Winter Wheels - I need you, Obi-Wan

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Launch Vehicle, Dec 27, 2011.

  1. Launch Vehicle

    Launch Vehicle Junior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2010
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    Location:
    Missouri
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Folks, your humble servant is in need of some guidance on winter snow tire and wheel replacement.

    For a 2010 Model II Prius with stock 15" wheels and stock Yokohama AVID 195/65 treads - would the following fit?

    A matched set of four 185/65-15 Dunlop Graspics on 5-spoke alloy wheels with a 5x100 bolt pattern and an "offset" of +35 (whatever the heck that means). The ad states that they have 3000 miles on them. This is a bit of a concern as I understand that on Graspics - the first 55% of tread depth is made of high grip silica tread compound - with snow wear bars representing fully 45% of the original tread. When they wear down to this 45% mark - you experience reduced ice and snow traction - which would seem to defeat having them.

    Given the above (assuming these alloy wheels and winter tires actually do fit a Gen III base model Prius) what would you estimate to be a fair private party price for this complete set?

    Thank you!
     
    #1 Launch Vehicle, Dec 27, 2011
  2. Teakwood

    Teakwood Member

    Joined:
    Jun 23, 2010
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    Location:
    New Mexico
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    In general, I have found it best to stick with the tire size for which the vehicle was designed and originally sold.
     
    #2 Teakwood, Dec 28, 2011
  3. ngc4565

    ngc4565 Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2023 Prius
    Model:
    LE
    According to other threads here on PrisChat, the bolt pattern should be 5 x 100 with a +45mm offset. The tires are not the right size for your vehicle anyway, so you should probably pass on this opportunity.
     
    #3 ngc4565, Dec 28, 2011
  4. car compulsive

    car compulsive Active Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I opted to have new winter tires (Michelin X-ice2) mounted on my factory 15" wheels. I have my factory 15" tires awaiting some nicer wheels this spring for summer use. (Then again, I may want to move to 16" or 17" wheels for summer use.)

    Some advice if you decide to do this: I'm running the factory 15" wheels without the wheel covers in the winter. Big mistake. All the winter goop gets into the exposed nooks and crannies of the factory 15" wheels, making them hard to clean. Next time I wash the car and wheels, I'm going to put the ugly (but easy-to-clean) covers back on (and remove the center caps so they fit). At the end of the winter, I'll remove the covers and take the car to Belle Tire for new summer wheels (and maybe tires). I'll use their seasonal storage/cleaning service where they will clean and polish the wheels and store them in a climate controlled warehouse until I call for them next fall.
     
    #4 car compulsive, Dec 28, 2011
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