I am EXTREMELY ANAL (and I mean the strongest definition of these words) about my tire balancing. I have every car of mine road force balanced (hunter gsp 9700) almost monthly due to road inconsistencies and I've found that regular dynamic balancing just never completely cures any shake you get at highway speed. I just ordered Goodyear Assurances for my prius and I am going to have them mounted tomorrow. I'm just curious if any of you have them road force balanced or just normal high speed dynamic balancing? My tire guy is going to hook me up with road force for the same price but is it overkill? Is the Prius susceptible to road force? I know my Acura Legend is NOTORIOUS for road force and cannot take a regular wheel balance w/o horrible shake
I think if you are that ANAL then no matter what you are gonna have vibration. Compounding this problem is your choice in replacement tires. Those tires are noisy and pick up road imperfections. If you have a chance to switch you should switch to either the Michelin or Bridgestone Ecopia ep422 much better on road noise and both will increase your fuel economy.
My tire guy assured me the assurance fuel maxes I bought were worlds more quiet than the ecopias....I have Michelin MXV Primacys on my legend that I spent $170 a pop for and I HATE THEM!!!!! TALK ABOUT ROAD FEEL!!!! I guess I should preface a couple things... I have carpal tunnel in both wrists and as a result road force really screws with my wrists and I cannot hold a vibrating wheel. Also, my prius has integritys that were installed by previous owner at 67k and I am at almost 81k. thats 14k miles on them and while dont look bad or exhibit any vibration whatsoever (up to 90 at least) which is also amazing to me, they suck in anything but dry weather with smooth straight driving. Any turns they suck, any rain they suck, any wind they suck any lane change they suck...so yeah besides the comfort and ride they basically just suck I picked with assurance fuel max based on reports on here, my tire guy's ultimate decision, tire rack reviews and recommendations. My tire guy can balance up to a 30" rim and he is notorious in NY for his rim fixing skills. I wanted some feedback but I guess I'll ultimately let him road force and see....
When Round and Black Becomes Lean and Green Trust your guy if you want but you may want to check this test again the only thing fuel max beat ecopia was in dry by 2 feet everything else it got stomped. Same with Michelin only 1 stat better so again every one has there own preference but if the tires he suggested are not satisfactory will he replace with one of these?
update to anyone who cares or was/is stuck in the same boat. I got the assurance fuel maxes installed and road forced..No shake up to 80 (as fast as I could go on lunch)....grip is noticeably better (its 70 and sunny today), no tire squeal on turns anymore. Ride is definitely improved over stock... I went upsized to 195/60/15..the 185's seemed too puney(sp?) to me. So far so good!
