09 Touring Tire replacements

This is a summer tire. I have this on my two Prius.
Product Details: Ecopia EP100

This is an all-season tire, in case you feel like occasionally visiting Lake Tahoe or other similar areas in the winter.
Product Details: Ecopia EP422

 

Ummm who measured your tread? Get it measured by 1 or 2 other ppl. Tire tread is very subjective and I seriously doubt you need new tires at <30k miles.

At 15k miles, the dealer said my tread was 5/32", at 20k miles Firestone said my tread was 8/32", and at 25k miles the dealer said I'm at 6/32".

 

Some new tires have higher rolling resistance so mpg declines for a while. This was not a problem with the Ecopia tires, mpg was in low 50's in the fall and now in the high 40's during the winter.

 

I see. "Recommended" is the key word. Dealers recommend a lot of things all the time. In fact they might be desensitized to the fact that these things actually cost us, customers, money.

You can usually tell when you need new tires, they will feel and look pretty bald when you run your fingers across them.

For me it's weird to get new tires unless I've hit a nail, damaged a sidewall, or they're noticibly bald, etc. Anyways a tire place, another dealer, or perhaps just a different service tech will tell you if you really need a new set. I also suggest you do the penny trick yourself. Tires are not cheap and you don't want to go cheap on tires either, so yeah, its worth a second opinion.

 

Tire Rack published a nice comparison of several LRR (Low Rolling Resistance) tires, tested on a Prius, in August 2009:
When Round and Black Becomes Lean and Green

 

Hey guys, guess what! For my 30k mile inspection, they marked my tread as 8/32." I guess tire treads grow over time!

I literally have proof that these Toyota techs are idiots! (In case you were on the fence with them) LOL.

 

I second Patrick's recommendations. The EP100 is a great tire at a great price. The only comparable tire in that price range is the Goodyear Fuel Max. If you can wait for a bit, Costco and Tire Rack regularly have sales on the Bridgestone and Michelin tires. It's usually a $70 rebate. That is like 1 free tire.

 

Model: 17518
Item #: 340019

• Summer Touring Original Equipment MICHELIN® Energy™ Saver tires are designed as original equipment on European touring sedans.

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$174.42
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• Description
• Specifications
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Description



Luxury Performance Touring Summer Tires

Features and Benefits:

• Go Farther with Each Tank of Gas
• EnergySaver Construction™ helps deliver excellent fuel efficiency by requiring less effort from your engine Up to 10 feet Shorter Stopping in Wet Conditions*
• The Durable Security Compound improves wet braking, not only when the tire is new, but also when it is worn Eco-friendly, MICHELIN® Green-X® tire
• Michelin's promise that you receive a level of energy efficiency among the highest in the market and reduce CO2 emissions while maintaining all the legendary Michelin advantages of long wear, safety and other performances

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Specifications

• Tire Size: 195/55R16
• Service Description: 87V
• Sidewall: BSW Black Sidewall
• Material Number or MSPN: 17518
• Rim Width (min. to max.): 5.5 - 7.0
• Section Width: 7.9 on 6.0
• Overall Diameter: 24.4
• Tread Depth (32nds): 9.5
• RPM: 852
• Max Load: 1201@51
  UTQG Rating:
• Treadwear: 400
• Traction: A
• Temperature: A