The Gazillionth tire question please!

Firstly, I would go with the wider 195/60/15 size. I think the wider width tread alone will get you better handling and more importantly, IMO, better/shorter braking distances. The braking distances of the Standard Prius with the stock Integrities are subpar or below average (it ranks only in the 30th percentile of Consumer Reports' road tests of around 270 current model cars). When Consumer Reports road tested the Touring Edition with its wider (and bigger) 195 tires, the 60-0 braking distances were 10 feet shorter dry and 12 feet shorter wet. I think all or most of that is due to the wider tires.

Secondly, I think it's basically a toss-up between the TTs and the HEs. You won't go wrong with either one. But note that both Consumer Reports and TireRack rate the TTs higher than the HEs. Here are the TireRack road test report and road test charts of the tires:

Comparing Our Top-Rated Passenger All-Season Tires

Comparing Our Top-Rated Passenger All-Season Tires

 

I chose the TTs based on the Snow/Ice ratings on TireRack. That was enough for me but you can't go wrong with either one.

 

Shouldn't be a problem. I could only find the TTs in 195 so that's what I have on my OEM rims. Mine were done at Sears but be aware that some places (like Costco) will only mount OEM size tires. My feeling is that MOST places won't give you a hard time about it though.

 

Boo,

I see you are driving the GY triple tread tires. Whats has your experience been with them as far as MPG, road noise, traction etc?

 

Outside North America 195 - 60 15 or 195 - 55 16 are stock fitment. I'm happy with my standard Michelin Energy XM1 tyres and will be replacing them with Energy XM1+ soon after 85,000km which I find impressive on our roads.

 

I love them. My Prius is the third car I've put them on. I notice greatly improved traction and handling in all conditions.

But as to MPG, road noise, ride comfort, etc. --- I wouldn't know ... I don't pay enough attention to that stuff.

 

When I put on the TTs I noticed increased comfort in that the car felt more sure footed. They do have a higher rolling resistance which is noticeable and I took a mileage hit (maybe -5 mpg) for the first couple K. It's hard to judge because I purchased them in the fall as the temp was dropping so it's unclear what was causing the hit (tires or temp) but I would expect a short term drop.
I did not notice any increase in noise but other might. It certainly shouldn't be a deal breaker. I can't give you any reason NOT to buy them unless money is an issue. You can certainly find cheaper tires but I feel they are important enough to justify the cost. Oh, and an added perk...they look pretty sweet too

 

Has anyone tried the Hankook Mileage plus II tires? They get real good reviews and are priced a little lower than some of the big names. Goodrich Traction T/A gets good numbers at Tire Rack, any opinions out there?

 

Goodyear won't put the wider tire on 15" wheels. I tried to do a new tire swap with the 195/60-15 comfortreds, and the Goodyear manager said he couldn't--it wasn't in the Prius spec. They will only do 185/65-15.
If you've worn the Integritys down, it's a simple matter to buy the wider Goodyears at Tirerack, and have them installed locally at one of their non-Goodyear outlets. You will have to reprogram? the tire pressure readout, I guess.

 

opcorn:

 

I just changed to the Michelin X Radials (Sam's club in my case) and the difference is amazing! Much better ride with less noise and better grip. I choose based on consumer reports testing which put these over the Hydroedge. Hope this helps! I changed at 3,000 miles. The Integrity tires are junk in my opininon.

 

I am looking at the new cooper tire cs4 touring t. anyone have an opinion on these

 

Did he explain what "doesn't work"? Does he refuse to mount tires larger than the OEM size? If you really want the TTs you could always go somewhere else. There are several people here rolling on TTs without problem.

 

I'm quite happy with my Yokohama Avid TRZ's in the 195 size. They were rated very higly by Consumer Reports. Not rated very good on ice, but no problem in Florida.

 

One thing you have to be careful about, some tire places won't put anything on BUT OEM size tires. Which is 185-65/15. I have tried and Sam's Walmart or any national chain won't do it. They say it throws the handling and braking off and are afraid of lawsuits ffrom resoutant accidents. seems that the places with the best prices you lose in getting the size you want