After only 25000 miles, I find that we need new tires on our 2004 Prius. Whether its an alingment issue, crummy OEM tires, or poor inflation habits, I don't know (yet). Any thoughts on GOOD tires, quiet and with high marks for traction and treadwear ?
There must be a dozen threads here about replacement tires. Do a search, and you'll get more info than you'll ever use.
Welcome to PriusChat, edmurphy! If you got 25K miles on your OEM tires, you did good! Like derkraut said, there are dozens of threads here on tire choice. When you get your new tires, you'll wonder why you didn't change them long ago. As a start, many people like Goodyear TripleTread and Michelin MSVX4+ (or something like that) low rolling resistance tires from Costco. You can change your tire width, but you may take a hit on mpg.
Hi Ed, I've linked below what I think is the best thread about tires. It's long, but I think it would be good to at least read the excellent initial post by NYPRIUS: http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-modifications/20573-tire-upgrade.html Personally, I like the Goodyear Assurance TripleTred in the wider 195/60/15 size. A set of four would cost around $450 installed. If you want to see other threads about tires, just search thread titles only for the word "tire" or "tires".
If you need tires that soon, better get the alignment checked, and up the tire presssures. 55,000 and the OEMs are doing fine on my 06. I keep meaning to send a photo of 55,000 Goodyear OEMs. I can't justify buying new until these wear out, and they seem to never wear out. 99% highway driving must be it.
Hi edmurphy, Yep, the oem GoodYears were / are notoriously poor for wear. We weren't able to streatch 'em as far as you did ... no way. Now, our Michelin hydroedges have lasted for more than TWICE that far already, and they still look brand new. How can you beat a 90K mile warranty, unless it's because you bought 'em during the Costco sale?
I of my driving is freeway.I have 38k on the original tires on my 05 and looks like I will be able to go close to 45k. eaceon't know why, unless it is because 95% freeway driving...
At 56K on my 06, a wear bar showed straight across, and so I changed all 4. I bought the Yokohomas that the Toyota Dealer sold, and so now just shy of 112K, I need to change them to. My MPG was getting pretty good at the end of the OEM tires, then dropped 5 mpg with the Yokohomas, and is getting pretty good again. I am thinking that rolling resitance and tread are very related. The Yokohamas are a good tire. Very good tire. I was wondering if there was better, like maybe a Michelin, which is why I am back on Prius Chat, looking at people's opinions on tires. Dealer is wanting to charge me $469 for a new set of Yokohamas, before the extras like the tire disposal fee.
I had to get one of my tires replaced today, because there was a Q!#$T%Q!# nail in it, in a place where the tire couldn't be replaced. Only 3500 miles on the car, too.
The best tire you can buy for the Prius in the Standard 15 inch wheel size (non touring), are the Goodyear Assurance ComforTreds Goodyear Tires | Find The Right Tire | By Vehicle | Car/Minivan
I respectfully disagree. Nokian makes some great tires for our Prii. Those of us that deal with snow/ice have found that the WR (or the WRg2 - less aggressive tread design) not only matches most snow tires for bad weather traction and is all-weather rated for year around use, they will improve handling (as will the CTs) while actually improving MPG. There is also the Nokian H tire for those in warm weather climes. Attached is a spreadsheet showing MPG performance of my 2004 Prius. I used the Goodyear Integrity tires (not very good) for 44.5k miles, Michelin MXV4+ Energy Saving tires for 55k miles and now Nokian WR (185/65HR15) for 11k miles so far. The Michelins were fine tires, but are no longer available in our size. The Nokian WRs from Findland have been impressive in all aspects. JeffD
I'll second the recommendation for the Nokians. I have a set of WRg2's in the stock size and they have been excellent. No hit in mileage, excellent snow/slush/wet performance in addition to great dry handling. Quieter and better handling in all conditions than the original goodyears. Plus the tread pattern on the WRg2s looks cool too!
I now have 1,000 miles or so on a set of Michelin X Radials that beat the other recommended tires for LRR and are currently the Consumer Reports recommended all weather tire, " Best for all weather conditions: Michelin X Radial Michelin HydroEdge The Michelin X Radial DT is a very good all-around performer, but is only available from shopping clubs. The Michelin HydroEdge performs capably but is noisier, with mediocre hydroplaning resistance. " I'm very happy with them so far. They are a better tire than the GY Integrities, but that's not saying much. They're heavier but I haven't seen a hit in mileage, still 50ish mpg. They are awesome in the wet, better than any tire I've ever used. Heavy rain, deep puddles at highway speed, stopping, cornering, no problems and very stable. In the dry, they are much quieter and feel much more stable in crosswinds.
