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BIGGER tires for my 2010 Prius???

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by White-Wagon, Mar 9, 2011.

  1. White-Wagon

    White-Wagon New Member

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    I live in a community/environment where potholes are everywhere and they are REALLY REALLY bad. The potholes here take out suspensions, front bumpers, rims, tires and various other expensive car parts. :scared: :help:

    I want to keep my new Prius safe or at least somewhat safe from these car-killers. I know what your thinking... "just swerve around them"... Come here. Drive for a week. Swerving is not an option. They are everywhere and I hit tens to hundreds a day. They are a foot to several feet in diameter, and usually at least over 6 inches deep.

    There is a large gap between the tire tread and the body side molding of my prius, I would assume there is plenty of room there for a larger sidewall tire. I would want to put on bigger tires and have them slightly under pressure, causing a smoother ride and less of a daily beating to my Prius.

    I know this would significantly decrease my mileage, but to pro-long the life of the car, it would be worth the sacrifice to me. What are my options here? Is this a good option? Please give me your opinion.

    I know there are specific tires made for the Prius. Help me decide if bigger tires, in my case, is a sustainable solution.

    Thanks!!!!:D
     
    #1 White-Wagon, Mar 9, 2011
  2. andino

    andino Senior Member

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    You can just upsize the sidewall to 70 or 75 i guess. You'd throw the speedo off a bit though
     
    #2 andino, Mar 10, 2011
  3. Kentwang

    Kentwang Junior Member

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    Last week my friend told me, at Costco, if you try to buy tires those are not to the spec of the vehicle, they will not do it.
     
    #3 Kentwang, Mar 11, 2011
    apt5020 likes this.
  4. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    I also heard that, but I've successfully had Costco install lower profile tires on a previous car. Most likely it depends on who you talk to, just like how some dealers are willing to disable the reverse beeping/seat belt chimes whereas others won't.
     
    #4 32kcolors, Mar 11, 2011
  5. nickfromny

    nickfromny Member since 2007

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    09 Touring came with 16" wheels and that resulted in a shorter sidewalled tire. You could buy 14" wheels and match tires to stock height. That is what Toyota does on its tundra rock warrior tires/wheels. Street wheels are 20" while rock warrior wheels are 16" tire sidewall height is much bigger to absorb the hits the off road rock warrior will incounter. Use Tire Racks software to put together the wheel/tire combo that will do what you want.
     
    #5 nickfromny, Mar 11, 2011
  6. SlowTurd

    SlowTurd I LIKE PRIUS'S

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    [​IMG]
     
    #6 SlowTurd, Mar 11, 2011
  7. HI MPG

    HI MPG Active Member

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    ^^ On man, that looks intense!
     
    #7 HI MPG, Mar 11, 2011
  8. Red_Prii

    Red_Prii Junior Member

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    2010 Prius Two
    Replaced stock 15's ( 195/65/r15 tires ) with 16" steelies ( 205/60r16 tires) Michelin Defenders.

    MPG dash readout went from 53.8mpg to 52.1mpg

    No rub issues even at full turn lock. Overall car height lifted about 1.2 inches. Acceleration requires slightly more pedal depress, but not bad at all. Stopping also requires slightly more depressing, but not bad at all. No major noise change. No major handling changes during normal driving.

    Stock 15" wheel & tire weight: 32.3 lbs.
    New 16" wheel & tire weight: 43.9 lbs.
     
    #8 Red_Prii, Aug 21, 2017
  9. douglasjre

    douglasjre Senior Member

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    Smart idea. My low profile tires result in bottoming out more than I'd like. Good thinking for your situation
     
    #9 douglasjre, Sep 4, 2017
  10. Red_Prii

    Red_Prii Junior Member

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    My new sidewall height is the same as the original 195/65/r15.
     
    #10 Red_Prii, Sep 5, 2017
  11. Red_Prii

    Red_Prii Junior Member

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    MISTAKE: Overall height went up "0.5" inches. NOT 1.2 inches.
     
    #11 Red_Prii, Sep 5, 2017
  12. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Yeah, same tire height (sounded plausible) and a 1" increase in rim dia, 1/2" is what I was thinking.

    Now your pot holes are a mere 5.5" deep. ;)

    Complain to your city? Get a Wrangler? (n)

    Maybe if car owners started suing them for damage??
     
    #12 Mendel Leisk, Sep 5, 2017
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