Want to change 15" to 16" tires: ABS possible issues

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by latinsalsadancer, Aug 31, 2010.

  1. latinsalsadancer

    latinsalsadancer New Member

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    I am wanting to improve the look of my 08 Standard Prius by adding 16" wheels and tires. Toyota told me that my car cannot be calibrated and that the ABS system will be thrown off and may give warnings whenever certain turns are made. They warn - even if it doesn't - when the ABS light does come on to indicate real issues (if this would ever happen), I might ignore it thinking it is the tires.

    Has anyone changed from 15" to 16" tires who could comment on this? Thanks! I just don't know what to do! I found the perfect wheels but they do not come in a 15" size!
     
    #1 latinsalsadancer, Aug 31, 2010
  2. northwichita

    northwichita .

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    The prius comes in 16" rim tires, in the touring model.
    E.g. ebay example
    08 Prius 16" Original Alloy Wheel 7 Spk, 5 Lug & Cover : eBay Motors (item 290468952467 end time Sep-26-10 20:47:16 PDT)

    Does your perfect 16 wheel match this identically? Other parameters like bolt pattern and offset have to match . It would be safest to buy a touring model wheel that is made for the prius. Don't know why the 'Toyota people' did not mention this possibility. You can go after market, it just has to have the same parameters as the stock 16" wheel.

    In my understanding, the only problem with ABS is when a different circumference sized tire is run in the set, for example, when running with smaller tire that is the spare, the car will only go about 50 mph if I recall correctly because of the size difference.
     
    #2 northwichita, Sep 2, 2010
  3. Paul58

    Paul58 Mileage Miser

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    I don't think you'll have any problems as long as the overall circumference of the new tire/wheel combo is close to the same as the OEM 15" combo. There are tons of people here running aftermarket 17" wheels and I've not seen many complaint of problems! Also, different brand tires in the exact same size can vary several millimeters in circumference, so the ABS system has a tolerance range to accommodate replacement tires. If it didn't you'd be hosed, because some OEM tires are not available to the consumer through the normal retail outlets.
     
    #3 Paul58, Sep 2, 2010
  4. latinsalsadancer

    latinsalsadancer New Member

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    Thank you for taking the time to respond! I agree! I had an strong intuition that they rep who told the service manager was just talking out of his you know what. I am going for 16inch wheels/tires and will post pictures within the month of my new look!
     
    #4 latinsalsadancer, Sep 2, 2010
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