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Changing tire sizes, okay or no?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by Gstatus64, Apr 10, 2019.

  1. Gstatus64

    Gstatus64 Junior Member

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    Hey, so I really like the Michelin Defender tires, as I've had them on previous vehicles.

    My Prius comes with 195/55/16, which the defenders dont fit.
    The defenders fit rims of 195/65/15.

    Would it be okay to switch the rims? I have a tire company that's willing to do trade-in credit for my rims and my brand new tires I just bought from another store.

    So I would be going down an inch in the rims.
    The speedometer reads +2/3 mph at 50+ mph, and I have a mechanic that can correct the speed with the rim change.

    Would this be a good thing to do for the sake of the mileage of the tire or no? What are the benefits of the two tire sizes?

    Thanks in advance!

    Garron T
     
  2. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    In my opinion, ABSOLUTELY not worth the time and trouble and money......even if they do fit OK.
    Find a Michelin model that does fit your present rims and learn to love them too.
     
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  3. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

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    see if 205 50r16 is available. better traction, negligible mpg hit. they should improve speedo accuracy and look better too.
     
  4. caravan2429

    caravan2429 Junior Member

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    I'm doing 195/65 R15 It is more stable than stock size and also corrects speedometer error a bit. It's comfortable but not good for handling if you drive aggressively. I would suggest you go for 205/55R16 or 205/60R15. I think these are balanced options to do.
     
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Corrects a speedometer "error" that's there by design, and introduces an odometer error.
     
  6. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

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    making the speedo inaccurate by design is a stupid idea, but not as stupid as that damn bladder in the fuel tank. I wish I could get a European tank.
     
    Prius Rising and audiodave like this.
  7. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    That's politicians and bureaucrats for you!
     
  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Making a speedometer "accurate" is impossible, with variations in tread diameters, tire diameters reducing as the tire wears, and so on. So they err on the side of safety; they never want you to think you're going slower than you actually are, to be speeding due to an low speedo. That's a fool's mission though.

    I'd rather keep my odometer reasonably accurate, but whatever floats your boat.
     
  9. Usle

    Usle Active Member

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    Your 195/55-16 tires are 24.4" in diameter, prius wants 25" in diameter for correct speedometer readings.

    195/60/16 tires are 25.2" in diameter.
    205/55-16 tires are 24.8" in diameter.

    I'd go with the 195/60-16" tires, better mpg's.