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Why Are Tires So Hard To Replace For The Prime?

Discussion in 'Gen 5 Prius Main Forum' started by FarTraveler, Jul 27, 2024 at 1:17 PM.

  1. FarTraveler

    FarTraveler New Member

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    2023 Prius Prime
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    SE
    I got my new Prius Prime in October last year and so far I've had to replace two tires. Getting the new tires was extremely difficult as not only did most of the Toyota dealerships not have the tire in the required size, but most tire dealerships didn't have the proper tires either. For over nine years before getting the Prius Prime I was driving a Prius Plug In which I got in 2014 and I never had any trouble locating replacement tires for that car whenever I needed them but it can be impossibly hard to find the proper tires for the Prime, why is that?
     
    #1 FarTraveler, Jul 27, 2024 at 1:17 PM
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Plug-in Base
    plug in had standard tyres you could buy anywhere.
    toyota realized their mistake, and like the 12 volt battery, came up with oddball tyres. but even the dealers can't get them!
     
    #2 bisco, Jul 27, 2024 at 1:24 PM
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    All 5th gens are in the same boat, with odd tire sizes. Too, tire diameter seems excessive for what was a relatively straightforward, fuel efficient vehicle.
     
    #3 Mendel Leisk, Jul 27, 2024 at 1:33 PM
  4. tovli

    tovli 2023 Prius Prime replaced 09 Prius

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    XSE
    I bought a spare for $172 free shipping from tirerack.com just for that reason.
     
    #4 tovli, Jul 27, 2024 at 3:42 PM
  5. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    it's not just plugins or even hybrids.

    Lots of new cars use uncommon tire sizes, for a wide variety of reasons. Tire manufacturers don't exactly discourage this because it increases their chance of being an exclusive supplier for a given size, which translates to higher profits.
     
    #5 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Jul 27, 2024 at 4:11 PM
  6. Blackat

    Blackat Member

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    Not a problem for me. 225/55/17- FTW!
     
    #6 Blackat, Jul 27, 2024 at 5:16 PM
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