I am so "TIREd" Please Help

Maybe Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus? I don't think there's any decent all-season that'll negate the need for snow tires. You might be ok to delay snow tire purchase with brand new all seasons, if you're cautious, stay home on "snow days". But once they're worn a bit snow tires are way ahead.

 

This should help you. Look for the "Green X" when looking at Michelin Tires. Tire Tech Information - Michelin Green X

If I knew the size of tires you have now, I could give you more info. You might have 15", then again you might have something totally different.

Michelin Energy Saver A/S has been phased out and pretty much discontinued. My understanding is the Michelin Premier A/S is the replacement for the old Energy Saver A/S, but please don't quote me on it.

I just bought some Michelin Primacy MXM4 for our Prius today. The original's were dry rotting on the sidewalls plus had a non repairable tire that needed to be replaced. Had these same tires on the Prius when I bought it new. P215/45R17 87V

On another note/brand etc. Look into the Bridgestone Ecopia 422 Plus. Compare prices on your best LRR type tire that Michelin sells and the Ecopia 422 plus. Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus (H- or V-Speed Rated)

If you want another option, consider the Conti Pro Contact, I think they are still around. Continental ContiProContact

That ought to narrow your choices down, or make your decision that much harder...

Hope it helps and good luck. Buying tires is no picnic, been there done that too many times...

EDIT: Michelin ICE-X is the recommended Winter Tire - If you need snows, consider two sets of rims so you are not taking chances of bead damage when mounting and remounting...

 

I hear what you are saying. Everyone has a budget, no doubt about that.

Hang in there, you will find something that will fit your budget. Just don't wait until you have to have the tires that same day. That was the predicament I was in this morning. Got in the Prius, TPMS light is on. Check tires after sun comes up, sure enough - damn screw on the edge of the tire... Perfectly good tire with 7/32 of tread left. Well, not perfectly good. Sidewalls were cracking on all four. Not sure if that was due to lack of use, or using too much tire black...

 

My definition of a "inexpensive tire depth gage" Lincoln penny...

But yeah, those stick gages are nice to have. I usually get the dealer to stick mine when they do the rotations for me.

Seriously though,

Look at this link

Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus (H- or V-Speed Rated)

Good price IMO drop ship to your local tire mounting facility.

 

Energy Saver A/S is a GREAT tire. I had a set of them on a Gen II 2009 Prius that I used to drive.

If you can get a set, go for it. I don't think you will be displeased. But do look at the Ecopia's. A lot of folks here on Prius Chat swear by them. It was either that or the Primacy's for me... That ought to tell you something. (I am not cheap when it comes to tires). I should be since I am on Social Security, but that is another story.

EDIT: Looks like you would have to change size like you said. Not sure about the revs of the different size. Might throw the speedo off more than it is now...

Michelin Energy Saver A/S

Second EDIT: Did some research on the tire size change. The diameter of the next size up is almost 3/4 of an inch difference which will throw off the speedo quite a bit. IMO, you would be better off sticking with the OEM size.

 

Budget is always a consideration, but don't forget to factor in the extra cost of mounting/balancing seasonally.

Around here, it's a minimum of $15 per tire for mount/balance. That's $60 each spring, and $60 each fall -- $120 per year.
I don't know the specifics of your market, but if you look on Craigslist, you may find a set of wheels/tires that someone used one or two winters, then sold the car. In my case, I got a great deal by putting together my own package: I found practically new/one year old set of four snow tires without rims. Then found a set of four alloy rims with worn out tires. Both were good deals because they were less marketable than a complete set of wheels & tires (most people are looking for a complete package). By getting them piecemeal, I saved quite a bit.

Yes, the financial outlay in the beginning is greater. But I now have an extra set of wheels that I'll keep when it's time to replace this Prius with another one.

 

Agreed, the cost up front is really negated if you factor in the dismounting and remounting twice a year. To make matters worse, anytime you mount or dismount a tire there is the possibility of damage to the tire bead. I don't know of anyone who can fix a broken bead and it can happen to the best pro out there at any time.

Good food for thought.

 

+1
Tire shops around here don't recomend swapping tires on one set of rims because a broken bead cannot be repaired.

 

Snow tires on separate rims are kinda like a Costco membership: a bit of financial pain up front, but then you're set: much less wear-and-tear, and labour cost, MUCH more convenient if you have a flat slab, floor jack and safety stands. The only way to go.

 

I've been using Bridgestone Blizzak on my Prii for 10 years now. They have performed very well and while they do impact mileage, the cold weather and winter fuel formulation take a bigger hit. If you get a lot of snow, get snow tires.

 

Squirrel your money away and set yourself up with two dedicated sets of tires. At least that's what I did, one wheel here, one wheel there, craigslist, Facebook, breakers, etc. Then decide on your tires. I love the Michelins Energy Savers A/S for the non-winter months. I ended up with General snow tire although I forget the model. We eat a 20% mileage drop with the winter tires, arguably not all attributed to the tires but they have kept the little car between the stripes on the road when the frozen stuff is falling. Either way, you get the best of both worlds and the best price point this way imo.

 

Funny I see little or no mpg change when I switch over to 15" Michelin X-Ice, but that's coming from 17" Michelin Pilot's.

 

it's all too complicated for me. i think i'm just going to get a set of energy savers. while my local mech said they weren't available, tire rack has the correct size in stock.