Toyota voiding warranty for changing wheels/tires!

Changing tire size in some vehicles can play havoc with stability controls. anti lock brake systems etc. In some vehicles the computer in the car can be adjusted to compensate for the new tire size and any problems can be avoided.
I have no idea if the Prius is sensitive to tire diameter and / or if it can be compensated for in the Prius.

Voiding the warranty is what any idiot throws out there to scare the owner. Many will tell you that unless ALL maintenance is performed by them the warranty will be voided.

 

If I ran into a service advisor like that (throwing warranty BS on me), I would smile at him and say
"Are you sure you know Magnus. Moss Act better than I do?"
Mostly likely he would say
"What Act?"
I would then say
"Let me talk to your manager. Today is your lucky day. You pick a wrong customer to mess with...."

 

Thanks for the photo. Looks GREAT!

 

Substitute the word "proved" for "deemed".

Tom

 

It's difficult to tell from the photo, but your 215/45ZR-17 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus tires have a rim protector like the OEM tires for the factory 17", correct? For some reason, it doesn't look as obvious.

 

When I inquired about installing 17's on the car, my dealer made excuses and then told me that the model V's suspension was set up differently for the larger tires and they suggested that I not install 17's. AFter driving my wifes and seeing how touchy it is, I want 17's and was thinking of keeing the 15's as winter tires.

Are they throwing me a line of BS?

I'm used to normal cars where doing a plus +1 or +2 is no big deal.

 

Same suspension. The turn radius is different, and it's possible if you put wider tires on you might get minor rubbing if you turn too tight. However you would never do that unless you are pulling out (slow) or parking so I wouldn't worry about it.

As for the other comments about computers, anti-lock brakes, etc... this car is intelligent, but I really doubt that it knows what tires and wheels it is wearing. If the overall diameter is essentially the same the systems should all work regardless if you have 15 or 17 inch wheels.

 

My suspicion (although I have no evidence) is the computer is programmed differently for 15" and 17" wheels in order to fit their respective characteristics even with the same suspension, etc.

 

How exactly do you mean? I don't understand your post, what computer are you talking about?

 

1. The comments about Toyota having the burden of proof before being able to LEGALLY void your warranty are correct. Unfortunately, too many people assume an ignorant employee at a dealership is the same as the manufacturer policy. It isn't, not even close.

2. The earlier comments about changing sizes can have some merit. I recommend you talk to a tire expert (not a commissioned sales person) about what is called "Plus Sizing" for your car. This is basically going up one wheel size while using with a wider profile tire that keeps the diameter of the tire the same. This will allow the speedometer and ABS computer to remain accurate. If the rims and tires clear the components, including suspension and fenders, they will work fine. Google Plus Sizing and you will get a link on Wikipedia about this.

If I ever get mine delivered, I intend to do the same thing. The idea of 15" wheel covers on a $30,000 car is ridiculous, and mine WILL have a solar package on it, making the 17" wheels unavailable.

As for the dealer who gave you this piece of horribly wrong information, write the general manager, telling him you are taking your work to another dealer. Also, look for forums that review car dealerships by name, and write a review mentioning their poorly trained service techs. You may be doing another owner a great favor by steering him or her away from that dealer.

Joe

 

Those rims look great.

 

Toyota isn't stupid, they want money ...

 

My plan was to put on the same size 17's that Toyota does.

 

If Toyota wants these cars to catch on outside of the 'green' crowd, they should anticipate and encourage customizing.

Granted, these cars are MUCH more complicated than a 15 year old Tercel or Corolla that you tend to see being customized, but most manufacturers know the best way for a car line to catch on and really explode is for the cars to become very personal to their owners.

 

This could be about the tpws being built into the valve stem. Toyota doesn't have a Emergency Response guide for the 2010 Prius but they do for the new Lexus Models.

https://techinfo.toyota.com/techInf...en/techinfo/html/prelogin/docs/HS250h_erg.pdf

"The hs250h is equipped with a tire pressure warning system that by design prevents pulling the metal valve stem with integral transmitter from the wheel....."

Maybe its that they will not cover the tpws unless they refit the system to the wheels. Not the whole car just the tpws.

SET offers 17 inch wheels on all Prius as a regional option.

 

Ah - a snow tire user. Just what I am looking for. What snow tires do you use? What are winter conditions where you live? How did they work for you? I am considering the 2010 but am concerned about driving here in Boston.

 

Trying to do the same on the Prius 4 that I purchased(Waiting to pick Up) ...My dealer also gave me the waiving warranty BS...And whats funny its their(Toyota's)17's optioned wheels/215 tires to replace the 15's/195 tires at their service place...I wanted to pay the diff between the 2...He said to me "Before I ask if they can do this(Their service mechanics)"...I need to be prepared sign a waiver that waves the warranty since I'm switching the wheels/tires from what I have on it. Told him he's dead wrong since all the Prius's(2010's) have the same suspension..And walked away..Since then they are willing to sell me 17's/215 tires and install them..but not trade the 15's/195 tires and to upgrade...for only $2,000 + ....Called Toyota CS about this matter..They forwarded it to The Prius team..waiting for an answer !

You think with the crunch in car sales(Overall sales), they wouldn't have to twist your arm.