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2013 Prius--Front 2 Tire Replacement

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Raj Nadar, Sep 20, 2021.

  1. Raj Nadar

    Raj Nadar Junior Member

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    I have a 2013 Prius which needs the two front tires replaced. In the past, I have replaced all 4 tires but I can't afford to this time so I'm just going with 2. A few questions:

    1. I have read the the new tires should be placed in the back and the current good tires should be rotated to the front. Is that the consensus on this forum?

    2. I have also read that the new tires should be similar to the current ones, and possibly the same brand...is that the consensus on this forum as well?

    3. I currently have the Michelin XTour A/S T+H tires which I got from Costco. I am looking to get less expensive but relatively same quality (budget constraints and such). Are there any good alternatives or should I go for the Michelin Defender even though there are cheaper alternatives?

    4. I'm thinking of getting tires from Tire Rack and having them shipped to a local retailer (pep boys is the closest). If that the safe bet or are there other options I should look into?

    Thanks for any input.
    Raj.
     
    #1 Raj Nadar, Sep 20, 2021
  2. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    Ideally, all 4 tires should be matching in brand/model in order to have the same traction and handling properties.

    How much tread is left on the rear tires? Have you not been rotating?
     
    #2 The Critic, Sep 20, 2021
  3. tankyuong

    tankyuong Senior Member

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    New tires in rear
     
    #3 tankyuong, Sep 20, 2021
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  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    See if you can scrape up enough to change all four, wait if needed. Changing just two will be a hassle.
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Sep 20, 2021
  5. Raj Nadar

    Raj Nadar Junior Member

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    The rear tires are in good shape. Whenever I get the oil changed, I get the tires rotated...not sure why the front tires are bad...but the lady said the alignment was off...maybe that has something to do with it.

    I guess your vote is for the Michelin Defender...which I've read are the same tires as the XTour...which is just a diff name for Costco.

    Thanks.
     
    #5 Raj Nadar, Sep 22, 2021
  6. Raj Nadar

    Raj Nadar Junior Member

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    Thank you.
     
    #6 Raj Nadar, Sep 22, 2021
  7. Raj Nadar

    Raj Nadar Junior Member

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    I would like to wait but the lady who checked the tires said the front two need to be changed right away. Why would changing two be a hassle? If I get the same brand/model wouldn't that be fine?
     
    #7 Raj Nadar, Sep 22, 2021
  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    For starters, that jazz about putting the new tires on the back; they'll never catch up with the fronts. It'll be a pain down the road too, next the older tires will need replacement, and again just the pair? I'd just say screw it, get all four.

    What's the tread depth on the "good" existing ones, btw?
     
    #8 Mendel Leisk, Sep 22, 2021
  9. burrito

    burrito Active Member

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    If you don't do the alignment, your new tires will also wear out early. The alignment should be 50 bucks or less. Definitely do the alignment.

    If you want to change all 4 tires, there's a line of Goodyear Viva tires exclusive to Walmart that are cheap and have a good mileage warranty. They're a great bang for the buck.
     
    #9 burrito, Sep 22, 2021
  10. jzchen

    jzchen Newbie!

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    @burrito Where in CA can I also get a $50 alignment please?
     
    #10 jzchen, Sep 23, 2021
  11. burrito

    burrito Active Member

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    Look for coupons and flyers in snail mail. I got a 2-wheel alignment for $40 in San Juan Capistrano.
     
    #11 burrito, Sep 23, 2021
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  12. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    Some alignment specs in attached. AFAIK the only thing readily adjustable on the front is toe. Again AFAIK, nothing is readily adjustable on the rear.
     

    Attached Files:

    #12 Mendel Leisk, Sep 23, 2021
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  13. burrito

    burrito Active Member

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    Speaking of which, I just got this in the mail today:

    IMG_20210923_092212.jpg
     
    #13 burrito, Sep 23, 2021
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