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Tire Upgrade

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by nyprius, Jun 26, 2006.

  1. dixon

    dixon New Member

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    Very impressed by all your research. I have a 2004 Prius with 75K miles and have now missed twice on replacement tires! The OEM tires got me only 31K, Pirelli P3000's decreased MPG dramatically so switched to Goodyear Assurances CT but only got 33K. Now have to try again and would like to get it right.

    Wonder if you're still happy with the 195/60R15 size and the Goodyear TT as a choice? Also, any feedback on Cooper GFE's, a new LRR tire made in both the 185/65 and 195/65 sizes?

    Many thanks for update, Dixon
     
  2. dixon

    dixon New Member

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    Very impressed by all your research. I have a 2004 Prius with 75K miles and have now missed twice on replacement tires! The OEM tires got me only 31K, Pirelli P3000's decreased MPG dramatically so switched to Goodyear Assurances CT but only got 33K. Now have to try again and would like to get it right.

    Wonder if you're still happy with the 195/60R15 size and the Goodyear TT as a choice? Also, any feedback on Cooper GFE's, a new LRR tire made in both the 185/65 and 195/65 sizes?

    Many thanks for update, Dixon
     
  3. nyprius

    nyprius Member

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    Hi Dixon,

    Thanks for your feedback!

    on the previous page of this tread, I mentioned that I replaced the 195/60 TT's with 205/60 Toyo Extensas.

    The 195/60 TT's are excellent tires. But they became noisy. I also had a slight pull to the left that couldn't be fixed with alignment. I couldn't confirm if the tires were causing the problem since you can't rotate directional tires to the other side of the car without taking them off the rims.

    So I got symmetrical, non-directional tires. As noted, the extensas are excellent. Very quiet and smooth ride. They handle well too. The TT's probably handled a little better on dry pavement. But I'm glad to give up a tiny bit of handling to get a much nicer ride.

    The 205/60 probably partly improves the ride. The taller tires provide more cushioning on bumps. The 205/60's look great on the car too.


    Wonder if you're still happy with the 195/60R15 size and the Goodyear TT as a choice? Also, any feedback on Cooper GFE's, a new LRR tire made in both the 185/65 and 195/65 sizes?

    Many thanks for update, Dixon[/QUOTE]
     
  4. Stringmike

    Stringmike New Member

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    Based largely on your original post, we opted to replace our OEM tires on my wife's 2006 Prius (at the 49,000 mile point) with 195/60/15 Michelin MXV4 Primacy. We don't see snow or much rain in Arizona, so we were mostly interested in improved handling and noise in the dry. Costco (my usual tire store) refused to install the larger tires, so we bought from Discount Tire.

    I have to say the difference in quietness, handling and road feel was astonishing - it's almost like a different car. The thumps and rumbles of the old tires have substantially gone and directional control on the freeway is much superior - we've lost that wandering feeling!

    Fuel economy has taken a slight hit. The long-term average (spring through winter) has been around 51 mpg on the computer - about 50 in real terms. After a tank and a half, we are currently showing about 46 mpg. Some of this is no doubt the winter conditions. Tire pressures are currently factory, and I plan to raise them to 40/38.

    Since most mileage of the car is on a 35-mile freeway commute, we expect no significant overall fuel impact, since the tires reportedly do a bit better under these conditions than stop/go driving.

    Thanks for your research and original post - keep up the good work!

    Mike
     
  5. Boo

    Boo Boola Boola Member

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    Hi Mike,

    My bet is that after the Michelin Primacy MXV4's have gone a few thousand miles, the decline in gas mileage will be nominal (no more than 1 mpg).

    This is because the Primacy MXV4's have excellent rolling resistance like the stock Integrities. So I think that in the long run, any loss in mpg will be due solely to the 10 mm wider treadwidth, and therefore should be nominal.

    BTW, in Consumer Reports November 2009 issue, the Michelin Primacy MXV4 is the highest rated performance all-season (H speed rating) tire:

    [​IMG] Consumer_Reports_Nov._2009_Tire_Tests-1.doc
     
  6. Stringmike

    Stringmike New Member

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    Yes, we expect some improvement in fuel economy as the tires wear in and as the weather warms up - will report back after a few more tanks.

    Even if fuel economy never increased beyond the present 46 mpg, we would still be happy since the driving experience is so much enhanced. My expectation, however, is that it will settle in to about 48 to 49.

    We also noted the Consumer Reports article, which helped validate our decision.

    Mike
     
  7. Stringmike

    Stringmike New Member

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    Checked the new tires yesterday and found all four at 33 psi - increased to 39/37 with a notable reduction in rolling resistance and little change in feel or handling.

    I wonder if anyone knows the Toyota recommended pressures for these tires in countries where they are a factory option?

    Mike
     
  8. don_chuwish

    don_chuwish Well Seasoned Member

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    I have my Primacy MXV4s at 43/41 without noticing any impact to comfort. 44 is the max on the sidewall so I'll have to keep an eye on pressure with all the wide temperature fluctuations we've been getting (20's last month, almost 60 yesterday).

    - D
     
  9. liammr2

    liammr2 New Member

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    Hi

    Do you have the 205/60s on the stock Prius wheels?

    Thank you
    Cheers, Liam
     
  10. artisticannie

    artisticannie New Member

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    THANK YOU NYPRIUS for the impressive research on tires for the prius. You've convinced me to switch to 195 tires!:D
    I have a tire question for you. First the background. Here in the Rochester NY area we get blasted with a ton of snow and ice from canada and lake effect from Lake Ontario. I can not pull out of a parking lot this week without it being freshly plowed. The traction control kicks in and I'm stuck there with absolutely no power to pull out. I wind up backing up and trying another exit with less snow. I am definitely buying winter tires this week. Currently broke since christmas broke the bank and looking for a miracle. I may have found one. Craigs list has a guy selling 4 Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5 195/60 R15 studded tires which were used only one season (he bought a larger vehicle this season). He's asking $250. I've asked him for the date of manufacture. How old is too old to safely drive on? I know that these tires can dry rot after a number of years, sometimes from the inside out. What do you or someone else out there know about tire age?
    Upon hearing from him, he may give me favorable news regarding age. I've read about them and they seem like my cup of tea. DOES ANYONE OUT THERE THINK I WILL GET TOO MUCH ROAD VIBRATION when the roads are dry this winter with these tires? I certainly do appreciate any experienced advice I might receive! Thanks ahead of time!
     
  11. nyprius

    nyprius Member

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    Hi Liam,

    The stock 6 inch Prius wheels can handle up to a 225 width tire. So it's no problem putting 205's on them.

    I've had the 205/60R15 Toyo Extensa's on the car for over 5,000 miles and I'm very happy with the handling on all road surfaces, noise and comfort. Mileage might be 2 mpg lower. But I'm glad to make that trade off for better handling and comfort.

    Cheers, Frank


     
  12. nyprius

    nyprius Member

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    Putting snow tires on will make a big difference on snow and ice. Personally, I wouldn't put on studded tires unless you're on snow and ice most of the time.

    There are many other threads about how bad the Prius is in the snow, especially when trying to go up slippery hills. The traction control stops the tires when it senses slippage. This is the last thing that should occur when trying to go up a hill. When the tires stop, the car often stops, momentum is lost and the car often cannot make it up the hill.

    The Prius can be put into a service mode to override the TC. I do this sometimes if I see a slippery hill ahead or if I try and fail to make it up a hill. Most cars have limited slip or no slip. This allows drivers to maintain momentum when going up hills.

    To override TC, stop the car, set to: ignition on ready light off, step on gas pedal three times, shift to neutral, step on gas pedal three times, shift to park, step on gas pedal three times. Warning lights come on. Set to: ready light on.

    Tires will spin based on how much the gas pedal is pressed. The tires will not stop if slippage is sensed. This makes it easier to go up slippery hills since momentum can be maintained.

    Be careful not to overspin or freely spin the wheels. Don't keep the car in this mode for longer than necessary. Once you're up the hill, shut off and restart the car. It will be back in normal mode.

    It's probably best to only use this TC override service mode in emergency situations. Overspinning the wheels might damage the Prius. But the safety of drivers and passengers is more important than the safety of cars.

    Apparently, Toyota installed something like a TC override on the Gen III Prius, probably because so many Prius owners complained about the Gen II TC creating dangerous situations (ie: slipping backwards down snowy hills, getting stuck when entering busy roads, etc).



     
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  13. CatahoulaB

    CatahoulaB Redneck Member

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    On my first tank with the Nokian WRG2's. So far it's a no brainer. Major difference right away. The decreased rolling resistance is palpable. Cornering is amazing. Again, so far seems like a no brainer on the touring model since the choices of tires in the correct size are so limited. 195/55/R16
    Haven't set the tire pressures above what the dealer set them at so I'm expecting even better mileage increase.
    Incidentally my local garage sold them for less than the on line guys listed in this post. Check pricing. The on line guys quoted me 160 with "free" shipping. My guy sold them for 138.
    I'll update later. Can't wait to see how they do in the snow.
     
  14. Elreq

    Elreq Junior Member

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    so being a complete tire novice, who bows to nyprius at this point, could someone describe to me the benifits of why i would want a 185 or 225 or any in between?

    i under stand the triple digit number is width of the tire... right?

    and the double digit number is height of the wall... right. and the taller the wall the more smooth the ride if the tire brand and make are the same right?

    so i just looked at the owners manual and it "explains" the numbers but could you answer the 2 questions what is the pro or con to changing the 3 digit number and what is the pro or con to changing the 2 digit number?
     
  15. nyprius

    nyprius Member

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    The second number in tire sizes is the ratio of tire height to width. I don't know why they don't just put the height. When people order a 4x8 foot sheet of plywood, they don't say, may I have an 8 foot by 50 percent sheet please.

    Re tire size, the key is upgrading from the Gen II OEM Integrity. Even if you stick with a 185/65R15, this will make a big difference. A wider, slightly lower tire, like the 195/60R15 will handle better. The height difference is minimal. So there should not be much of a difference in ride quality due to tire size. That would result more from tire type.

    As noted above, after putting 195/60R15 TT's on the car, I upgraded to 205/60R15 Toyo Extensas. The 205/60R15 is a little higher than the OEM, but not enough to affect the speedometer significantly. Actually, it corrects overread and makes the speedo more accurate.

    The 205/60 provides excellent handling since it's wider than the 185/65. It's also a little taller. That provides more ride comfort. I love the 205/60 Extensas. As noted, the TT's handled a little better on dry pavement. But the Extensas are much more quiet and comfortable. They're also better on snow and ice. Half way through the TT's, I knew I'd replace them with something else because they had become noisy and weren't working as well on snow as when they were new. Also, I wanted a non-directional, symmetrical tire. But I'm sure I'll put Extensas back on the car when they wear out.
     
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  16. luckyboy

    luckyboy Member

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    For some reason I am finding the 195/65R15 CHEAPER than the 185/65R15, at costco for example for the Michelin-X the 195 is $10 cheaper. Any reason I should not go with the 195? I would think gas mileage might take a hit (I know it did on my jetta going from 185/65R14 to the 195). Also, I know costco can be picking about not wanting to install non-OEM tire sizes, but the 2010s seem to come stock with 195/65R15 for a body design that is not that different than my 2007.
     
  17. vertex

    vertex Active Member

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    I just bought Michelin Primacy 4MXV in 205/60R15. My limited observation is that gas mileage is about the same (only 1 tank, and had AC on and a full load). The spedometer is now right on +/- 1 MPG from my GPS. It used to be 3 MPH fast. I went with the 205 to get the best snow traction. I get better braking, and cornering too! Hopefully, no hit on gas mileage, time will tell!
     
  18. alansanmateo

    alansanmateo New Member

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    Wow, really great info.

    Would you mind if I asked a specific question?

    It is time to change the tires on our 2007 Prius, and we want to upgrade them. We are not as concerned about MPG as we are about safety and handling and the ride:. We are willing to take a hit on MPG, but we have no desire to spend $1000 to upgrade the wheels. (We have 15-inch wheels, now) We want a simple solution that will improve the ride, handling and safety of the car without upgrading the wheels. Also, we don’t want the Prius to start “eating“ tires because the tire can’t handle the weight of the Prius. We understand that the LRR tires have a higher weight rating (though they provide a mediocre ride).

    Can you give us some suggestions?

    One local tire place recommends the following, but I am concerned the ride will be no different than the current OE tires. But maybe that is the best I can hope for, anyway.
    Continental Concept ecoplus – 80,000 mile warranty, 600 count tread, $100 per tire
    Or
    Bridgestone Ecotopia – 50,000 mile warranty, 400 count tread, $105 per tire.
    The warranty applies if you rotate every 5,000 miles (rotation is free).
    Also, $20 per tire to install and $4 per old tire to dispose.

    I'llreview your post again and see if I can understand it!! :)

    ps I live near San Francisco, so no worries about snow. But I want it to handle well in rain.
     
  19. alansanmateo

    alansanmateo New Member

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    As to the Toyos:

    An auto shop where I live has said:

    We would recommend 195-60-15"
    Yokohama AS530
    It would run $114.95 each installed
    & alignment $99.95
    I think the 205-60-15" would be too wide
    & might rub

    Thoughts anyone?????
     
  20. alansanmateo

    alansanmateo New Member

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    I am going with the Toyo Extenzas in the 205 size. If they rub, the tire place will put on a slightly smaller tire (the Eclipse from Toyo), which is supposed to be very similar.

    Both tires, according to the tire guy, should give us a noticeably nicer ride than the stock tires without a big hit on mpg.

    We will see.