Snow Tire recommendations

Would the calibrate for tire change function in the "Navi" screen ( I think) compensate for the wheel and tire size change?

 

Doesn't that just affect the dead-reckoning function of the Navi? I don't think it would do anything to the speedometer or odometer, which shouldn't be impossible for a user to fiddle with.

 

I bought a set of the Michelin ice X and wheels from Tire rack.
no TPMS... too expensive.
here's the weird thing.... sometimes the tire light comes on but mostly it's been off since I put them on!
can anyone explain that????
Thanks!
Barbara

 

I did the same thing. I bought 4 snow tires mounted on aluminum rims for my 09 Carmy Hybrid, no TPMS sensor. I never could understand why we need this those anyway. I was raised with the idea you should check your tires and oil weekly so why would I need the TMPS. Anyway I am pleased that the light is almost never on. Just shows how good they work. No sensors and about 95% of the time, no light. Guess that means the TPMS thinks the pressure is ok.

 

Can't explain it but, FWIW, I switched from the 17s to 15" wheels with the same Michelin xIce you have. At first, the light didn't come on but now it comes on pretty quickly each time I start the car. It blinks for a short period of time and then turns on steady. I thought it would be a distraction but now I hardly notice it. I'm not even going to bother to put tape over it.

 

I should be able to let you know how the Continental Extreme WinterContacts do in snow on Weds morning, judging from the weather reports.

I, too, did steelies without sensors. I, too, have been taught to check oil/fluids/pressures/etc. I, too, am not worried about it.

 

I agree with the above assessment. I ski every weekend in Maine and live in central Maine year round. I have a 2004 Prius with 120,000 miles (owned since new) and have used Dunlap Grapic DS2 snow tires (not studded) and snow or ice have never stopped me. I don't get big snowstorms like Buffalo, usually we get less than a foot for each snowfall, but I see a lot of packed snow and ice. I agree with the other comments about studded tires being superior. I have put the Michelin X Ice2 on my 2010 Prius but it has not snowed since they were installed yesterday so I can't comment on their snow traction. I chose the non-studded tire because I have had good luck with them in the past, if I lived near Buffalo or in the mountains of Colorado I would have gotten the studded snow tires.

 

We got a little bit of snow here in Cleveland yesterday and noticed my traction control coming on and the ABS working to bring me to a stop.

Looked up my OEM Ecopia 100 tires to find out they are classified as a summer touring tire. No wonder the traction control was coming on.

Ordered a set of Continental Extreme Winter Contact studless snow tires and 4 new rims from Tirerack.com, total cost $656 with shipping. I'm sure the weather will provide me many chances in the near future to review these new snow tires.

First winter without a 4x4 SUV.

 

I had some snow here yesterday (about 6 inches) and drove around on unplowed roads with the new snow tires on my 2010 Prius (Michelin XIce 2). Traction was fine up to about 45 mph on unplowed roads. I didn't try to go any faster because I prefer my car to be dent free. I would recommend these tires if you prefer non-studded tires, in the snow belt studded tires might be better if your local govt allows them.

Dennis

 

I also have Michelin ice X and rims from Tire rack with out the sensors. A lot of times my light is off also. Here are the reasons it would be off

If you start the car with the old tires/rims/sensors near by the light will not turn on. After you start the car with the light off and drive away it will take 15 minutes for the light to come on. If you do not drive for 15 minutes and turn the car off, the light will not come on when you start the car for 15 minutes.

In summary if you have the old tires/rims/sensors in the garage and you drive less then 15 minutes at a time your light will never come on.

 

Waterbed,

I have the same on mine. Two nights ago, I left work at about 6:30pm to drive home. The skat -- I mean, the roads were so polished, you could see your reflection. The Extreme WinterContacts did as well as I would expect anything to do. I don't have any deep snow experience yet, but in the icy stuff, they performed well.

 

I got to test mine this morning driving home form a friends in icy conditions. Drove past several cars that had spun out and a few nasty accidents on my 45 minute trip on the interstate. The new Continental Extreme WinterContacts seemed to do extremely well. No ABS or traction control warning lights. Made it home safe and sound. Car felt very confident. I was surprised that I didn't really notice any road noise difference between the snow tires and my Ecopia 100's. Ride felt slightly stiffer.

 

I'm wondering if there is any problem just switching tires from regular to snows on my 2010 Prius V twice a year. For the amount of money I would save on stock rims, is there nay reason for me not to just go to a local tire dealer and have him swap the tires?

 

The alloys take a beating every time the tires are swapped. Also you take a chance of the TPMS sensors being damaged. Most shops won't replace them.

I got a set of steel rims as soon as I could.

 

Haven't read the entire thread, so sorry if I am repeating

Nokian WRX G2, is the only tire I will put on any car. No mileage hit in all season use, and unstoppable in the snow. They make a softert version as a complete snow and ice tire, but it doesn't have good life when the pavement warms up.

 

Continental Extreme Winter Contacts- Made for Vancouver wet snow and rain. Excellent traction. Quiet too.

 

$70 15" Corolla rims with 195/65R15 worked on ours. The p/n is: 42611-02471-sw (I've seen it with/without the s/w, believe that means Steel Wheel)

 

I recently put a set of Bridgestone Blizzaks on my 2010 Prius and I couldn't be happerier. Here in central Washington we have icy roads, with compacted snow. I have to work hard to get them to slip and have actually out performed several 4 wheel drive vehicles. I did not go with TPM on the winter wheels.

 

D.O.:

We get a warning light light (off and on), it's small and easily ignored.

 

I know a friend who is an importer of Chinese made brand winter tires and I can get it at less than half the price of the Michelin X-Ice 2. I am aware that there are some negative views on the "no-name-brand" Chinese made tires but all I want is a little more safe margin than the all-season tires. I am not a tailgater and alwsys drive with caution.
Anyone with the experience of using those tires? Your comments will be very much appreciated.