Mileage hit with snow tires?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(terri @ Aug 22 2006, 05:57 PM) [snapback]307823[/snapback]</div>

Hi Terri,

The Integrities aren't the horror show some lead you to believe. What they are are mediocre and a summer tire. Snows are best for snow, not average summer tires.

The first month we had our Prius I went out in a spring snow storm. Driving conditions don't get any worse than that storm. Long story made short, if you can drive on snow and ice the integrities will work, but they would be far from my first choice. We live on a fairly long, steep hill that under those conditions generally requires a 4x4. The Integrities got the car up the hill first try.

FWIW, the next winter, we put a set of Dunlop Graspic DS-2s on the car. Except for snow depth, our Prius is every bit as sure footed and "go anywhere" as my 4x4. Long Island? I probably wouldn't bother with snow tires, especially if you're near the water. Just my opinion.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Brian K @ Aug 22 2006, 07:16 PM) [snapback]307870[/snapback]</div>

OK...now I am tempted to try....

Will check with my mechanic again...after all, he lives .6 mile from me and knows the area and conditions....

I live two blocks from the water.

terri

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(terri @ Aug 22 2006, 09:46 AM) [snapback]307487[/snapback]</div>

Terri

I should have expounded on that: the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) lets you know if you have low air pressure in one of the tires. By itself it has no influence on fuel economy, though incorrect air pressure will have an effect on fuel economy.

If you have all the work done at your dealer, then everything should be fine. I don't know anything about the Prius TPMS as I have a 2004 Prius. Apparently the sensor is in the valve stem itself, and at least one forum member has commented on how an independent tire shop broke the sensor

I prefer steel wheels for winter as Manitoba Highway Department and the City of Winnipeg do use salt, though nowhere near the amount that is used in Minnesota or Ontario. Nice aluminum wheels don't stay nice very long with road salt on them. The steel wheels are easy to keep nice, just get a spray bomb of Tremclad Black every two years and spray over the rust.

I also prefer to change over to winter tires myself. With the winter tires on their own steel wheels, the changover is a piece of cake, usually 20 mins for me.

jay

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jayman @ Aug 22 2006, 09:22 PM) [snapback]307946[/snapback]</div>

I wish! I do have my information printed out and am taking it with me to Toyota Service Department today....

So, then, I have the TPMS in my06....Learning so much!!

Thank you!

terri

 

I don't have snow tires for my Prius yet, but I will probably be ordering them soon. For the past several years I have used Michelin Artic Alpins and been very happy with them.

I also had mine mounted on steel wheels. Since my husband used to autocross and would change into race tires after driving to the race site, he can change a full set amazingly fast. I know how to do it, but he is so fast I just let him