We're looking to get a new set of tires and I'm wondering which ones are the quietest. We don't have snow or ice here often, so that's not a requirement for us. LRR is not a major consideration either. All suggestions/tips are appreciated.
Search for the proper size on the tire rack and then review the customer feedback. I bought the Bridgestone RE960 AS Pole Position. I love them because they offer better traction in wet weather and resist hydroplaning, are quiet and have good dry road grip too. Also are reasonably priced and expected to wear fairly well.
See the comparison from TireRack. Fuel Economy: Michelin Energy Saver A/S Ride Comfort: Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Noise Comfort: Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Road Handling: Yokohama dB Super E-Spec Wet Braking: Bridgestone Ecopia EP100 Dry Braking: Goodyear Integrity Wet Cornering: Michelin HydroEdge with Green X Dry Cornering: Goodyear Integrity
Great article. Thanks so much. No sooner have I posted this thread we had record low temperature here today with roads and bridges icing all over!
I find my Integrities on my 2007 really really howl too. I am unable to run them at 42-40 anymore because there so loud on Florida roads. What a pos tire. I'm a big fan of Kumho tires but lots of poeple here recommend the GY Triple Treads. I'm only at 25K miles on my 07 so trying to get a little more mileage on my tires before I replace them as they still have alot of tread on them but man are they loud. Can't wait to replace them. Please post back on your new tires and let us know how you like them!
In my experience with a Ford Focus there is no doubt that the Goodyear Assurance ComforTred was the quietest. I went through 4 sets of tires on that car and they were without doubt the quietest and best riding. Tire Rack has them in your size for $89.00 each. I am not sure about the new Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max which seems to be interesting at least.
My only contribution would be to say that in my case I overanalyzed the "quietest tire" part of the search way too much. I got Michelin Primacy MXV4s because Tire Rack reviews raved about them being quiet. They are quieter than the OEM Integrities, but not in any incredibly satisfying way. One thing I didn't like about that TireRack article linked above was that they just gave subjective impressions of road noise, not actual measurements. Given my experience with the Integrities vs the MXV4s, I suspect that there isn't a huge difference in road noise among the better tires on the market. Maybe I'm just jaded. - D
I thought the Michelin Energy MXV4 Plus and the Michelin Energy MXV4 S8 were fairly quiet tyres. The ComforTreds are another good option.
I too was kind of puzzled as to how "quietness" was measured in their test. But all things considered, I'm down to two choices: the Bridgestone Ecopia XP100 and the Goodyear Comfortred. I'm leaning more toward the Comfortred due to its 80K warranty and All-weather classification (the latest ice spell is giving me second thoughts). And also they're available at Sam's for under $100 (although Firestone is having a January sale and the XP100's can be had for $89/ea.) I wonder if any of these shops offer free rotation...
Check out the Consumer Reports November 2009 tire tests -- they're the most recent and comprehensive tire tests out there right now: Consumer_Reports_Nov._2009_Tire_Tests-1.doc To me, the all-season tire to get is the Hankook Optimo H727. All the more so if you want good performance on snow and ice. It's the second highest rated all-season passenger tire (S & T speed ratings) overall, and it's the all-season tire that's rated best on snow and ice period -- in fact it rates higher on snow and ice than a lot of PriusChatters' favorite, the Nokian WR g2, and astoundingly, it rates as well or higher on snow and ice than most of the snow tires tested by Consumer Reports. Plus, regarding NOISE, no all-season tire is rated better. Note that it does not come in the OEM 185/65R15 size, but it does come in the next closest size of 195/60R15. Finally, they're relatively inexpensive. The cheapest place to buy them is Gripston.com where a set of 4 in the 195/60R15 size costs around $300 with free shipping.
I replaced my stock bridgestones (touring model) with Kumho solus in early Nov. 09. I now have 2800 K on them. The Kumhos have less road noise, and at least as good handling quality as the bridgestones. I did take a 1 1/2 mpg hit with the Kumhos, although some of that may be due to the colder temperature we have been experiencing lately. I carry 40 psi rear, and 42psi front in the Kumhos.same as I had in the bridgestones. With the bridgestones I was averaging 50.1 mpg, and with the Kumhos I am now at 48.6 mpg.
We put a set of Fuel Max on our Prius last fall and couldn't beleive how quite they were. There is 135K on the car and so far these are the best one's we've had, we'll have to see about tire wear.
I too have the Touring (195/55/R16) and recently replaced the stock EL400s (had 45k miles) with the Bridgestone Ecopia EP100s and I HATE them. They ride really hard and have caused many new cabin rattles to appear and some old ones to return. It's so bad I've lowered the tire pressure below the standard. I hope with some wear and the coming summer and hotter weather they will soften up. I had a better ride with the worn EL100s. Wish I had went with something else but choices are fewer in this size, many are RunFlat versions. I'm thinking about buying a set of 15" rims & tires if I can match the overall diameter (haven't researched this yet). Then if the EP100s do ride better in the summer heat (they are summer tires) I could do the summer/winter swap like many of you northerners do, but I'd need to purchase four TPMS units adding to the overall cost. I knew I didn't want the touring low-profile wheels when I bought the car, but it was the only model I could get the package I wanted.
Update: We just got the Assurance Comfortred installed. My, what a difference in handling and quietness! The car feels much more responsive than ever before. I wish I'd gotten something like this long ago. So far so good. Let's wait and see how the MPG goes.
I'm also interested in replacing the tires on my 2007 Prius Touring but I notice that virtually none of the favorites here on the forum are available in the OEM size (P195/55R16) and I'm pretty much a dunce at understanding what I can properly substitute (other than they have to be 16"). Can anyone help on this? The ComforTreds are currently at the top of my list.
Boo, since you installed the Hankook 727 do you still think they are the best replacement? Amn about to order and would appreciate your input. elfprofessor70
I recently drove a 2006 Prius with General Altimax HP. It was very quiet and ate the pot hole very well. Well, compare to my Nikian i3s.
