Need new 2011 Prius tires and seeking advice

Michelin Defenders are good choice--what I have on my 2010 now, for summer. They're pretty quiet and performed well in recent heavy rains. I got them at a warehouse club for about $105 each, including tax and installation. The installer was aware of the TPMS, said they "don't touch those" and the system worked after installation. In winter, I run Michelin X-ice tires (with no TPMS), which seem to go through everything; if money is no object, get another set of rims and winter tires!

 

I have used Hankook tires since my second replacement. They are advertised high mileage 70K, and I decided on them because the local drivers use Hankook at VIR, on small race cars. I had a state of the art alignment, and the mechanic adjusted a REAR wheel, and a front cupping problem went away. Regular tires, fine in snow, the traction control is pretty neat on the Prius.

 

I'm really reluctant to respond, your questions are very basic and wide ranging. A few thoughts:

1. Your undisclosed "original tires" are very likely good for rolling resistance. Maybe check and post what they are? If you go with the Defenders I think you're in for a sudden and persistant drop in mpg. Tire dealers, and people here, will say give them time, they'll break-in, your mpg will come back. I doubt it though. Even Michelin's website lists the Defender well down the list for fuel economy. Just to toss something out, for a three-season replacement: Bridgestone Ecopia EP20.

2. Snow tires, or not, have to be your decision. I did go with them, this is what I used:

snow tire: Michelin X-Ice 195/65R15
Corolla steel rim, part no: 42611-02471 (2008 model year?)
steel rim lug nuts: 90942-01007 (plain, open-ended, galvanized)

(If at all possible, avoid Tire Pressure Monitor Sensors on the snows.)

You might want to go with the dealership, if you do snows on Toyota rims. For replacement of the OEM's anyplace is fine, Cotsco's a good bet.

 

Tire discussions get like oil discussions at time, but here's my two cents.

- The need for sperarate winter tires only you can answer.
- Stay away from the Dealerships when buying tires. The mark up is way to high.
- Any "competent" tire shop can handle TPMS

I now have the Defenders on two vehicles and unless something comes along better, the wife's new Corolla will get them when due. Two schools mainly roost with regards to Prius tires. The short term thinker and the long term thinker. The short term'er is looking for the best MPG...now, the long term'er is looking more for overall performance, safety, MPG and TCO (total cost of ownership). The numbers have been run into the ground and the EnergySavers and Defenders come out so close on TCO, that only extreme commute differences favor one or the other marginally cost wise long term. My opinion and experience with says the Michelin Defenders are about the best you can buy for a GEN III Prius...or any other vehicles they are made for in this size/class.