Winter tires?

Discussion in 'Gen 5 Prius Main Forum' started by Downrange, May 23, 2023.

  1. KMO

    KMO Senior Member

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    Nokian also do the Hakkapeliitta 10 in 215/55 R17 - I think that might be what I end up with, if nothing studded in a correct size enters the market. It's much better for diameter.
     
  2. Hammersmith

    Hammersmith Senior Member

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    If I decide to go with a second set of rims, then I'd go 205/55R17. Minimize the impact on mpg.

    My decision right now is trying to justify the costs considering the limited milage I put on the car. Do I get just a set of 19" winter tires and use my stock 19" wheels for both summer and winter tires? Do I get a nice set of 17" wheels and put all-weather tires on for the entire year(like my previous Prius)? Do I get the set of 17" wheels, put dedicated winter tires on them, then swap wheels every winter?

    I'll probably just suck it up this winter and see how the stock tires work with the AWD. Then I'll reassess the decision in Sep 2024 to see what additional tire options are available. I'd hate to drop four figures on a wheel/tire combo this fall only for a good 19" all-weather to become available sometime next year.
     
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  3. KMO

    KMO Senior Member

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    I'd take 205/60 R17, if I could find them, as they'd be an exact match for the 195/55 R19 diameter, but 205/55 R17 seems too small to me. That's a whole centimetre of ground clearance gone versus the 19".

    (Plus I don't want to make the road sign assist any more bleepy by making the wheels spin 3% faster...)
     
  4. Nntw

    Nntw Active Member

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  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Witness Leader

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    Unless Toyota has changed their implementation of TPMS sensors, or you've got the equipment and know-how to have the car recognize multiple TPMS sensor sets, maybe waive the sensors, get plain valves? Dealership will likely charge at least $75 CDN per swap to initiate them. (it's not mandatory in Canada)

    So it's confirmed, there's a 16" Toyota steel rim that works? Good to know.
     
    #25 Mendel Leisk, Aug 9, 2023
    Last edited: Aug 9, 2023
  6. Nntw

    Nntw Active Member

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    I've been considering forgoing the sensors, particularly if there are calibration issues when you change wheel sets. But this car's likely to be driven a fair bit by my kids, and I don't know if I have confidence that they'll be checking the tires if there AREN'T sensors.

    Geez, I miss the indirect system on my 2005 Sienna. Worked like a charm.

    (as an aside my Honda Pilot had sensors in the all seasons AND the winters, and it was never a problem).
     
  7. purplePriii

    purplePriii Active Member

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    If you go in the settings for the TMPS, mine has options for a second set of TPMS sensors for winter tires and such. Maybe I didn't follow what the calibration issues are but so long as they configure the new TPMS as Set 2, you'd just swap it out in the settings
     
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  8. Nntw

    Nntw Active Member

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    Thanks- this is great to know!
     
  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Witness Leader

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    OD of that tire is kinda small, 1/2" less than the stock 17", which is the smaller of the two stock tires. 205/65R16 seems a better diameter (in between the stock 17" and 19"). It is available in Michelin X-Ice Snow.

    Tire Size Comparison

    https://www.tirerack.com/tires/michelin-x-ice-snow
     
  10. Nntw

    Nntw Active Member

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    I really HATE the idea of going to WIDER tires.

    Everything I've ever read about winter tires suggests that a NARROWER tire does a better job of compressing and pushing through the snow, whereas WIDER tires float on top.

    Odds are Bridgestone, Michelin Yokohama et al will have some better options before the first snow fall
     
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  11. Nntw

    Nntw Active Member

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    So…what winter tires for a 2023 Prius Prime XSE on 16” winter rims?
     
  12. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    Annoying, but it is starting from a narrow tire. The 17in wheels on my Camry were 215.
     
  13. Nntw

    Nntw Active Member

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    Found some 16” alloys on clearance… all i need are snows to fit!
     
  14. Hammersmith

    Hammersmith Senior Member

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    I'm assuming a 16x7 wheel.

    Here are some quick options. Just looking at Michelin, Nokian, and Blizzak.

    195/65R16 (same width, -2.6% diameter)
    Nokian Hakkapeliitta CR4(non-studded van)
    Nokian Hakkapeliitta C4(studded van)

    195/75R16 (same width, +3% diameter)
    Firestone Winterforce CV (non-studded van/light truck)

    205/65R16 (10mm wider, -0.7% diameter)
    Michelin X-Ice (non-studded)
    Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5(non-studded)
    Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9(studded)
    Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10(studded)
    Bridgestone Blizzak LM001 (non-studded)
    Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 (non-studded)


    Personally, I'd go with the Hakkapeliitta R5, 10 or X-Ice.
     
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  15. Nntw

    Nntw Active Member

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    As always, appreciate the suggestions!

    Many thanks!!
     
  16. purplePriii

    purplePriii Active Member

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    When are you planning on installing them to see if they fit? I haven't seen anyone actually confirms that 16s fit so I am very curious to see if they do and what it looks like
     
  17. Hammersmith

    Hammersmith Senior Member

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    While it's not the same thing as a full wheel, the official spare is a 16" wheel.
     
  18. Nntw

    Nntw Active Member

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    Just to clarify- found them, didn't buy them yet. Hesitant til i'm comfortable with the available tire choie.
     
  19. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Witness Leader

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    You're thinking to buy snow tire rims prior to buying a 2023?

    FWIW, I bought (15") PIP rims, with the intent of using them with snows on our '10, at least 5 years back. Finally got around to having them installed on new snow tires, about a week back, lol.
     
  20. Nntw

    Nntw Active Member

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    Yeah. I like having all my ducks in a row. ;)

    But seriously, my blue XSE Prime is apparently in Vancouver, BC, and should find its way to my dealership by Aug 26,2023.
     
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