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Buying Winter Tires, Spare Donut Tire for PIP

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by EcoJill, Jul 5, 2014.

  1. EcoJill

    EcoJill Junior Member

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    I'm traveling through Canada in Oct. / Nov. and need to purchase winter tires. Also would like a spare donut tire. Any recommendations? I've lived in a climate where we don't even think about winter tires!
     
    #1 EcoJill, Jul 5, 2014
  2. GregP507

    GregP507 Senior Member

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    Maybe give a thought to whether you want to be changing a tire in 30 below zero weather. I'd get roadside service if I were you.
     
    #2 GregP507, Jul 5, 2014
  3. 2k1Toaster

    2k1Toaster Brand New Prius Batteries

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    Michelin X-ICE2 were the best until Michelin X-ICE3 came out. And by best, I mean best winter tire that is non-studded and easily available at one of a bagillion tire stores.

    The more concerning factor may be your lack of winter driving training. I highly suggest you find a parking lot with snow/ice immediately on arrival or even a gravel rally track area and whip the car around to see how it feels. You don't want to learn how to get out of a spin/skid as it is happening...
     
    #3 2k1Toaster, Jul 5, 2014
  4. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

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    Get a set of steel wheels for the winter tires and keep one of the OEM wheels and tire as the spare.

    Then, you can forget the donut, which is not as good as a full size spare.
     
    #4 Mike500, Jul 5, 2014
  5. GregP507

    GregP507 Senior Member

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    As for winter driving skills, the best advice I can offer; if you know how to roller-skate, it's kinda like that.
     
    #5 GregP507, Jul 5, 2014
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Regarding steel rims there's a corolla rim that's a good fit.
     
    #6 Mendel Leisk, Jul 5, 2014
  7. EcoJill

    EcoJill Junior Member

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    Thanks everyone. I'll take a look for the Michelin's. I've had good success with there regular ones in the past.
    I do have Roadside service but it's not much use if you don't have a spare. The one irritation with the PIP, IMHO, since I had two flats in the first 5000 miles. So won't go on a long trip without a spare of some kind.
    And I grew up in New England, so snow driving is second nature to me. :) but thanks for your concerns.
    And since this is a fairly leisurely trip, I don't plan on heading out in any snowstorms. I do want to be prepared for the mountain passes though with good tires.

    @GregP507 - should I expect snow in Calgary in late October?
     
    #7 EcoJill, Jul 6, 2014
  8. GregP507

    GregP507 Senior Member

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    #8 GregP507, Jul 6, 2014
    Last edited: Jul 6, 2014
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