuel economy. While killing yourself is the ultimate in environmental sustainability, I don't recommend it. I'm sure the world is a better place with you here so I'm glad you made the right decision. :)
     
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  9. jis

    jis New Member

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    another newb question.
    first decent snow here yesterday and braking was an issue (abs, car sliding, even at very low speeds). can't really think i'd be safe for three more months like that. are snow/winter tires going to help that kind of thing, or are they more for handling while under speed?
     
  10. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

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    We have people sliding around the first time it rains after weeks of drought. On glare ice, even non-studded winter tires will slide. Lots of heavy snow can be an issue for any vehicle.

    What is your perspective and expectations, for that matter location? What had you driven before? How is Prius different?
     
  11. El Dobro

    El Dobro A Member

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    Every tire has a tradeoff for what you want. On one of my cars I had Michelin Hydroedges. They were incredible in the rain, but totally sucked with any kind of snow. Oh, well.
     
  12. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

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    I had the unique opportunity of replacing the old set with new ones during the peak of the heavy-snow month (that's March here). Heavily worn, they weren't good, especially with the 2004. With lots of tread, they were great.
     
  13. El Dobro

    El Dobro A Member

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    I had them on a Caddy SLS. From new they were bad in the snow, in rain I couldn't ask for anything more.
     
  14. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

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    A heavier car with a much larger engine would handle different anyway. Not sure how the dynamics would translate over to a Prius, but I certainly liked those tires on mine for winter driving.
     
  15. Big Dude

    Big Dude Member

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    Had Michelin Energy Saver A/S on my 08. Awesome tire--added 3 MPG instantly and worked well in all weather. I'm Wisconsin so that says it all.
     
  16. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

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    The only bad thing I've heard about those tires is the inventory running low. They are quite likely what I'll get as replacements when the factories wear out.
     
  17. jis

    jis New Member

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    i've driven an assortment of vehicles, including a wrangler, a honda fit, jeep patriot...most recently a honda accord.
    in none of them did i see a slight incline ahead and fear not making it up, nor felt like if i tapped the brakes, i would be out of control and have no way to know how soon i was actually going to stop. (i'm not talking about driving on ice, obviously any vehicle would slide around in that situation).
    i'm very much hoping that it has to do with the tires. i am willing to pay for my safety (the safety of my front end).
    i didn't expect it the PiP to be some kind of tank in snow; i also didn't expect to have to sign on to a forum to see if i'm the only one who was nervous behind the wheel in two inches of snow, albeit slushy.
    i'm not sure what even posting here is going to do. i either buy winter tires which hopefully help, or i buy a second vehicle/trade in this one.
    i suppose if mine is the only one acting this way, i could have a problem with my abs or something. maybe my driving skills are lacking. that all said, does anyone know exactly what size rims i'd have to look for if i wanted to go that route for winter tires? also, how much could i expect to be able to ask for four OEM tires with 1600 miles on them? (who would buy them in rochester? lol)
    tia.
    j
     
  18. G. G.

    G. G. Junior Member

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    Thanks! Yeppers, the studs are great...a tad noisey, but that's ok. I play the radio all the time anyway. Safety is my main concern. :)
     
  19. G. G.

    G. G. Junior Member

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    A few years ago I bought a set of 15 inch rims on EBAY for my 2006 Prius. I added snows and studs. I have done the same for my new PIP. Fortunately I can still use the same rims on my PIP. I bought studded 195r's for my PIP and it rides great, in my opinion. I live in upstate NY next to the Canadian border...lots of snow and ice here. I'll put the factory tires/wheels back on in the spring.
     
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  20. G. G.

    G. G. Junior Member

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    YES!!