If you have Goodyear Integrity Tires - Read this

If you own a Prius that has the OEM Goodyear Integrity Tires mounted on your car then this thread applies to you.

My wife and I bought a Gen II Package 3 '09 Prius in March of '11. The car had 42K on the clock then and appeared to have new tires on it.

From day one I noted that for some reason I was having trouble meeting or beating the EPA estimate of 48 City/45 Highway. It wasn't until I started to employ all of the tricks like pumping up the tires (42F, 40R) which does give a harsh ride, and utilizing hypermiling techniques when possible that I was able to finally break the EPA estimates. This breakthrough took almost a year's time to learn and master. I also starting running synthetic Mobil 1 in the ICE. Toyota does not recommend synthetic for the Gen II, but does in the Gen III.

For a long time I liked the Integrities until they got about 25K (25,000 miles) on them. Then I started to notice problems with traction in wet conditions. I also noticed the traction control kicking in a lot on bumps and what have you.

I started to do some research. I had been studying for a long time here on Prius Chat, even longer than we have been owner's of the Prius we now have. Anyway, I decided that I was going to invest in some new tires. As we all know tires are very expensive therefore if one is to be prudent and economical at the same time, one should investigate things like this before they spend their hard earned money.

I based my final purchase on various manufacturer's websites and the information that they had published. I also read many reports and reviews on different brands and types of tires. I also investigated what is known as "green, energy efficient, LRR, etc." type tires. Finally I studied the list that is posted here on Prius Chat by F8L and can also be found in my signature file.

When it was all said and done, I chose and purchased the Michelin Energy Saver A/S.

Energy Saver A/S | Michelin Tires

Since the Prius we have is not a "touring" model, I chose the P185/65/R15 86T size tires. I also requested the stick on weights. I did not fill them with nitrogen due to the additional cost of the nitrogen. I also had the front end alignment checked, it was Ok (in spec).

As of this time, I am riding on them with the pressure set 3 lbs. over the placard setting. The car is riding like a dream, and is very quiet especially if you are gliding.

Would I recommend these to a friend? Absolutely. I guess that is why I am posting this thread. Don't get me wrong, the GY Integrity is not a bad tire. It is a tire that is designed to get the car off of the lot and down the road for a while. IMO, it is not a long lasting, high quality tire. Nor is a tire that performs well when it is needed the most. The last time I tried to brake while making a turn during the rain I felt the Prius front end break lose (lose traction/skid) I knew then to let off the brake and counter steer to regain control. I was fortunate that the road and the traffic allowed me to do so. Otherwise, I might have damaged a tire, rim, and whatever else in the front end if I would have hit a curb or even another vehicle.

In ending I want to say this. I am not telling you to go out and buy new tires today. However I am suggesting that you seriously consider a better higher quality tire than those crappy Goodyear Integrity's you have now when it comes time to replace. If you can afford them, try the Michelins that I got. Many here on PC own them and like them. If they are not in your budget, find a good LRR type tire that will fit your budget.

I honestly expect to see my MPG increase with the new Energy Savers. Other's here have seen it, and I am looking forward to the change.

Ron

 

From Fred flinstone Tires to Michelin energy saver A/S and a fixed TPS | PriusChat Post #18, 21 and 22 discuss snow and ice.

So far the car is riding like it is brand new. Very smooth. Other' s have posted similar information concerning ride.

Rated at 60,000 - Since they are new, I can't truthfully answer that one. Treadwear #'s on tire is 480

I had considered those, but really wanted the Energy Saver A/S.

Ron

 

Could be a combination of the price and the overall life of the tire. The Defenders are rated for 90K, where the Energy
Saver is only rated at 60K, but still running the higher price. I think the big difference between those two tires is the LRR rating. Energy Saver is a 10, whereas Defender is a 8.