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What tires are the 18" wheel guys running?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by peterjmc, Apr 15, 2013.

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  1. peterjmc

    peterjmc Ping pong in Ding Dang...

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    So it's time to get some tires mounted on the Forgestar F14s that I have sitting in the basement :)

    I'm wondering what others who are running 18" wheels are running and what their experience is with them. I'm looking for a tire which is quiet and lasts long.

    For myself, I'd like an all season tire and I think I've narrowed it down to the Kumho Ecsta LX Platinums. Before I purchase them, I'd like to to understand what others are running and their experiences with them.


    What tires are you running?
    How many miles have you logged on them?
    What type if mileage hit? (I understand this is dependent on a lot of factors such as wheel weight, etc.)
     
    #1 peterjmc, Apr 15, 2013
  2. bino

    bino JDM ZVW30

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    I was running 215/40/18 Conti DWS on my 18x7.5 rims.... my mpg was around 42-44 on that combination

    now I'm running my 215/40/18 on a 18x8.5 rims (mild stretch) and my mpg went down to 41-42 (wider rims)
     
    #2 bino, Apr 15, 2013
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  3. peterjmc

    peterjmc Ping pong in Ding Dang...

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    I wanted to get 215/40/18 but the tire options were limited in that size in comparison to 225/40/18. When are you posting the pics of your new wheels? I'd like to see the stretch on the 215s. My Forgestars are 18x8.5.
     
    #3 peterjmc, Apr 15, 2013
  4. bino

    bino JDM ZVW30

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    you are correct... there are more options on tires if you'll do 225s......

    you got pm
     
    #4 bino, Apr 15, 2013
  5. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Since most 18" tires are not really LRR even if labeled as such, I would find a long lasting and decently priced tire to make up for a lack of true LRR characteristics.

    The Conti ExtremeContact DWS is used by a lot of members and is a pretty decent tire for a good price.

    You may want to consider the Potenza RE97AS as it is LRr rated and not very expensive. I don't know much about it but the rice is nice and likely qualifies for the $70 Bridgestone rebate.
    Bridgestone Potenza RE97AS

    This assumes a 225/40/18 size. This is a 25.1" tire size which is almost 1/2" larger than the OE 215/45/17. IMO it fills out the wheel well better and offers a little more ground clearance. Just remember that your speedometer will read slower as will your odometer thus making mpg calculations a little more difficult. I.e. your mpg will be slightly higher than you calculate by hand unless you add in the difference in the odometer reading. :)
     
    #5 F8L, Apr 15, 2013
  6. peterjmc

    peterjmc Ping pong in Ding Dang...

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    Good recommendation F8L! I'm considering the RE97AS. I wish Tire Rack had more reviews on it. That site seems to be the only site which has quality reviews and tire ratings.
     
    #6 peterjmc, Apr 16, 2013
  7. bino

    bino JDM ZVW30

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    I'm using Potenza RE970AS (265/35/18 on a 18x9.5 wheels) on my STi.. I like it... comparing the conti DWS and the RE970AS I would probably choose the RE970 (but there is no size 215/40/18 avail)......
     
    #7 bino, Apr 16, 2013
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  8. peterjmc

    peterjmc Ping pong in Ding Dang...

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    Looks like the Conti DWS will be my choice in 215/40/18. The Contis don't have that little lip that are on some tires have. Anyone know what the purpose of that lip is? I've heard that it helps to protect the rim, and I'd assume that would be from flinging road debris.
     
    #8 peterjmc, Apr 19, 2013
  9. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    It is a wheel protector. It's supposed to help with minimizing curb damage.
     
    #9 F8L, Apr 19, 2013
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  10. peterjmc

    peterjmc Ping pong in Ding Dang...

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    I ended up pulling the trigger on some 215/40/18 DWS's. They should be here by Monday and wheels and tires on by Tuesday! :D
     
    #10 peterjmc, May 17, 2013
  11. Burna J

    Burna J Knot Right Performance....

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    I'm looking on getting a quote for the same tire. What are you getting your for and who from?
     
    #11 Burna J, May 17, 2013
  12. peterjmc

    peterjmc Ping pong in Ding Dang...

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    Tirerack.com had the best deal for me. Was $147 a tire + shipping. Promotion for $100 gift card.

    I also used a fatwallet.com link so I get 3% back + Used a rewards card and got an additional 3% back on the overall purchase. :)
     
    #12 peterjmc, May 17, 2013
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  13. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Solid tire choice, Peter. :)
     
    #13 F8L, May 18, 2013
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  14. peterjmc

    peterjmc Ping pong in Ding Dang...

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    I had the wheels and tires install today. I don't like the look of 215 on 8.5 wide wheels. I think I might get 225s. From pics I've seen they didn't look this stretched.

    I think it will grow on me.
     
    #14 peterjmc, May 21, 2013
  15. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    I was a little worried that would happen. A 215 on a 7" is about right and on an 8" it is really pushing it. The tire tread width becomes critical at that point. I noticed something similar with one of my 205 tires on a 7" wheels. Another 205 tire looked fine.
     
    #15 F8L, May 21, 2013
  16. Burna J

    Burna J Knot Right Performance....

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    Where's the pictures?
     
    #16 Burna J, May 21, 2013
  17. bino

    bino JDM ZVW30

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    pics please.....

    here's mine on an 8.5 also.... 215/40/18 DWS

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
    #17 bino, May 21, 2013
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  18. peterjmc

    peterjmc Ping pong in Ding Dang...

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    Bino, yours didn't look that stretched when I saw pics of them weeks ago. I suppose the look is a bit different in person. Plus I think you are running moar low than I am. If I was lower, it wouldn't look odd, at least from my perspective.

    IMG_20130521_155858.jpg IMG_20130521_155925.jpg IMG_20130521_155715.jpg

    Ugghh, I hate it when the drivers rear sags. Some times it does it, some days it doesn't. The car isn't even parked at an angle to put weight down on that corner.

    IMG_20130521_155857.jpg
     
    #18 peterjmc, May 21, 2013
  19. bino

    bino JDM ZVW30

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    might be the angle of the pics that you saw before..... anyway I think your car looks great.... you could go a little bit more low but as it is it looks good.......
     
    #19 bino, May 21, 2013
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  20. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    They are definitely stretched, Peter, but it still looks good. :)
     
    #20 F8L, May 21, 2013
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