1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

what size tires 195/65 or 195/60

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by ldlau, Sep 17, 2015.

  1. ldlau

    ldlau Junior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2006
    24
    2
    0
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Have a 2007 Prius base model.
    Still not sure I made the right choice of tire, got a Michelin Defender from Costco today, wanted a wider tire so asked for the 195 instead of the 185/65R1588T. They put on 195/65R1591T, it is a little floaty when I drive and does not handle the road quite as nicely as I thought it would. Am not sure I understand the aspect ratio very well, but should I have asked for the 195/60R1588T instead? Would that have made a difference? What would I notice while driving? Looking for a tire that handles well but also has a smooth drive. Willing to take a hit on the gas mileage. Am in California, so don't need to worry about driving in the snow. My car has 175K on it. Is there a better choice or size I should have selected? I chose Costco because it is close to my house so easy for me to rotate the tires and take in if I get a flat. Thanks in advanced.
     
    #1 ldlau, Sep 17, 2015
  2. tvpierce

    tvpierce Senior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2015
    949
    879
    2
    Location:
    Maine
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    The second number is the sidewall height of the tire, represented as a percent of the width.

    So your original tires were 185mm wide, with a sidewall height of 120.25mm (65% of 185)

    Your new tires are 195mm wide, with a sidewall height of 126.75. (65% of 195) So about 5/16" wider, and 1/4" taller sidewall.

    A 195/60 would have had a sidewall height of 117mm, so 2.27mm shorter.

    I would imagine the difference you're experiencing has less to do with the size, and more to do with the construction of the new tires.
    Different tires (makes, models, load ratings) exhibit different characteristics.
     
    #2 tvpierce, Sep 17, 2015
  3. xpcman

    xpcman Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2009
    1,302
    295
    0
    Location:
    California - SF Bay area
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Yes the Michelin Defender will feel a little detached from the road. Giving you the floating feeling. It's still the better tire is you want a smoother ride.
     
    #3 xpcman, Sep 17, 2015
    Last edited: Sep 17, 2015
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    54,723
    38,253
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Yeah isn't 185/65R15 the second gen stock size? Shown on the driver's door jamb decal. My 2 cents: stick with that size.
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Sep 17, 2015
  5. Hokie-Dave

    Hokie-Dave Member

    Joined:
    Apr 3, 2005
    161
    41
    0
    Location:
    Manassas, VA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    I think it will feel a little cushier with the higher sidewalls AND the wider tire. You didn't go too much wider, and I'm not sure what the exact wheel size is, but going to a wider tire on the same wheel will balloon out the tire slightly. I haven't gone to a different size on my Prius, but have gone wider on performance cars in the past.
     
    #5 Hokie-Dave, Sep 17, 2015
  6. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

    Joined:
    May 13, 2012
    2,170
    746
    0
    Location:
    Delaware
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Premium
    if you wanted the 60 series you would have wanted 205/60r15. speedo already reads faster so a taller tire is needed to correct it.
     
    #6 69shovlhed, Sep 17, 2015
    toddrav likes this.
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)