Should I get the extended warranty added to my tires?

Well if you're already at a tire store buying tires you're paying too much and what have you already so maybe having the added insurance maybe good choice for you

 

A tire gauge might be a better investment.

Extended warranties and road hazard coverage, like most other insurance, are sold to make an underwriting profit; that is, the issuer expects to pay out less in claims and administrative expenses than they collect in premiums. If you can afford to self-insure instead—to pay for losses yourself, as they occur—then buying insurance, on average, tends to be a poor deal.

One exception is when adverse selection works in your favor, if you know that your risk is greater than has been priced into the premium. If much of your driving is at places and times where there’s more road debris than usual, for example, so you’re more likely to get the promised free replacement tire, it might well be worth your while to buy the coverage—but as always, read the fine print carefully.

 

You tire didn't lose pressure due to overinflation... And the #1 cause of bad MPG is tire underinflation... All tire stores and tire makers reccomend an underinflated tire pressure. Those of use who have experimented with higher tire pressure prefer 46psi in front and 44psi in rear.

 

Agree with some of the information here -- and disagree with some -- but don't feel up to debating it,

I will mention that I tried many of the recommended by users tire pressure suggestions and finally settled on the good old specs from the factory as stated on the inside of the driver door. Higher pressure gave too harsh of a ride,
kris

 

Like Kris, my experiences are similar.

I agree 100% with this statement, but it needs qualification. Most people are underinflated because they fail to regularly maintain their tire pressures at the manufacturer's recommendation–across the board–Toyota or other makes; Prius or other models.

I am one of "those", like Kris, that experimented and found that running higher pressures made no significant difference to fuel economy. I will also note the ride was harsher. Most people that do think it makes a difference are suffering placebo effect. If you document fuel economy over the long term and note tire pressures, the evidence will answer the questions.

There are many better reasons not to overinflate tires.

 

Ah, tried to stay nonconfrontational, but, I saw no improvement in mpg either with the various higher psi settings...just more chattering of my teeth.
Kris

 

Lol, you claim you added tire pressure, but not how much tire pressure? Then you conclude that all increased tire pressure must not increase MPG? How much PSI did you add? like 2psi?

How much you wanna bet that the next thing you're gonna suggest is that the steel belts inside the tire have no effect in keeping the tread surface flat and all tires inflate like balloons as if steel belts are magically no thicker and just as pliable as balloon latex, because that's what the scammer who sold you over-priced tires told you and if you over-inflate you'll magically have uneven tire wear right?

 

No over run the 44 and 47 on AutoX cars in the old Celica club days . I've tried in the 42 range on front 38 or so in rear . My Gen2 no matter what is 47 to 54 mpg . So no issues My gen 3 no matter pressures is getting 37 if I'm lucky according to the car . It's old lady car I no drive it . No really like . The Gen2 gets all miles . Gen3 hauls ole lady to work n sits no codes nothing orange in tec stream .

 

I'm at 43 front, 42 rear...I might try this, thanks! : )

 

Those are auto X pressures for parking lot cone races . Used to run all time on rwd Celicas.

 

I knew I should not dip my foot into this, but yeah, sometimes Kris cannot resist poking the hornet nest.

This is my tale, believe it, dismiss it or even diss it, at this point in my life, meh.

Some 14 years ago I got my shiny new Gen II Prius, which I could have have in any color as long as it was red. I was excited about the new car, the gas savings, etc. I found PriusChat. Found folks saying increasing tire pressure could increase MPG -- cool, I am all in for that,

Lots of folks, most of them long gone, posting about the tire pressure that gave the best MPG. I was drawn in and started varying the PSI and keeping track of the outcome.

Don't ask me the details -- do you remember where you where in 2009

But, I think I did do a great job of keeping track, etc. Higher PSI FOR ME did not increase MPG.

But some research says it does and that was no secret and had been a bit of common knowledge as I found out in this great journey.

The thing is, increased PSI means more tire wear, so you lose some of the tire life. It also affects a number of other things, a couple of them safety related and most of which I don't remember but are mostly detailed in a number of Web sites. I do remember a number of researched papers that basically said don't change.

Finally, as mentioned the increased pressure resulted in a harsh ride and the Prius is sort of an ECONOBOX anyway, so...

I went back to the factory specs -- Toyota did the research (I hope), they found the sweet spot between ride, MPG, tire life, etc. The rest of us -

So, yeah. You are smarter than a Toyota engineer and MIGHT eek a few extra MPG out of your tire by boosting PSI, but you are missing the rest of the story.

Not going to debate this any further. I have learned time and life is precious and I have other things to do -- but if you want to be safe, be thrifty, go with the the factory specs -- in my opinion,

And, yeah, Priuscamper, while I can't say what psi, I know there were a few that were above two PSI.
Kris