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Toyota Prius Tire/Wheel Questions

PF_FlyerPF_Flyer Member Posts: 9,372
Discuss tire & wheel questions for the Prius here
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Comments

  • kevregkevreg Member Posts: 11
    I just bought some new tires for my '05. They are all Season tires with alot deeper tread than the original tires. Since the new tires were put on, I have noticed a significant drop in MPG. Can anyone give some comments on this based on their experiences?
  • larsblarsb Member Posts: 8,204
    Your original OEM tires are classifed as "low rolling resistance" tires. That means they roll more freely and do not allow the road to slow them down as quickly as tires not classifed as LRR tires.

    What this means is that if you move to another type of tire, you will lose MPG because of more tire and more rubber on the road. This means more friction and more work for the engine to "push" the car down the road, which means more fuel used.

    My suggestion is to air those new tires up as high as you are comfortable with and be happy you are driving a high mileage car.... :shades:
  • pathstar1pathstar1 Member Posts: 1,015
    I've heard some say the Integreties are LRRs, and some say they are not. There isn't much info on Goodyear's site.

    What is certain from many other owners reports, is that new tires must be "broken in" before you see the mileage return. It can take a few thousand miles before this happens.

    I don't like "airing up for mileage". Too much pressure in the tire for the load it's carrying will cause the center to wear faster than the sides of the tread. It seems to me this alone could cause more friction and lower mileage a bit (unless the pressure is so high the sides of the tread aren't in good contact with the road - in which case you have just lowered your braking and handling capabilities).

    If there is any question, proper inflation can be determined by using tire chalk across the tread. Drive a short distance and check for even loss of chalk. If the center wears faster than the sides, lower pressure, in the sides wear faster, raise the pressure.
  • larsblarsb Member Posts: 8,204
    I personally do like "airing up for mileage" and that's why my advice was "air up to as high as you are comfortable with" which gives the receiver of the advice two options:

    1. Air to mfg specs, or
    2. Air higher.

    He or she may be "comfortable" with either option. :shades:
  • mtuftsmtufts Member Posts: 12
    The tire pressure light in our 2006 Prius (2 months old) keeps coming on. I figure it is because the weather is cold in the evenings and mornings now and heats up in the afternoon (I live in West Texas.) I'm going to go to the dealer next week and have them look at it. The only OTHER problem I've had is the fuel guage. The other day it showed that I was quite low on fuel--and then when we went to fill up the tank, it only took six bucks! My husband thought it was the pump--because the fuel indicator wouldn't budge from it's "almost empty" state. Then we bought the optional car wash--got the car washed and VOILA--the fuel guage shows FULL! Was that a dirty sensor that was cleaned in the wash? Weird! We're getting about 50mpg by the way--not bad! :shades:
  • kdhspyderkdhspyder Member Posts: 7,160
    Here's a new option we are being offered. Nitrogen in replacement of air for all 5 tires. This day/night expansion/contraction disappears.
  • jlondon2jlondon2 Member Posts: 1
    Hello - I was shocked yesterday when my Prius would not pass inspection because of the tires. I was told it needed all new tires. I have 20,000 miles on the car and have owned it one year. Just wondering, have any of you had tires wear that quickly? These were the tires that came with the vehicle one year ago. At the toyota shop, I was told the tires wear a lot quicker than usual because the Prius is such a heavy vehicle, comparable to some SUV's, however, it has tires that are made for the weight of a car. Does this seem like a reasonable explanation? I really don't know and am now wondering if I will be buying 4 new tires every year. That sure will take away from the money I have been saving on gas.
  • terry92270terry92270 Member Posts: 1,247
    I notice that on THIS SITE there are many complaints about the Prius tires wearing early, but one admits to under inflation. What have you kept your tires at? Have you checked them at least monthly :confuse:

    24,000 to 30,000 would be normal mileage for TWO YEARS on average, so you are running the heck out of those tires. :sick:

    Prius Chat also has THIS THREAD about what some consider unusual wear.

    From YET ANOTHER FORUM a user wrote:

    "I use the Goodyear Integrity on my 2002 Prius. It's wearing much better than the stock Bridgestones. My first set of Potenzas wore out at 16,000 miles; the second at 30,000 (14,000 miles later). My Integrities are looking good with 45,000 on the odometer (15,000 miles of wear), and they cost half as much. I keep them inflated to 42/40 PSI.

    Mind you, when I go into the Toyota dealer, they yell at me saying that I'm using a tire that is not rated for that weight, 42/40 is over-inflating the tire, blah blah. But Goodyear still recommends the Integrity for the Prius Classic. So yes, you're doing this at your own risk.

    My MPG has not changed, but the ride is more rough with the Integrities, because of the higher tire pressure."
  • pathstar1pathstar1 Member Posts: 1,015
    First, whoever told you the Prius was heavy is nuts. I wouldn't go there ever again. The Prius has a curb weight under 3000 lbs. Most SUVs are around 4000 lbs. Yup, he's nuts!

    My experience is Toyota vehicle wheels may not be aligned correctly from the factory or they take a beating during shipping. That may have had an effect. Also, if you were not watching the tire pressure closely you could have worn the tires faster than normal. Toyota's recommended pressure seems to be right at the lower limit. Many have been running the Integrities at 42PSI front and 40PSI rear and report even wear. Note also that the Integrities are just about the least expensive tires Goodyear makes, so rapid wear should be expected.

    Get new tires, have a "four wheel alignment" done (the front can be adjusted, but they usually just check the rear - to correct it shims are needed - not a "normal" job according to Toyota). You may want to try a little higher pressure in the tires. Never exceed the "max pressure" indicated on the sidewall. If you try a higher pressure, watch the wear of the tread. If the centre wears faster than the sides of the tread, lower the pressure, but never lower than the placard on the door jamb indicates.

    Most owners get 40,000 to 60,000 mi. on tires.
  • seekoseeko Member Posts: 33
    question? you hear this question come up many times i suppose! to the people who have driven in a lot of snow in all climates. if you were to let one set of tires on your prius all year round what would they be? considering ride handling rolling resistance snow traction etc.? what would be the tires for the prius? thank you for your answers. ;) pete
  • PF_FlyerPF_Flyer Member Posts: 9,372
    I've moved the post asking about year-round tires to the Toyota Prius Tire/Wheel Questions discussion.

    Please remember to check the discussion list for the appropriate discussion for your comments and questions. You'll get a better and faster response by posting in a discussion that's about the subject or problem you're interested in.
  • njsurfnjsurf Member Posts: 1
    I finally upgraded my standard Toyota Prius tires, which are 185/60R15, and the cheapest Goodyear offers for these kind of cars. I chose the Goodyear Assurance Triple Tread high performing tire in a larger size, 195/60R15, and the difference in handling, safety on wet/snowy roads, and road feel is immediately noticeable and terrific. the 195 size is an approved alternate size by Toyota, and is the size they now put on their vehicles sold in Europe. Cornering, braking, and straight line driving is now a solid feel. and the tires give the car a great sporty look. Hope this is useful to other owners.
  • moparbadmoparbad Member Posts: 3,870
    Any replacement tires available for the Prius other than the OEM Bridgestone Turanza? Only ones I could find were very expensive run flat tires.
  • urbandude42urbandude42 Member Posts: 4
    My car is a 2002 prius. I had one rear wheel blow out, then I had another set go bad. I have bought firestone RE 92 Potenzas. They said top of the line. I rotated once in 5,000 miles, then I went 10,000 between rotations. I got to buy 2 more tires. Outer tire, they were almost worn through. Since I did not rotate in the 5 k mile limit, they were not covered. This time I am going to watch those miles like a maniac and keep them aired up to 40 lbs, even though they said that 35 lbs is better. I am really getting scared about this tire crap. I am not one of these upper management people who want to try an experiment, I spent a good portion of my income and gambled that I would save gas in the long run. I also had a computer and a fuel pump replaced, thank god it was covered. But I had to argue like a b.... Should I just bail out now and get a toyota corolla? I think I made a big mistake buying this. Has anybody else here bailed out and went back to the old fashioned cars?
  • 210delray210delray Member Posts: 4,721
    No, don't bail out. Bridgestone Potenza RE 92s are known for wearing out fast. I don't have a Prius, but my '05 Camry came with them. I now have about 19K miles, and even with regular rotations, including the full-service spare, I can see they're not going to last more than about 30K miles.

    Others have reported much faster wear. Check out the Tire Rack here for recommendations -- including user reviews. You can mail-order the tires from them, at typically much lower prices than your local tire store, and they have a network of installers nationwide.
  • urbandude42urbandude42 Member Posts: 4
    please send me any more info to my email at [email protected]
    This damn web site does not even let me sign in half the time. This technology stuff is way overrated.
  • texvegastexvegas Member Posts: 17
    I recently replaced my OEM Goodyears after 28,000 miles with four Michelin HydroEdge tires. The results were disappointing as far as traction on the snow in Central New York State.The Prius with it's quirky traction control,which protects the electric motor, is still a DANGEROUS vehicle on snow and ice. Loved the car though but I finally gave up on it. I traded it in on a 2007 RAV4 4 banger.I will really miss the 48.6 mpg 3 year average, but I will not get "T-boned" trying to exit a parking lot as the Prius just sits there. It has been fun! But it's over!
  • stevedebistevedebi Member Posts: 4,098
    "I traded it in on a 2007 RAV4 4 banger.I will really miss the 48.6 mpg 3 year average, but I will not get "T-boned" trying to exit a parking lot as the Prius just sits there. It has been fun! But it's over!"

    I believe that newer Prius models will allow the Traction Control to be turned off, or they modified the computer to allow more wheel slippage in icy conditions. Not sure which one was done, but the newer models are apparently better than 2005 and before.
  • sunny9sunny9 Member Posts: 4
    Need immediate help with suggestion for replacement tires and tire chain.

    Just over 41K miles on '05 Prius and two tires need replacing despite dealer rotation(or so they claim) every 5K, along with every other servicing recommended. After an earlier servicing, I had pressures checked a mile from dealer and it ranged from 25-32psi among the four tires, which also had not been rotated. Went back of course and dealer assured it would not happen again.
    On Monday's servicing this week, service rep at dealership wanted in excess of $560 for a set of ?didn't say what brand? including installation and balancing. I have to think that there is a better price and value out there through a tire dealer, and would appreciate a suggestion on that too.

    Since the remaining two tires are not in great shape tread-wise either, I will be going for 4 new ones.
    Service rep said it was "due to cornering"--hello, 75% of driving done on daily freeway commute between Pasadena to Santa Monica-- one is lucky to travel at speeds as much as 30mph for even a small portion of the distance!
    Car came with Goodyear P185/65/R15. Bought pkg. #4 for VSC(Toyota patented Anti-skid Control System (www.freepatentsonline.com/4912641.html).

    Live in southern CA.
    Please do not recommend I buy another size tires as I just went through an EXHAUSTING process to buy required (by Highway Patrol)tire cables, non-refundable even though not used, when I had a scheduled meeting in Yosemite Valley in early March.

    Love the Prius. Thanks for reading through.
    Sunny 9
  • 210delray210delray Member Posts: 4,721
    Check tire rack to order the tires. 41K miles isn't bad, and if you had no complaints, just get the same brand (Goodyear Integrity). Also if you don't have a tire gauge, you should get one and check the tires at least once a month -- don't wait for the dealer's tire rotations.

    Tire Rack has a list of recommended installers -- I'm sure there are many in your area.
  • urbandude42urbandude42 Member Posts: 4
    Prius nightmare is over. Had 2002 prius. New computer, new fuel pump/ gas tank. Oh hell yeesss, they are all one piece on prius! Then the "hybrid" part all went bad within the past year. This was all covered. But I'm done. Got a corolla no problems since.
  • rickhermannrickhermann Member Posts: 1
    Our '05 Prius with 37,000 miles just got a new set of plain-jane all weather tires. The tire shop filled them with nitrogen. We ran them at spec pressure on a cross-state trip, then upped the psi in all four tires by 2 psi. Either way, we got significantly lower mpg with the new tires. Driving was on interstate highways in eastern oregon and so. Idaho. We drove very conservatively at had to really be careful to break into the sub-40 mpg range. On similar trips we've averaged 51-53. Could it be the nitrogen, or the newness of the treads? The Toyota dealership couldn't find anything wrong. But somethings wrong. Any ideas?
    Rick
    Bellingham
  • 210delray210delray Member Posts: 4,721
    It's not the nitrogen, and adding 2 psi isn't going to make any measurable difference. The tires may have higher rolling resistance than the originals. What brand and line of tires did you get?

    But try a few more tankfuls before you give up. Was there a headwind on this one trip?
  • pathstar1pathstar1 Member Posts: 1,015
    There are many posts over on Priuschat and Priusonline about new tires dropping mileage. It's normal. Should improve after 5000 mi. or so. I guess new tires are very "sticky", just like in NASCAR. ;)

    Many owners use 42 PSI front and 40 PSI rear for better mileage. Do check the tire sidewall for the max. inflation pressure, and do set the tire pressure when the tires are "cold" (not driven on for 5 hrs.).
  • 210delray210delray Member Posts: 4,721
    Just adding that most passenger car tires now list a maximum inflation pressure of 44 psi, so running with 42 front and 40 rear will be fine. But some tires still have a max pressure of only 35 psi, in which case, you don't want to put in more than this.
  • capriracercapriracer Member Posts: 906
    I'm going to address several issues, not just the one in the post I a replying to.

    1) It is a little known fact that new tires have more RR than worn out tires, even if they are otherwise identical.

    2) Tires designed for hybrids generally have less RR than other OE tires.

    3) OE tires generally have lower RR than tires designed for the replacement market.

    The above means that if you buy new tires for your hybrid, you should expect redictions in fuel economy, and the amount could be significant if you selected a different tire.

    4) If the pressure listed on the sidewall says 35 psi max, then the tire can be safely inflated to 44 psi. However, there is a risk associated with using pressures significantly higher than what the vehicle manufacturer specifies. I consider anything more than than 5 psi as significant and the risk is that the tire will be more prone to impact type failures and punctures.
  • elissaclelissacl Member Posts: 2
    I do not see replies to this post (on either Forum) and have the same question: what replacement tires are recommended for Classic Prius? I'm trying to balance traction (which the originals lack in rain and snow) with the gas mileage that I want to attain. I realize there will be a trade-off but would like to minimize it, obviously. Any recommendations are appreciated.
  • pinkopinko Member Posts: 2
    One of my rear tires blew out yesterday. Nothing lit up on the dash, since it was pouring rain, I hardly noticed anything, but the tire is toast.

    Any suggestions re: replacing just one tire? The current tires are the originals that came with the car, which has 26,000 miles. I think they are Goodyear Integrity. Can I just get another one?

    This is my first car, and my first tire issue, so any advice would be helpful.
  • pathstar1pathstar1 Member Posts: 1,015
    I put Nokian WR tires on my 2007 Prius and had -NO- loss of fuel economy, but a great increase in traction. They are "true" all season tires. They have the snowflake symbol on the sidewall, meaning you don't usually have to put on chains when it's required on interstate highways. They wear well in the summer, work well in rain, in snow, and on ice. The current version is the WR G2.
  • pathstar1pathstar1 Member Posts: 1,015
    You have three options. I'll list worst first, best last.

    You can get one stock tire to replace the destroyed one. You should ensure it is placed on the rear, and never rotated to the front, as it will be larger in diameter, and will put more wear on the differential if used on the front with a 26,000 mi worn tire. It's not a big issue, just recommended to keep wear at normal levels.

    Next best option would be to purchase two tires, and keep them on the same "axle", front or rear. This would allow standard directional tire rotation, front to rear, but never side to side.

    Your best option would be four new tires.

    Choose based on what you can afford. Safety improves as the option is "better", but all would be acceptable safety wise.
  • pinkopinko Member Posts: 2
    thanks for the advise. Someone told me that it's possible to "shave" a tire, so that you have the same wear with a new tire (so that it matches). Is this true?
  • pathstar1pathstar1 Member Posts: 1,015
    It's possible, but good luck finding a place to do it. Most just want to sell you a tire/tires, mount, balance, get their money, and get you out the door. The tire shaving machines are pretty specialized. Perhaps if you could find a race shop they might have one (they shave street tires for racing in certain classes).
  • 210delray210delray Member Posts: 4,721
    I can't see the logic in shaving away useful tread life.
  • waterdrwaterdr Member Posts: 307
    Tire shaving is for racing applications, not for a street car, let alone a Prius. New tires don't grip as well as worn ones. So, when racing, you "shave" the tire in order to wear it down so it grips better.

    Yes, it takes life off the tire. Drag races shave DR's (Drag Radials), for instance.
  • waterdrwaterdr Member Posts: 307
    There is actually some logic to this fi your tires are very expensive. For example, let's say you have 15k on your tires and still have useful life left, but you get a blow-out. At this point, you have the option to replace BOTH, or shave the new one. This might be cost-effective on a $200 tire, but certainly not on a $75.

    Tire Rack will shave any tire you buy from them I believe. You just need to tell them how many mm's of tread you want left.
  • michaelcozensmichaelcozens Member Posts: 23
    I have a 2007 Touring with Bridgestone Tourenza EL 400 Speed rating H 16 inch
    We had one go flat/road hazard in the tread and needed a new one. No One has these tires! Wound up having a shop order one from Tires.com, other than that these tires are on National Back Order!

    What is a good Alternative for these when they wear out? Is the speed rating related to a lower rolling resistance/higher mileage? I paid $141 for this one tire and had quotes from $ 180 from a Firestone Dealer to $220 ffrom a Toyota Dealer ( if they had them)

    I suspect that these "expensive tires" are what I'll need to keep on it if I want the mileage to stay reasonable?

    Thanks for feedback!
  • snowboarder4snowboarder4 Member Posts: 42
    I purchased a 2007 Prius in late winter and am trying to figure-out my best tire strategy for next winter. I live between Vail Pass and Officers Gulch on I-70. I drive down a 5% grade to work at 4:00 AM and try to ascend before the tourists are released from the ski resorts when the lifts close at 4:00 PM. Most of the winter, Officers Gulch becomes iced pavement due to the shade at 4:30 to 5:30 PM and vehicles, primarily AWD SUV's, fill the ditch. I have never observed a Prius anywhere in Summit County in a ditch.

    During the winter, I have observed 18 Vail Pass road closures. At least 20 vehicles per season strike the cable rails on the curve at Officers Gulch, 198 Mile Marker Eastbound. In the past week, I experienced an 8 hour road closure due to a 70 vehicle pile-up and single fatality on Vail Pass, 189 Mile Marker Westbound. However, I have not experienced any slippage problems with the original-issue tires on my Prius, driving 35 MPH in white-out; 45 MPH on snowpack; 55 MPH on sanded mulch and slush; and 65 MPH on dry pavement.

    Please provide me with some Prius owner experiences with winter driving conditions. I do not mind burning through tires a bit faster, but have limited space in my studio condo for storing tires in summer. I have studied various recommendations for winter tires:

    All-Season: Michelin HydroEdge, Michelin X Radial, Goodyear Assurance Triple Tred

    Softer Rubber Performance Winter Tires [H Rated]: Goodyear Eagle Ultra Grip GW3 H

    Soft Rubber Grip Winter Tires [Q Rated]: Michelin X-Ice, Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice

    :confuse:
  • snowboarder4snowboarder4 Member Posts: 42
    During late winter, I bought my 2007 Prius with standard-issue tires. I have not experienced any slippage issues in snow, slush, or ice. However, I am concerned about next winter, since I live in the mountains and must climb 5% grades in snowstorms.

    Please share any experiences with winter driving conditions. I have researched winter and all-season tires, without any conclusions. Goodyear Assurance sounds like a good all-season tire. Goodyear Eagle Ultra Grip sounds good in a softer H-rated tire.

    How much of a snow tire will I need?
  • snowboarder4snowboarder4 Member Posts: 42
    Among the many myths that I hear concerning the performance of a Prius - lack of power, lack of fuel savings against conventional engines, expensive battery replacements - my supervisor claims that a Prius wears through tire tread faster than other vehicles because of the weight of the battery pack. I would enjoy responding with a technical analysis of this myth based on the experience of other operators.

    What is the weight of a Prius, with light construction materials, compared to the average SUV?

    What is the life expectancy of tires on a Prius versus other typical vehicles?

    What is the cost of tire replacement?

    I cannot imagine any basis for any problems with a Prius over the lifetime operation costs of SUVs. I am tired of hearing from the misinformation campaigns. :mad:
  • turdfergusson2turdfergusson2 Member Posts: 9
    I live in upstate NY in the snow belt & have all my life. I just got a 2008 Prius with the stock Good Year tires on it. I immediately went to Tire Rack & got 4 Blizzak's. Front wheel drive is great, especially with ABS, traction control & VSC BUT.... There is just no replacement for snow tires. If you live where it snows there just is no way around it. All season's just don't cut it. 4 Blizzaks cost me $232.40 delivered to my door from tire rack. You just can't beat that. Get a spare set of rims & don't forget the tire pressure monitors & all you need to do twice per year is jack up the car & change the tires. It's just not worth taking the chance on snow & ice with all season's. I have had Blizzaks on my last 3 vehicles now & swear by them. I have never had any other snow tire handle that well on ice, or snow whether it be a coating or 3 feet.
  • snowboarder4snowboarder4 Member Posts: 42
    Thank you for a practical experience assessment. :)
  • hihostevohihostevo Member Posts: 59
    Hi I am in the process of buying an '08 Prius...

    I was wondering if I should stick with the stock tires or have the dealer trade them out for something that handles better, but does not impact the gas mileage....??

    Looking for advice and experience.......
  • 210delray210delray Member Posts: 4,721
    I'd just go with the stock tires unless you have unusual driving conditions such as heavy snow much of the year as explained in the posts above.
  • demerittdemeritt Member Posts: 1
    After researching tires for my 2006 Prius, I replaced the stock Integrities with MUCH higher rated Assurance ComforTreds the day it was delivered. The specs and evals on Tire Rack's site (and others) convinced me I didn't want to risk using Integrity tires. The Comfortreds handle well, but wore down to 4/32 in 40K miles. I rotated faithfully and check air pressure twice per month (42/40). Even wear, but that's 6,700 miles per 32nd, or 53K miles to 2/32 - not a safe limit. (I replace at 4/32 minimum.) SHOULD be 50% better with an 80K mile rating. GoodYear was very amenable about adjusting for premature wear, but I had to push the dealer. The tires drive smooth, but transmit road noise even when new. Will likely try Michelins next time.
    Gas gauge is not precise, nor is fuel economy meter - just an estimate, due to bladder and mpg averaging computation. I average about 45 mpg, 90% highway at 70 mph. Does better around town - about 51 mpg. Not as advertised, but great!
    NAV system good, but wasn't up-to-date. Still isn't, even with latest update. Wasted money - should have bought a "constantly updated" add-on instead of CD loaded.
    I bought a 100K-mile platinum extended warranty from dealer for under $1,000. Just had an HID headlamp go bad, and was covered.
    Per dealership, "Brakes will last well over 100K due to recharge braking system." But then, hasn't ever replaced an HID headlamp, either!
    VERY disappointed with lack of dealership Prius savvy. I've had to guide THEM! Better info on Prius forums. Lazy service technicians!
    Can't tow a trailer, temporary bike rack slashed MPG. Aerodynamic lesson learned.
    Electric A/C compressor is fantastic, once you learn how to lock the Prius! (I have the SMART keyless entry/ignition proximity system.) Can leave dog in A/C comfort.
    If I were buying another car, it would be another Prius (but WITH the Touring Pkg), unless I needed trailer-towing capacity. For HIGHWAY USE, the Corolla would have been almost as good a choice. But with today's gas prices, I'm GLAD I bought this PRIUS!!! I tested a Civic hybrid - powerless contender! Prius is QUICK!
    And believe me, it's bigger than it appears.
  • bhelmebhelme Member Posts: 1
    I just took my 07 prius to the local j-lube for an oil change and tire rotation on Wednesday. Today (almost one week later) the traction warning light came on as my wife drove to work. Same route as she always takes, no new or unusual road conditions, just the normal road bumps she always hits.

    Could the tire rotation be related to the sudden occurrence of the light?
  • gcramergcramer Member Posts: 2
    I decided to purchase tires for my 2004 Prius from a tire dealer rather than the Toyota Dealer because this will be my 3rd set of 4 tires with only 81K miles. The Toyota Dealer also quoted $585 and the tire dealer quoted $380. The tires will be P185-65R15-86T. I currently have the same tire except 86S at the end. Does anyone know the difference? Which tire is preferable, the 86T or 86S? Thank you! GC
  • 210delray210delray Member Posts: 4,721
    The S and T are speed ratings.

    S is nominally good for 112 mph tops, T for 118 mph. So the T is nominally a better tire, all else being equal.
  • railroadjamesrailroadjames Member Posts: 560
    You sound like a concerned Prius owner and you show a real want to do right for car & safety's sake. I would also point out that "wheel alignment" is a must at about 40 K (give or take) to maintain proper tire wear. I failed this and paid dearly with chatter wear at 22K on new tires. Save money and do it to avoid what I had to confront.
    About Hd lt bulb replacement...I've had to replace 2 bulbs in nearly 6 yrs. They're a sonofagun to do. I finally had the dealer do it for $10.00.
    About trailering...There are hitches available for light usage (like Jetskis,small boats, small trailer for motorcycles) I've considered this too but of course Toyota frowns on this.
    As to the car and its' inovations. I too am impressed after closeing in on 100K miles and trouble free to boot. The shiftless tranny, the AC, the 500 mile plus fill-ups, the running on electric while others are wasting gas in standstill traffic and my favorite...explaining the quality, durability, and the over $10,000.00 in savings on gas I've saved. I'm always happy to see the 2010 Prius still looks just like my '04 ;)
  • gcramergcramer Member Posts: 2
    Thank you very much - that is all I need to know! GC
  • tommtomm Member Posts: 31
    I only took 45 mins of driving in 1/2" of snow recently ('08 with only a few thousand miles on stock tires) to affirm my decision to order 4 snow tires mounted on rims (and $100 X 4 sensors!) - can't wait for some deeper snow now!
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