Best Tires For So. FL For Wear Without Milege loss

I replaced my Integrities with Goodyear Comfortreds, but then saw a 5 MPG hit. I returned them for a set of Goodyear Regatta 2's and have been happy. The MPG is the same as my Integrities and they are listed as a low rolling resistance tire.

 

I replaced my Integrities with Goodyear Comfortreds, but then saw a 5 MPG hit. I returned them for a set of Goodyear Regatta 2's and have been happy. The MPG is the same as my Integrities and they are listed as a low rolling resistance tire.

 

Just as a suggestion, you might try a site like TireRack to help you find something that fits your needs. Consumer Reports also does annual tire comparisons. There have been many tire threads here over the years, but I'll be charitable and say they're not necessarily objective.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Walker1 @ 2007 09 17 20:27) [snapback]514115[/snapback]</div>

No, I haven't. But I'd place road noise and rolling resistance (MPG) below traction and braking. And, given our locations, what works for me isn't necessarily going to work for you. I need something that will handle heavy rain and the occasional wet snowfall. For me, I think the choice is between the HydroEdge and the TripleTread.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Walker1 @ Sep 17 2007, 10:27 PM) [snapback]514115[/snapback]</div>

I haven't replace the tires on the Prius but I have on my VW TDI. The TDI came with a Michelin Energy low rolling resistance tires that lasted about 40K miles and the car got 50 mpg highway. These tires had poor wet traction and snow traction.

I replaced them with Falken Ziex 512 High Performance All-Season tires priced at $40 each from EdgeRacing.com I am on my 3rd set as they last about 35K miles. The last set cost me $256 for tires, shipping, mount / balance and new valve stems. The car still gets 50 mpg highway.

I would rate them as follows:
Dry Traction: Good
Wet Traction: Excellent
Snow Traction: Fair
Noise: Good
Wear: Excellent (For a performance tire)

I personally don't buy tires that last more than about 40K miles because they don't have enough traction. Your tire is the only thing that connects your car to the road and to me this is not an area to try to save a few bucks. (My motorcycle tires only last 5K miles and cost $350 / set mounted)

 

Florida roads are really hard on tires because they used to mix seashells into the asphault. Extremely abrasive. There's still alot of those road surfaces around. Tires really wear out quick down here. I don't think I've ever gotten more than 35k out of a set without them getting scary since I've moved down here. I'm leaning towards the Goodyear Comfort Treads when I replace.

 

Replaced the OEM's with Goodyear Comfortreds from Tire Rack at 15,000 miles. Initially took a 2 MPG hit that went away as they broke in. I keep my PSI at 38/40.

The Comfortreds are smoother, quieter and much better in the rain than the OEM's and look like new after 20,000 miles on them.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Walker1 @ Sep 19 2007, 08:13 AM) [snapback]514750[/snapback]</div>

We obviously have different criteria for tires. I will gladly pay more for a tire that has more traction even if the tire life is shorter. I have not shopped Tire Kingdom. I have purchased from tirerack.com and edgeracing.com with positive results from both.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Walker1 @ Sep 7 2007, 12:06 AM) [snapback]508370[/snapback]</div>

Hey, I'm in WPB too. My prius is 2 days old today... Where'd you get yours? If you got it from Earl Stewart, they give you free tires as long as you get your service done there (oil changes/rotations).

 

I recently replaced my stock tires with the Bridgestone Potenza G-009 Performance tires. $70 a tire and they are speed rated with a 50K warranty. After a trip to Northern Cal and another to Tacoma from the Portland area. My mileage seems to be a little better and the grip in the rain has been phenomenal.

In the Pacific Northwest having a good grip in the rain is essential for tires and drivers.....

I chose these tires based on the Tire Rack comparisons and the fact that every low rolling resistance branded tire seemed to have stopping problems in wet and icy conditions. You don't want to drive SR14 with tires that slip in the rain! 1000 foot drop offs, lumber trucks, and rock walls can hurt.

I remember the Florida roads, and the same types of problems occurred in Arizona. Go with an H speed rated tire and you won't have as much to worry about with the heat. Stay away from the cheaper soft tires they tend to get chewed up by the hot pavement. I would stay above the 8.0 rating for tread wear.

I hope that this helps!

PS Watch out for the gators and possums! They are hard on the tires! B)