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Low Rolling Resistance replacement tires: Current List

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Fuel Economy' started by F8L, Apr 17, 2011.

  1. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Made some updates. I have to work now so I'll add more later this evening. I didn't mean to leave the non-U.S.A. tire size out. Just ran out of time. :)
     
  2. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    It would be helpful if the 215/45-17 LLR tires are listed as containing a rim protector or not. That's my requirement for any replacement tires. All the 17" OEM tires feature raised rim protectors. Not only they help prevent curb rash that plaques so many 15" wheel Prius, they look cool.
     
  3. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    I agree. I like the protectors. They simply look nicer. My Nokian i3s had them but the dB Super E-Spec didn't. I never curb my rims but it's nice to have. I'll work on that as well. :) I'll also work on a cleaner format to make the page easier to read.
     
  4. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    Does it have the raised rim protector? Know if the Primacy has it as well?
     
  5. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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  6. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    How would you know this? Whether or not it has rim protector is totally size dependent. Someone would need to verify this specifically on the 215/45-17 size.
     
  7. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    How do you figure it is size depended? Please link me to a source so I can make changes. My Nokian i3 had what I would consider a rim protector (a ridge of rubber that sticks out beyond the rim) and it was a 15" tire. I cannot say for sure that the Pilot doesn't have one. I'm just going by the pictures. :) I'm trying to be helpful but some of these specifics will have to be further researched by the buyer. I don't have time to call every manufacturer to verify.

    Rim Protectors

    More
     
  8. billnchristy

    billnchristy Active Member

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    My wife just had the Primacy MXV4s put on our car. I can't wait to drive it and oh would you look at that? I have a 130mi one way trip to make tomorrow!!

    Glad to be rid of the Yokos.
     
  9. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    I don't have a source, but I do know it's size dependent. Case in point, we know that the Bridgestone Turanza EL400-02 in the 215/45-17 size has raised rim protector, yet the hi resolution photos on Tirerack do not show the rim protector.
     
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  10. SuperchargedMR2

    SuperchargedMR2 Diehard Rams Fan

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    The 205/50R17 should also be listed as it will work well with the Prius & give slightly better mpg than the wider 215/45R17. :) And for 16" wheels the 205/55R16 will be a good fit for Gen III cars.
     
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  11. firemechanic

    firemechanic Junior Member

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    I just put these (Michelin Primacy MXM4 215/45 R17) on my prius and can say that they do have the rim protector.

    Just checked my photo album and you can see it in the pics.
     
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  12. fess-it

    fess-it Junior Member

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  13. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Updated 06/11/2011
     
  14. MZA

    MZA New Member

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    I was looking for a replacement tire for my 2010 prius (195/65r15). I want a high mileage warranty and keep my 50mpg range. I was talked into buying the Michelin Weatherwise II (same as X-Radial, from what I've heard) from Sears; they said it shouldn't afffect my mileage. Well, my mileage around town is about 43mpg (from 48-50) and my highway mpg is about 46/47 (compared to 49-51mpg). Wth? Can anyone tell me if that's at all normal, or if they're completely garbage tires for the prius. I'm going to get a pressure guage tomorrow to make sure they are at Spec. (which is what I always ran my Yokohama avid S33 tires at. - 35f/33r).

    PLEASE help me out.. If this is NOT normal at all, I'm going to return these tires using the Michelin Promise 30-day return.

    Thanks for any help.
     
  15. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Unfortunately those are not a LRR tire but they are a high mileage tire and probably work very well in rain and snow. There are other alternatives but if you paid very little for the tire (under $60/ea.) then you may end up with an overall savings vs. a more expensive but shorter lived tire. Also keep in mind that your tires are not likely broke in and new tires nearly always drop your MPG some until they wear in after approx. 500-1500 miles.

    Living in Sacratomato I would suggest returning those tires and getting something off my list. You'll get better MPG and if you choose one with a high UTQG rating you will save money by not having to replace tires soon. I work in Auburn so I sometimes have to drive in light snow and I always drive in heavy rains during the winter and my grand touring summer tires worked great so you don't necessarily need an all-season tire around here. That opens up your options a bit.

    I'd suggest chosing one of the following tires for our area.:

    Michelin Energy Saver A/S (All Season)
    UTQG=480A B, 44PSI, 9/32, 18LBS, 832, $101

    Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max (All Season)
    UTQG=580 A A, 51PSI, 10/32, 18LBS, 836, $90

    Continental ProContact with eco Plus (All Season)
    UQTG=600 A B, 44PSI, 11/32, 17LBS, 831, $75

    Bridgeston Ecopia EP100 (Summer Tire)
    UTQG=400 A B, 44PSI, 10/32, 19LBS, 833, $86

    Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 (All Season)
    UTQG=400 A A, 44PSI, 10/32, 18LBS, 833, $94

    Yokohama dB Super E-Spec (Summer Tire, uses 80% less petroleum for production)
    UTQG=460 A A, 44PSI, 10/32, 19LBS, 831, $126

    Nokian eNTYR (All Season)
    UTQG=700 A A, 18.7lbs, 11/32, 831, $116 (Tiresbyweb.com)

    Kumho eco Solus HM KR22 (All Season 100,000 mile warranty)
    UTQG= 800 A B, 44PSI, 11/32, 20LBS, 834, $77
     
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  16. vidoprof

    vidoprof New Member

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    So what 18" tire would give me the least amount of gap in the fender well and still be a really good long lasting tire. Don't need snow as I live in FL..

    Also I would love for them to be a little less expensive if possible. :)

    Thanks for all the information F8L and everyone.. it really helps.

    Thanks
    Ryan
     
  17. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    My initial thoughts are a 225/40/18 and the Continental Extreme Contact DWS tire. I'll do more research tomorrow though.
     
  18. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    F8L, if it's not too much trouble, could you add to your list indicating if a tire in a specific size has a rim protector as well as what type?

    So far, we know Michelin Primacy and Pilot in the 215/45-17 size have the raised rim protector.

    215/45-17 Continental DWS is confirmed to lack a rim protector. I'm curious if the Continental ContiProContact in this size is also the same way.
     
  19. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Sure thing. I'll do that this evening. :)
     
  20. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    Our 2004 has hydroedge's - and they have almost 100,000 miles on them now. Unbelievable & unheard of wear (Then again, we who strive to optimize mpg's are not exactly diving into hard turns at the last second). I note several of the low rolling resistance tire formulas are NOT rated as "high performance" as our hybrid SUV Lexus requires. I'd LOVE a set of hydroedges on the 400h, but costco says their not rated for it . . . BUMMER. I'll have to settle for another formula ... maybe the ecopia's. :eek:hwell: