Bubble in the Rear right sidetire, side wall. Do I have to change both the rear tires.

You can change just the one bad tire, but stick with the same tire model, if possible.

 

You can do either.. but if you change both now, you can prolong changing all 4 next time as this pair will have 25k miles less. then you can just buy 2 next time around.

 

That sounds like a Warranty issue, free replacement of the damaged tire within 60 months.

Contact Yokohama

A bubble can be a tire malfunction due to faulty manufacturing.

However it can also be from underinflating the tire or hitting a curb

What Causes a Bubble in an Automobile Tire? | eHow

Yokohama Tires

 

I would never replace just one half worn tire. No way. At least two, probably time for all 4 soon anyway

 

In any event I agree replace all 4 if you can.

My local Toyota Dealer sent me a newsletter. This months special is buy 3 tires get a 4 for $1.

Here is a link to the special.

I believe it may be a nationwide event, but not sure.

Toyota Service & Parts Specials - Carlsbad Toyota dealer in Carlsbad CA - New and Used Toyota dealership Encinitas San Diego Vista CA

 

Just for the record, Costco has good deals on tires, Discount Tires, and a local place Evans Tires.

If you know what you want shop at 3 different places and try and get the best deal.

For Evans I call the call center, they tend to give a great discount.

They ship the tires to the store, and the store installs.

 

Then again, maybe the OP doesn't have the funds to change more than one tire right now.

 

There is an old cliché, Money doesn't buy happiness.

I never understood that.

Money can circumvent many a problem, one being not having any.

 

Replace 2 if you can. Save the good one as a spare in case you have a problem again.

At a minimum replace that 1 with same brand tire and make sure it's placed in the rear.

If I don't like the brand tires for whatever reason I'd replace 2. If I like them and plan to continue using them then I replace the 1. I don't like OEM tires because they tend to be pricey, so I would replace 2 of a different brand if I were you

Be glad you don't have 4WD or AWD. Then it'd be mandatory 4.

 

Then again, the OP drives a 2010 Prius and that sure wasn't cheap. Tires with uneven wear, that may be near or at the end of their life cycle, are not the best place to take chances. FWIW my original Goodyear tires only lasted 28,000 miles and that wasn't at all unusual. My "new" set of General Altimax's have lasted more than 40,000 (warranted to 55,000) and are due to be replaced soon, too. Safety has great value.

 

Until the OP comes back, we won't know what his situation is.

 

Good old Viji may be worth more than all of us put together.

He may drive a Prius to create peace and harmony with the world.

Hey Viji no offense, just having fun.

 

He'd have a PIP then.

 

I put on a new set of Bridgestone Ecopia on my 2010 at 46000 miles. (The factory set was 85-90% done at this mileage.). Your Yokohama at 25k is at about 50% wear already. I'd suggest to change at least two. Same brand and model is preferred if you like the Yokohama that you currently have on the vehicle. If the new pair is not of the same model, the two must always be mounted on the same axle. It is recommended to put the new pair on the drive axle in order to get the maximum vehicle control - in Prius is the front axle because it is front wheel drive.
I read that the Ecopia is not rated the best by the Consumer Report but I found it the best balance on price and ratings. If you want better cornering and traction but don't mind paying slightly more, there are some other brands you can consider. There are many threads in this subject in the forum.

 

FYI keep a bit of an eye on the rest of your tires...I had a Michelin do this and the rest of them all developed large bulges is less than 2000 miles. Bad batch I guess and yes Michelin stood behind their tires and replaced them all no cost to me.

RAL

 

Not to nit pick but the above information is only 50% correct.

You should put the matching tires on the same end of the vehicle but the new tires (or ones with most tread) should NOT go on the front. The tires with the most tread should always go in the rear of the vehicle. The advice above is not consistent with current knowledge. This is not an attack on toyolover but we need to make this very clear.

New tires should always go on the rear of the vehicle regardless of where the drive wheels are located!

Tire Tech Information - Where to Install New Pairs of Tires?
Only Replacing 2 Tires? - Discount Tire

Tire Safety Starts Here - ATS | Tire Industry Association

 

You should put the matching tires on the same end of the vehicle but the new tires (or ones with most tread) should NOT go on the front. The tires with the most tread should always go in the rear of the vehicle. The advice above is not consistent with current knowledge. This is not an attack on toyolover but we need to make this very clear.

New tires should always go on the rear of the vehicle regardless of where the drive wheels are located!

Hogwash I would never put a 30% or more worn tire on the front with new rubber on the rear, I want to turn when I turn the steering wheel, this is a case of the tail wagging the dog, putting the worn rubber on the front, where it will wear roughly twice as fast as the rear tires is just a way for the manufacturers to sell more rubber, I wouldn't be surprised to see the insurance companies chime in and require it in the future.
With stability control and abs cars don't switch ends unless there's an idiot behind the wheel, as I mentioned, I want the best rubber on the wheels that do the steering.

So, in summary, you are more likely to have an accident if you put the worn rubber on the front, and you will be buying many more tires as you will be wearing out front tires at an unprecedented level, all the while being in more danger then necessary, just use common sense

 

Can you provide evidence to back up your opinion? I've already presented mine. I can link you to many more if you like.

 

Well, let's look at the op
25,000 miles, one bad tire
Common sense say's replace both tires on that end of the car
Common sense say's put the new tires on the front, you don't want to lose traction while turning with worn tires on the front
And common sense say's why put the old worn rubber on the front where it will wear faster, causing more frequent new tire purchases
Do I need evidence to show a new tire on the front has more traction when turning, or evidence that worn tires on the front will wear out faster then new tires on the front?

ABS and traction control won't let you get into a skid or slide unless you willingly override the systems.