Newbie introducing herself

:welcome:
Hi! F.Y.I. Whether 15", 16" 17" or 18" size wheels, the tire diameter should be kept the same. This is done with different tire sizes,
185/65/R15 Standard
195/55/R16 Touring
205/45/R17 Enkei
All three tires have a diameter of ~24.5".
You will notice that the larger rims usually have the thinner tires, keeping the diameter the same. If not, you have to make adjustments to the speedometer/odometer mechanism or software readings or they will not be accurate.
This is a common misunderstanding.

At top tool bar select "forums". Selected the forum that you want to start a new thread in. select "New Thread" button in upper lefthand corner of the first page. Also on the Home Page toolbar check out FAQs in the middle of the tool bar.

Again, welcome.

P.S. Another BTW. With the smaller tire sidewall on the 17" wheels, you actually will have less roll which is one of the advantages of the larger rims. Downside is watch out for speed bumps, potholes,and other road hazzards. Less resilience.

 

Heather,

I tried answering you earlier, found my answer on the site for about 30 seconds and then it disappeared. I'm sure it was something I did wrong (new at this stuff).

The "17" in your tire size refers to the diameter, which, contrary to another answer you got is not smaller, but larger than the 15 inch original equipment. Even with low-profile tires, they've got to be larger overall and have an impact on they way your car handles. If they do indeed have a larger circumference, they will raise the center of gravity and make the car want to roll over on turns. The Prius standard suspension is quite soft already. How does it feel in sharps turns? If you have to slow way down to maintain control, it might be an issue you want to pursue.

The original tires, I'm told were crap and make the Prius handle poorly, so what you thought was a bad deal, might have been actually a terrific improvement in at least one area: tracking straight on the open road.

If you have reason to believe that your speedo has been adversely affected, have a local cop use his/her radar on you at a given speed to check it.

There has been some negative talk about dealers increasing the price. I learned in Economics 101 that the value of anything is determined by what one is willing to pay for it and increased demand will usually increase the price (the concepsts are obviously related). Anyway, hope you enjoy your new Prius. I know I do most of the time.

Dave_M

 

It is a different feeling isn't it? :whoo:

 

Heather, timing is everything. Prius prices (& demand) tend to be lower in Dec/Jan. IMO other cars that are less expensive to purchase will cost more to maintain. The Prius isn't the cheapest car around but you won't have to replace the alternator, may not need a brake job for 100,000 miles, may not need other repairs and will save a truckload of gas.

Toyota will send a survey which can be completed online. Complete as you see fit.

Running stock Integrities my speedometer is within 1mph of my GPS and my Scangauge. How close are you with your alternate tires?

Don't believe everything the Service Dept. says. There's lots of good advice here that can save you some bucks and all you have to do is look or ask.

Enjoy.

 

Welcome aboard, Heather.

 

Hi Jim! Heather had posted some Q's re: the 205/40/R17 Enkei's the dealerhad forced on her if she wanted the car. I noticed that tire size did not look right. I checked the tire dia. on Tirerack and saw the the tire they sold her was ~1" smaller in dia. I explained that while they may look cool, they won't register correctly for speed and odometer readings, unless the dealer had modified something. She went back to the dealer and he apologized for the mistake and exchanged them for 205/45/R17's which are within 0.2" dia. of oem 15"'s. I don't believe that 17" & 18" are actually OEM's but rather a regional or dealer add-on.

It makes you wonder how many Prius owners with the 17" wheel option may have the same problem. It calculates out to about a ~4% error meaning your speedometer will read high, MPG will be inflated and you will reach the end of a 100,000 miles warranty abount ~4000 miles early, ~6000 milws early for a 150K warranty.

 

Welcome Heather. I, too, ran out of gas when mine was brand new - & came within 50 yards of the service station (which was slightly uphill) when he battery power gave out (and have been chastised profusely by PC'ers for treating my Prius that way. A pickup with a gas can (full of gas) came to my rescue. How in bearskin! I backed into my lawnmower when I really should have checked my rear-view screen. Oh my first 17K has truly been a ride. Hey, great selection of color - You do know that SuperWhite gets the best gas mileage? And a great name - mine's simply Whitey - not just because of the color, but rather to honor the main character in the book "The Chritsmas Doll." I adopted Whitey 3 days before Christmas. I'd love to see some pix of those tires & wheels! Have fun! Sounds like you're off to a good start

 

Hello heather, welcome and enjoy your new Prius.