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New Tire decisions

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Gloftoe, Jun 25, 2007.

  1. Gloftoe

    Gloftoe New Member

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    We own a 2005 Prius with around 35K miles on it.

    First off, I hate my OEM Integrity tires (as to a lot of posters here, apparently). They're loud, don't grip well in the wet, and have worn down VERY prematurely (IMO). We're planning a trip from Texas to Florida this summer, and would like to get new tires before then. I'd like lower noise, better traction and wear resistance, but don't want to take a huge mileage hit. I understand that I'll probably get lower mileage over the first few thousand miles on the new tires, until they "break in."

    I _think_ I've narrowed my tire choices down to either the Goodyear Assurance ComforTread, or the Michelin Energy MXV4 Plus. I've read through a large number of the tire threads here on Priuschat, but still haven't gotten all the information I'd like.

    From what I've read, the two above listed tires do offer better traction, better tread wear, and lower road noise. How do they fare as far as gas mileage is concerned? Does anyone have these tires installed on their Prius? Or does anyone have any information on how they fare in regards to gas mileage? Thanks for any advice you can offer. :)
     
    #1 Gloftoe, Jun 25, 2007
  2. HappyPig

    HappyPig Junior Member

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    Good luck finding the Michelin Energy MXV4 Plus. Michelin discontinued them in the standard Prius size earlier this year.
     
    #2 HappyPig, Jun 25, 2007
  3. jdenenberg

    jdenenberg EE Professor

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Gloftoe @ Jun 25 2007, 02:54 PM) [snapback]467695[/snapback]</div>
    I have the MXV4+ tires on my 2004 and am happy with them (see attached Spreadsheet for MPG data). As noted they are no longer available in our 185/65HR15 size, but they are available one size up (195/65HR15). The downside is that your speedometer/odometer calibration will be thrown off a little (it will read about 3.5% slower than with the OE GYs and your MPG will also appear lower by the same amount, but not really). Another option is to get the Nokian WRs which are also LRR, better in snow and available in the standard size.

    The ComfortTreads will cost you about 3 MPGs so I don't suggest them.

    JeffD
     

    Attached Files:

    #3 jdenenberg, Jun 26, 2007
  4. TooFolkGR

    TooFolkGR New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Gloftoe @ Jun 25 2007, 02:54 PM) [snapback]467695[/snapback]</div>
    Personally? I think intentionally looking for a LRR tire is a bit overrated. I shopped all over Grand Rapids Michigan for an available Low Rolling Resistance tire to replace my LOUD, UNCOMFORTABLE, POOR-GRIPPING GY Integrities to no avail. Eventually I just fell back on what I always fell back on, and let Consumer Reports tell me what to do. I went with the Michelin X-Radial from Costco, got 4 of them installed for $354.00. The tire is fantastic. It's quiet, comfortable, and hugs the road. I was afraid I was going to lose MPG, but if I've lost any at all it's less than one MPG. And on top of that I have the tires inflated to Toyota's numbers. I'm still managing 50mpg on my mostly highway commute, and more importantly I feel safer and ride easier.
     
    #4 TooFolkGR, Jun 26, 2007
  5. priusincc

    priusincc Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TooFolkGR @ Jun 26 2007, 06:01 AM) [snapback]468204[/snapback]</div>
    I usually consult Consumers on purchases too. What size did you put on? If different than OEM, did it effect
    MPH readout?
     
    #5 priusincc, Jun 26, 2007
  6. TooFolkGR

    TooFolkGR New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(priusincc @ Jun 26 2007, 12:13 PM) [snapback]468310[/snapback]</div>
    Same size as OEM. According to my GPS, my Speedometer is about 2mph fast at 75mph. (So if it says 75 I'm going 73). You get much slower and it gets much closer to accurate. It's not a difference that bothers me. This probably means I lost a fraction of a percent MPG too, but like I said it sure isn't noticeable.
     
    #6 TooFolkGR, Jun 26, 2007
  7. priusincc

    priusincc Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TooFolkGR @ Jun 26 2007, 10:00 AM) [snapback]468351[/snapback]</div>
    Thanks for comeback. My car with OEM tires, tracks pretty close at 70MPH, as measured with highway mileage test signs. Generally, most of the cars I've had indicated a little fast like yours. Will take closer mph measurements before I get new tires. At this point, I can't justify replacing until OEM's wear out. I can live with them.
     
    #7 priusincc, Jun 26, 2007
  8. Gloftoe

    Gloftoe New Member

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    What about the Michelin Primacy MXV4s that Costco has? Would they be a better tire than the X-Radials (in regards to grip, road noise and fuel economy)?
     
    #8 Gloftoe, Jun 27, 2007
  9. lowspeed

    lowspeed Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Gloftoe @ Jun 27 2007, 06:51 PM) [snapback]469082[/snapback]</div>
    I got the Michelin Radial X from costco... it's like changing the suspension :) no kiddin.

    Much quieter comfy ride.
     
    #9 lowspeed, Jun 27, 2007
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