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URGENT Need new tires for my 2010 Prius and need help!

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by TheGrayt1, Jan 6, 2021.

  1. TheGrayt1

    TheGrayt1 Junior Member

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    Five
    Got a nail in one of my tires and it cannot be patched and I prob needed new tires before this event so need to make a quick decision.

    Money is a bit tight but I can get these Michelins for $390 out the door installed from Discount Tire on a price match.

    https://tires.costco.com/Product?ItemNo=1142088&tirename=michelin-defender-t-+-h&partno=08771&width=195&aspect=65&rim=15

    What are your thoughts on these or are there any better tires I could look for under that price point? Also how is gas mielage with these tires?
     
  2. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    I had Michelin Harmonies on my old Gen 1 and liked them a lot. When those were phased out I got Defenders, and liked those, but they seemed to be noisier.

    On my Gen 3, last time I changed tires I went to General Altimax RT43 and they're great. Bought a set for a family member's Gen 2 also.
     
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Where’s the nail? In tread, and if so how close to edge? Goes in straight, or? Did someone say it can’t be patched, or your call? Reason?
     
  4. Merkey

    Merkey Active Member

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    It's a very good tire. I'm surprised Discount Tire would match Costco's price. Costco includes free life of the tire rotation and balance.
     
  5. TheGrayt1

    TheGrayt1 Junior Member

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    Yes I am shocked Discount matched the price as well and Discount is including road hazard rotations and balancing as well.

    I do not keep cars super long so there is another option for cheap no name brand China tires for $230 installed out the door. They are only 40k miles tires as opposed to the Michelins that are 80k mile but there is no way I will have the car that long. How decent are the no name China tires these days?
     
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Also how much tread depth is left?

    Or you’re set on replacement? If so, I would get Costco’s Michelin X-Tours instead of the Defenders you linked. They are the same tire, just rebadged, and a bit cheaper.

    Hang onto your old valve caps when you go in, if you’re not a fan of green caps. ;)
     
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  7. TheGrayt1

    TheGrayt1 Junior Member

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    They are old tires only 3/32 left I think that is why they would not patch
     
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  8. StarCaller

    StarCaller Senior Member

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    did your mileage take a hit?
     
  9. kc5dlo

    kc5dlo Active Member

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    I am on my third set of defenders. I have got long life out of them. The manager at Discount matched the price I gave them from another store and he matched it without even verifying.
     
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  10. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Not that I noticed. But mine varies enough to kind of discourage tracking it obsessively.
     
  11. Merkey

    Merkey Active Member

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    Check tirerack.com for info on more tires.
     
  12. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    I probably shouldn't even post this ........since I don't have access to the car or the records for a few days.............
    I just replaced the tires on my C.
    I got ones rated high on the LRR chart and overall "score".
    I don't really like them.
    They have 3 or 4 wide, deep channels between the treads. This results in them picking up more debris, rocks I assume, than my old tires.
    That also cuts down on the amount of "rubber on the road" and they tend to wander a bit in the wind.
    Ectopia maybe ??
     
  13. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    That would be a great name for tires with a tendency to do that.
     
  14. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Sounds like Ecopia EP422 Plus. There’s a Mexican, US AND Japanese iteration of this tire. Each has unique tread pattern, number of rows varies, wear index, dimensions and on and on. IIRC the US made version is the less rows and bigger gaps. Someone posted here they managed to get 2 US and 2 Mexican (front and rear axles).

    All of this made me turn my back on this tire.

    I might go for EP20, if available, only one version afaik, and good for low rolling resistance. But overall a mediocre tire, not good in ANY amount of snow, and gets quite noisy when worn.
     
  15. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    Yes, that's it. I wouldn't get them again.