Is it safe to have tires installed outside the dealership?

I think using an independent shop that is reputable is not only safe, but preferable. I never let the stealership touch my car except for warranty repairs.

 

Michelins at Costco. Good price plus free rotations, repairs and nitrogen for life.

 

After dismounting your old tires, may want to have the tire shop check your TPMS sensor batteries. Don't know how much longer than 5 years they can be expected to last.

 

Yes, of course, as long as the garage has proper equipment and competent personnel. Indeed, the technicians in a tire and wheel shop are likely to have more experience mounting and balancing tires than a dealer’s would.

Regardless of who installs them, you’ll want to be sure that new tires are of the correct size and rating, of course. If the transmitters in each tire for the tire pressure warning system (TPMS) are replaced, as is often done when new tires are installed, the ID codes for the new transmitters will need to be registered with the car’s computer. This task can be done with a Toyota Techstream diagnostic system or equivalent, but many vehicles have TPMS now, and tire installers should know what to do. I’m not aware of any other special considerations for tire replacement on Prius cars; the hybrid system doesn’t affect the process at all.

I don’t have specific tire recommendations, but if you haven’t already, you may want to review NHTSA’s TireWise website, which has general information for tire purchasers.

 

http://www.tires.com

Search for your local shop. The only place to go. They will match/beat any legitimate price, including Costco or Sam's Club.

 

You should have 205/60-16 tires, you want Low Rolling Resistance tires LRR

Yokohama BluEarth S34 - Size: P205/60R16
Bridgestone TURANZA EL400-02
Michelin ENERGY SAVER A/S

were the stock tires Toyota chose.

 

Just out of curiosity, I queried tirerack.com looking for a price on the Michelin A/S Energy Savers. They have what appears to be exactly the same tires listed twice with different prices, different by as much as $50+ a set. Anyone know any technical differences? They have exactly the same look, same ratings, same traction and heat ratings.

 

Date codes or LRR ratings may differ. Older is now cheaper, as is less LRR compliance..

 

A dedicated tire shop (I use Mavis Discount Tires) is always a good bet. As for specific replacement tires, there are numerous threads on here which discuss the pros and cons.

 

Speculation or fact?

I know Michelin has used the same marketing names for tires with differing characteristics. For my Porsche I had to do lots of research and get down to the SKU level before I could figure out which tire was N rated (a Porsche approval of construction and handling characteristics). Those were over $1100 per 4-tire set so it made a difference. You absolutely couldn't tell any difference from the marketing literature.

And to stay on the OP's topic, even on that car (with its $600+ per wheel) I had a tire dealer install and balance the tires while I watched with before pictures they knew I had taken on their lot so there could be no dispute. On my wife's Acura, they found three wheels that were not true and showed me how they were wobbling and causing unusual wear on my tires. I want tire experts and have found most will pretty much match online prices.

 

The discount priced ones usually note an old manufacture date, so I agree. N spec, TPC (Cadillac V series), BMW Star, MO Mercedes are listed on TireRack....

 

Facts. Since NHTSA came out with their tire dating and maximum age recommendations (as have numerous car manufacturers at six years max), new old stock has declined in value.Same tires produced on different dates often exhibit different LRR and tire grade characteristics (competitive upgrades occur continuously)..