After taking delivery of my '06 Seaside Pearl #8, I plan on going to Discount Tire Center and replacing the OEM Integrities with a set of GY Assurance ComforTreds (I'll get a $30 trade-in for each tire). When replacing just the tires (and not the rims/wheels), are there any special precautions that need to be taken to be sure the tire pressure monitoring system stays intact? I've asked this question before but haven't gotten any clear, definitive answers. To those who have done this, any special instructions to be given to the tire installers? I asked my dealer if they would swap the tires out, but they said it would be cheaper for me to go to DTC.
I hope somone has info on this subject because I'm planning to do the same. I'm afraid the workers at the DTC won't have a clue that those stems are probably fragile, and has been noted very expensive, reportedly $106 each! Also, what's the procedure for resetting the TPMS? BTW, acousticbiker, the local store here in Tucson gave me a price of $204 for the trade. How does that compare to your quote?
They actually haven't given me a final quote yet, but $80 per ComforTred and credit of approx $30 per Integrity. That comes about to about $200. Does your price include DTC's replacement plan ($12/tire or something like that)?
You must be careful when changing tires on the new Prius. The TPWS ( Tire Pressure Warning System ) is the same as used on other Toyota's; Tundra,Sequoia,Tacoma. It has been out for a few years,so many tire places should have run into them. But if not here goes. First let all the air out of the tires. When empty,remove the nut holding the valve stem and let it fall in the tire. There is a washer under the nut,don't lose it!The valve stem is attached to the transmitter. If you don't drop it into the tire,the attachment that removes the bead as the tire rotates around will break off the transmitter. With it inside the tire,it is safe to remove the tire like any other. When putting on the new tire,reinstall the transmitter/valve stem back into the wheel ( don't forget the washer! ).Torque the nut to 35 foot pounds. When reinstalling the tire,make sure that the transmitter/valve stem is away from the tire changer attachment. With the tire now mounted,air up to the proper PSI ( factory specs are 35 front,33 rear ). My opinion is to suggest that the place doing the tire swap contact the nearest Toyota dealer if unsure. They should be able to copy off the steps from the Repair Manual for them to follow. If you want,I can try and send you the pages in PDF. PM me if interested and we can try, .
You might want to consider having the dealer swap your tires BEFORE you take delivery. I got my 06 Prius last week. I had the dealer install Michelin Harmony's for about $112 each and got a credit of a little more than $60 per Integrity tire. Cost me $208 total for the swap and was no aggravation for me.
I agree.A lot of dealers also sell tires and will price match the competition,I know we do. That may save some head aches here, :angry:
Also,if you are interested in the PDF pages,you might send me a PM with your email.I don't think there is a way to attach the file to a PM.If you know a way tho,let me know, .
acousticbiker, thanks for the tip on the replacement plan. I'd never heard about it. I'm sure if you don't know to ask. they won't volunteer any info on it. Does sound like $200 is in the ballpark though.
rick57, Super Info! I'd very much like to get a copy of the PDF so I can give a printed copy to the techs at DTC. I think you can just add the attachment, but just in case I'll PM you. Krash
One last thing to add here. After the new tires are installed ( also when rotating or checking the air pressure ) reset the system with the Reset button under the steering by the Smart button.The steps should be in your Owners Manual. As for the tire changes,hope they don't break any Transmitters. If that happens,a trip to the Toyota dealer is next so they can register the new Transmitter ( you did write down the registration number off of it before installing,didn't you? ) to the system. Rick
[Is there something wrong with the tires that come with the Prius?? What are the benefits of the other tires you're replacing them with? Will mileage be the same? Thx
Could you please tell me if the Harmony's keep the mpg the same? Thank you! Will be taking possession of a 2006 pak#2 soon.