New tires for 2006 Prius (owned since 8/06)???

I second the Nokian WRs. I got a new set a few months ago, and they really outperform the Integrities with out any mileage hit at all. I got one size wider 195-60R-15 that weigh about 18 lbs each, just barely more than the stock tires.

Best of all, they are Traction rated tires with a snowflake emblem that are rated for 50,000 miles and intended to be run all year long. I have not had any complaints on dry pavement with these winter tires.

 

windstrings: Which ones did you go with. Toyo Spectrum's? You don't state in your post.

 

We got our 2006 in January '06, one of the first of the new model year off the boat in Long Beach. At about 29000 miles, I ordered Michelin X-Ice from Costco (185s), and had them just do a swap and throw my old Integrities in back. When I got home, I measured the tread on the old ones and found I only have a bit maybe 5/32" left on them. When I swap them in the spring, I'll be checking them every 100-200 miles (about every two weeks). When I get below 1/8" I will either swap them for new or put the winter tires on early if I can make it until October without driving much.

The X-Ice are incredible. My CR-V with nearly new Continentals goes slipping and sliding down the alley behind my house, and I've nearly slammed into a couple trash cans or garages when I come out of the ice ruts. I was going around a slight curve on a bridge in the CR-V and nearly crashed into the guardrail from the second lane even though I was going the same speed as other traffic. Nothing like that happened with the Prius since swapping the tires. They cut through snow and hang on even when icy.

I've had nothing but great experiences with Michelins from Costco. If you have one in the area, and can get the $60 coupon that they have off and on, you can almost always get a good set for less than $100 each installed with an 80,000 mile warranty.

 

I have a 2006 Pruis since april of 2006 & have 40,000 miles on it. I rotate the tires every 10,000 miles & check air pressure every 2 weeks. I have the integrity tires on my car & they still look like new. Also i'm a very conservative driver. I guess at 81 I should be. Try & lighten up on the gas pedal & eliminate hard braking.

 

I went with the toyo spectrums...... at first I pumped them up to 56lbs each and I was not happy with the way they felt mushy as wandered at high speeds like 70 - 80mph.

So before returning them, I dropped them back down to 40psi and they seem great!.... not as tight as my near bald integrities as I was used to being able to 'dodge a dime" on the road.. now they feel like high quality passenger tires with great traction.

Very very quiet and easy over bumps rocks to give a nice ride.
As I said, the responsiveness actually improved when lowering the air pressure.. I think the deep treads must have been puckering out or something... now they have a more surefooted feel when jerking the steering wheel around or going around high speed turns.

I honestly have not felt a mph hit even after lowering the psi to 40 yet!.. I drove my typical 1 hour/50 drive to work this morning and I got 51mph final.. I was up to 53 at some points... I hit reset at the beginning of my trip as I just filled up with a full tank of gas.

 

Thank you for the follow up windstrings. It's appreciated.

 

are goodyear viva 2 sold exclusively by walmart a good buy for prius?

 

I am considering installing the new Goodyear fuel max tire on my 2006 Pruis. Has anyone out their had any of these relatively new tires installed on their car.? If so pleaselet me know.

 

I used to live in the mountains on a crushed rock gravel roads, goodyear tires were too soft and terrible about getting flats.. that softness affords a nice soft comfortable ride but probably takes miles off the longevity of the tire too.

I guess as long as it fits the application you want they will be fine.
I was dealing in light truck duty tires at the time.

I had no problem with my integrity tires and ran then down to nubbins, but I do like my Toyos better, but the ride is actually softer now than before with the integrity.. but I think thats mostly because the tread is much deeper on my new tires.

 

Funny you ask. There's this thread on them: http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-main-forum/61188-goodyear-fuel-max-great-so-far-buy-them.html

I myself will need new tires soon.

 

My 2006 had to have new tires at 23,000.. Now at 58,500 and they are telling me I need new ones again. They put Yokohamas on last time. Any suggestions for better tire with longer life? Getting frustrated with the dealers..
Definitely fell like I'm getting ripped off..

 

Read the thread link in my signature on LRR tires.