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Need new tires for my Prius taxi's

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by lucky1, Aug 30, 2008.

  1. lucky1

    lucky1 Member

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    Need to buy 8 tires for my two taxi's. Looking for a tire with good tread wear.
    The Bridgestones that came with the car are shot after 50,000 km.and were rotated every 10,000km (not impressed) . I also am looking to buy 8 snow tires.
    The tires that are on the cars are 195 55 16's. I heard from the tire shop that the 195's are hard to find so I will switch to 185 or 205's.
    Any suggestions would be appreciated.
     
    #1 lucky1, Aug 30, 2008
  2. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    Some suggestions:

    • low-rolling resistance - Consumer Reports has listed five low rolling resistance tires.
    • 4-wheel alignment - while using your current tires, find a shop or mechanic who will do 4-wheel alignment: (1) 0 degrees front camber, (2) -0.8 degrees rear camber and (3) 0 degrees rear toe. Finding a mechanic who will do 4-wheel alignment is difficult but if you have a torque wrench and metric socket set, you can do it yourself.
    • 4 vs 4 test - select one set for one cab and a second sized set for the other. Then keep track of your mileage. In a year, swap the tires, double-check the alignment, and see if the mileage moves with the tires. You will need to check the tire 'calibration' by comparing the odometer readings between the two over identical distance route.
    Bob Wilson
     
    #2 bwilson4web, Aug 31, 2008
  3. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    Michelin Energy MX1+
    A little pricy but they seem a quantum leap ahead of the Energy XM1 tyres that were on my Prius stock. That is quieter and more grip They have a tread wear index of 400 which is high. The original tyres lasted 90,000km and michelin claim 25% longer life from these.
     
    #3 patsparks, Aug 31, 2008
  4. lucky1

    lucky1 Member

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    Thanks for the info- Much appreciated
     
    #4 lucky1, Aug 31, 2008
  5. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Regarding winter tires, if you are willing to buy separate wheels for those tires, why not move to the 185/65-15 size. The narrower tread might be more effective in the snow.
     
    #5 Patrick Wong, Aug 31, 2008
  6. lucky1

    lucky1 Member

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    Went to Costco today to check on prices for the Michelin x radial. They told me they couldn't sell me the x radial in the 195/55/16 size. The tires that came with the car were Bridgestone Turanzas. When I inquired as to why they couldn't sell me the x radial in the same size he said that the car came with a 'V' rated tire and had to have a 'V' rated tire put on.
    I went to the Toyota dealer to get more information and they said that there is a very limited selection of tires for the 195/55/16 size and most were very expensive.
    Being for my taxi's I am not too concerned about how quiet the tire is etc. I am mostly concerned about tread wear and rolling resistance. I am trying to avoid buying 3 sets of tires per year which is what would happen if I stick to the Bridgestone Turanza tires that were shot after 45,000 km. Hoping to get a tire that lasts 80,000+ and then throw the winter tires on for 50,000 km in the winter.
    When I had them check they said that the x radial in the 185/65/15 size would work as there is a 1 one hundredth difference in the size and would not affect anything. I will have to buy 8 steel rims at just under $70 a piece. The way the drivers bounce cars off of curbs a steel rim isn't such a bad idea. Much cheaper than the very expensive rims that are on the car now.
    Buying approx 64 tires in the next 4 years before I replace the cars it will save me a lot of money buying 15 inch tires especially if I can get 80,000km out of a set of tires.
    Scary though that Consumer reports gave the Turanzas top marks for tread wear.
    Now I have to decide if I need to buy the x radial or the Harmony or the hydro edge, all 3 highly rated by Consumer reports.
    I always try to get value for my dollar so I am sure this will put me in the nut house by the time I decide.
    ----------------
     
    #6 lucky1, Sep 2, 2008
  7. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    The only tyre I can think of is the crappy Integrity. They do wear hard if you pump up the tyres (doesn't have to be extreme) but I wouldn't recommend them for the winter.

    I think you guys go through a tyre a season? or can you go through at least two seasons? Nokian WRs would work well as an all-weather tyre. I would recommend going to the Tire Factory in the States cause they're cheaper than buying from Kal-Tire.

    Michelin Harmonys are ok. They're decently priced and are a decent set of AS tyres. i.e. they're middle of the road for everything.

    I'll also mirror Patsparks' recommendation for the Michelin Energy line too. Decent snow grip, quiet (i know it's not a concern) and good tread life.
     
    #7 Tideland Prius, Sep 3, 2008
  8. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    Do you have any alignment numbers? Can you characterize the tire wear pattern?

    Bob Wilson
     
    #8 bwilson4web, Sep 3, 2008
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