PIP stock tires safe???

well they're probably not as safe as specific rain or snow tires. but mine have served well for 8 years. you should probably drive carefully in inclement weather.

 

you've had your PIP for eight years? wow!

 

Technically, there's no such thing as a "safe" tire. Some type of qualifier is needed.

For example, here in the metro area of Minnesota, I have no concerns about snow or ice. The factories been handling fine so far, similar to that with my 2010.

 

As John stated, safe is relative to some sort of benchmark. I don't think the S33D is a great tire for wet weather but I wouldn't call it unsafe. Drive appropriately for the conditions and you should be fine. If you want an extra margin of safety and more confidence behind the wheel then sell your tires while they are still worth something and pick up a set of Continental PureContact or ProContact with EcoPlus tires. They are excellent in the rain and last longer than the OE tires. You may take a small loss in mpg though.

Continental PureContact with EcoPlus Technology

Tire Test Results : Testing Grand Touring All-Season Tires

 

Safety trumps fuel economy. While killing yourself is the ultimate in environmental sustainability, I don't recommend it. I'm sure the world is a better place with you here so I'm glad you made the right decision.

 

another newb question.
first decent snow here yesterday and braking was an issue (abs, car sliding, even at very low speeds). can't really think i'd be safe for three more months like that. are snow/winter tires going to help that kind of thing, or are they more for handling while under speed?

 

We have people sliding around the first time it rains after weeks of drought. On glare ice, even non-studded winter tires will slide. Lots of heavy snow can be an issue for any vehicle.

What is your perspective and expectations, for that matter location? What had you driven before? How is Prius different?

 

Every tire has a tradeoff for what you want. On one of my cars I had Michelin Hydroedges. They were incredible in the rain, but totally sucked with any kind of snow. Oh, well.

 

I had the unique opportunity of replacing the old set with new ones during the peak of the heavy-snow month (that's March here). Heavily worn, they weren't good, especially with the 2004. With lots of tread, they were great.

 

I had them on a Caddy SLS. From new they were bad in the snow, in rain I couldn't ask for anything more.

 

A heavier car with a much larger engine would handle different anyway. Not sure how the dynamics would translate over to a Prius, but I certainly liked those tires on mine for winter driving.

 

Had Michelin Energy Saver A/S on my 08. Awesome tire--added 3 MPG instantly and worked well in all weather. I'm Wisconsin so that says it all.

 

The only bad thing I've heard about those tires is the inventory running low. They are quite likely what I'll get as replacements when the factories wear out.

 

i've driven an assortment of vehicles, including a wrangler, a honda fit, jeep patriot...most recently a honda accord.
in none of them did i see a slight incline ahead and fear not making it up, nor felt like if i tapped the brakes, i would be out of control and have no way to know how soon i was actually going to stop. (i'm not talking about driving on ice, obviously any vehicle would slide around in that situation).
i'm very much hoping that it has to do with the tires. i am willing to pay for my safety (the safety of my front end).
i didn't expect it the PiP to be some kind of tank in snow; i also didn't expect to have to sign on to a forum to see if i'm the only one who was nervous behind the wheel in two inches of snow, albeit slushy.
i'm not sure what even posting here is going to do. i either buy winter tires which hopefully help, or i buy a second vehicle/trade in this one.
i suppose if mine is the only one acting this way, i could have a problem with my abs or something. maybe my driving skills are lacking. that all said, does anyone know exactly what size rims i'd have to look for if i wanted to go that route for winter tires? also, how much could i expect to be able to ask for four OEM tires with 1600 miles on them? (who would buy them in rochester? lol)
tia.
j