Tire questions

Thanks for your input guys. EP422 seems a really good deal.

 

I bought the Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus tires and now have over 4,000 mile on them. My mileage has dropped from an average of 50.5 mpg ( Pious Prius (Toyota Prius) | Fuelly ) on the OEM EP20 tires that were replaced at 48,716 to about 48 mpg.

These new Turanza tires handle so much better and the ride is improved over the OEM tires. I love the way that they handle, BUT I almost took them back. In general they are very quiet, maybe to a fault, as they make the hum between about 50 to 60 mph that much more noticeable. In the end I decided that I could accept the limited speed range noise in order to enjoy the way this car now handles. My Prius now feels very stable on the freeway and much more fun to throw into corners on the twisty back roads and highways.

 

Yesterday, I just bought a set of 4 Ecopio ep422 for my wifes 2010 Prius replacing the stock Yokohama tires. Installed for $417 including tax. A great deal. What I am not so happy about is the loud road noise. I see on a lot of the other posts that people are pleased with the quiet road noise so I am confused.

The tires were balanced and mounted properly. Are others experiencing road noise, is this normal even at lower speeds? My wife said "it sounds like a monster truck". I am getting concerned they were installed incorrectly or something.

Thanks for any input.

 

If the noise is confined to one corner of the vehicle, you may have a failed wheel bearing. How many miles are on the vehicle?


iPhone ?

 

54,000 miles. There was really no noticeable road noise before I had the new ep422s put on.

The loud consistent noise seems to be coming from all coroners of the car and a little louder in the back but I think that's because of the trunks open space.

I was going to wait until we put 1,000 miles on the new tires before I take them in to check...or should I be more concerned. I thought these were supposed to be quiet.

 

Could just be a combination of your new tires & the pavement. When new the Goodyear Integrities on my 2006 wailed like a banshee through Ohio & Indiana. It was maddening. On the next trip out, no noise.

Are your tires noisy on all pavements & at all speeds? Maybe changing the tire pressure will help.

 

I do not use Firestone anymore, but most Tire Stores will trade them out if you are not happy with you selection. Consider your options.

 

EP422 purchased at Costco for 110 CAD$ each.

 

They are not the most quiet tire but neither are they loud. Especially compared to the OE Yokohamas. Have you checked the tire pressure? Are they loud on sections of road where your old tires where quiet?

 

Thanks for the replies. I checked and they were inflated with nitrogen by Costco: 35 psi front and 33 psi rear. Max on ep422 sidewall says 44psi. I wonder if they aren't inflated enough????

My wife gets back today from putting 1k miles on the new tires so I will reassess then.

BTW is it OK to inflate with air or do I need to take it back to Costco to inflate with nitrogen?

 

I use 42F 40R rotated every 5K and have had even wear pattern after almost 50K. You will not see any benefit using 100% vs 70% Nitrogen on your Prius, but since they already "used" it have them top it off. You're good either way.