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Buying wheels in Ontario?

Discussion in 'Gen 5 Prius Main Forum' started by mountaineer, May 31, 2024.

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  1. mountaineer

    mountaineer Active Member

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    Hello,

    Before heading out on my first proper road trip (3000km or so around Gaspé), I thought now would be a good time to swap from 19" to 17" tires, specifically the Nokian WRG5 (215/55 R17). Plus there's $70 off a set of 4 at Kal Tire. I don't want to end up in the middle of nowhere without being able to source a next-day replacement.

    So the obvious question: what kind of wheels should I get?

    One important goal is for the improved efficiency of 17" wheels, and from what I've read here more a bit more durability in the tire. The other is finally to get all-weather tires, for decent winter performance without having to swap tires twice a year. (Winters here are quite mild by Canadian standards.)

    My thinking is that I should get alloy wheels, for being lighter weight (and as unsprung weight, more fuel-efficient than steel). Other than that, I'd like to hear what people think I should be looking for, or even what they think looks good. Should I get the wheels at Kal Tire (link) too, or is there a retailer with particularly good deals I should know about?
     
    #1 mountaineer, May 31, 2024
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    They’re probably neck-and-neck. There might be a Camry steelie that’ll work, think that was discussed here.

    Is your goal to have 2 sets (all-seasons and snows) or just one (all-weathers for year-round)?

    with our ‘10, within a week of purchase (in November of 2010), I had a dealership set me up with 195/65R15 Michelin X-Ice on Corolla steelies. A year back I replaced those, and also swapped over to nicer 3rd Gen Plug-In rims (15” alloys). Both those rims were around 16 lbs.

    Our stock rims with all-seasons are the 3rd gen 17” alloys, tip the scales around 23 lbs.

    our west coast winters are not that cold; I’ve stuck with 2-set solution with a couple of cars now, but am beginning to wonder. Plus our car usage has fallen off dramatically (think quintessential Sunday Driver); we’re rarely if ever obligated to drive in snowy conditions.
     
    #2 Mendel Leisk, Jun 1, 2024
    Last edited: Jun 1, 2024
  3. Blackat

    Blackat Member

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    Go alloy. Even when I was off roading my Tacoma I had alloy's
     
    #3 Blackat, Jun 2, 2024
  4. mountaineer

    mountaineer Active Member

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    One set. I had the WRG (3 or 4, can't remember which) on my Yaris when it needed new tires, and swore I'd never buy anything but all-weather again. They are very close to a winter tire in performance, that the cost & hassle of switching is not even close to worth it.

    I can't believe they're not the norm for half the Canadian population at least that doesn't regularly get snowed in.
     
    #4 mountaineer, Jun 3, 2024
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  5. samsprius1

    samsprius1 Active Member

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    Get Pics when you’re done! I’m not a big fan of the prime wheels, but I am OK with my limited, I understand you’re going for efficiency.
     
    #5 samsprius1, Jun 3, 2024
  6. mountaineer

    mountaineer Active Member

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    you got it!
     
    #6 mountaineer, Jun 3, 2024
    samsprius1 likes this.
  7. mountaineer

    mountaineer Active Member

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    #7 mountaineer, Jun 14, 2024
    Vic F likes this.
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