Confusion Over Correct Prius Tire Size

Sorry I cannot help much with your request except that going to 195/65/15 will indeed help correct the speedo error as well as the MFD MPG readout. Your oddo will slightly under read you millage though by about 1.5% depending on the tyre manufacturer.

There is an other tyre size fitted on the touring model in the US of 195/55/16, and the same size is fitted throughout the UK and Europe. Many including myself fit 205/55/16 to not only improve speedo accuracy, but greatly enhance the road holding, and strait line stability.

John (Britprius)

 

The 195/65/15 tyres fit perfectly well they are only about 1.5% lager in diameter or less than 1/4 inch bigger from the centre of the wheel to the outside of the tread.
The difference in MPG will be dictated more by the actual tyres you choose (manufacturer and type) than the size change.
I know your on 15 inch wheels, but I found an improvement with 16's going from 195 to 205's. You do not always take a hit. The MFD readout may show a slightl lower figure but this is a more accurate figure than the optimistic figures given with the smaller tyres.

John (Britprius)

 

205/60r15 work fine on the base wheels, and look better too. corrects the speedo too

 

get Michelins and you won't be dissappointed

 

I first had the OEM 185/65/15 then I had 195/65/15 (Good year assurance fuelmax) and yes that corrects the odo reading, I liked it as I got better handling however It seemed that at every bump it hits something inside as the diameter is a little large and makes a sound, now I have 205/60/15 Michelin defenders and like it very much, very nice handling, smooth quiet ride, looks good and since the dia is a little smaller than 195/65/15 it does not hit the inside, however due to it being softer tire I got a little hit on MPG (approx 10%), to keep the MPG I should have gone with 205/60/15 Goodyear assuarance fuelmax which is the only other LRR available in this size. 190/60/15 will make the odometer reading even worst as the dia is even smaller than 185/65/15 but not sure about the ride as I have not tried that size yet.

 

185 65 24.5"
195 65 25"
205 65 25.5"

I think the 25.5 outer diameter would be very close to making the speedometer accurate, when new.

Yes you can increase the overall circumference from 24.5 to 25.5 if you wish, less torque when starting up from zero, better mpgs overall.

These are all 65 series, yes you could go 60 series and be wider, slightly less mpgs, slightly more grip.

 

205/65/15 might not be a good option for gen 2 prius.

 

205/60r15 works great. had em on the '04, have em on the '05, and can't wait for the suck integritys on the '06 to wear out.

 

I have that size right now, 5k miles michelin defender, which one did you have?

 

I am not exactly sure what "rubbing" means in automotive world, what i observed is that the tires did not touch anything inside while rolling which would cause the tire to wear unevenly, however as I mentioned earlier it will hit something (possibly struts) inside more often on even small bumps and that sound made me uncomfortable.

Which make are you thinking of getting?

 

Having used both 195/65/15 and 205/60/15, my recommendation would be the 205/60/15, however the conti's are not available in that size, only defender. Good luck! Do update with what you decide and your experience.

 

Out of the 2 I have only used defender, that is my current tire since 5000 miles. Had to play with the air pressure to get the comfort i needed. Coming from GY fuelmax my Mpg has gone down a bit (about 10%) and based on my research mpg will go down with conti as well. Michelin does offer 30 day return policy, and I believe conti does offer the same as well, look into that and see what might work the best for you.

 

I kinda doubt that. It'll likely "correct" the speedometer, and throw the odometer off slightly.