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Any fix for rough ride in a 2011 Prius Three

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by surfer7382, Jun 5, 2013.

  1. xs650

    xs650 Senior Member

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    Tire rubber also gets harder with age. You can't win.
     
  2. surfer7382

    surfer7382 Junior Member

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    OK, I'm convinced. Looking at the Michelin Defenders. They have a high comfort rating.

    We currently have p195/65/R15 Yokohame Avid s-33

    How wide CAN I go, how wide SHOULD I go.

    Thanks
     
  3. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    Would be best to stay with OEM size. If you go wider, you'll take MPG hit and you have to make sure the revolution per mile is the same as the OEM tire.
     
  4. xpcman

    xpcman Senior Member

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    You should stay with the current size. A 205/60/R15 will fit BUT it will NOT give a softer ride.
     
  5. Jon Hagen

    Jon Hagen Active Member

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    The yoko tires on my 2010 Prius were rough riding and made much more road noise even when new, the Goodyear fuel max tires have to be a different design to dampen out that much of the roughness and noise at more pressure. (44 VS 38)
     
  6. surfer7382

    surfer7382 Junior Member

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    Don't mind some mpg hit; this is a desperate attempt to keep the Prius
     
  7. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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  8. ahmeow

    ahmeow Prius Lover

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    Can I ask what is your weight? Sorry if you don't want to answer.
     
  9. surfer7382

    surfer7382 Junior Member

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    148 hubby is 152
     
  10. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    I think the easiest thing is to change the tires. If it turns out not to be the case, when you sell the Prius and it is still a good selling point.

    If you want to go OEM tires, the most comfortable and lowest noise is the EP20. If you want to get something else, I would recommend ProContact with EcoPlus (had it on my 2006) -- $80. TR survey rated 8.4 for the ride and 8.2 for the noise.

    The tire with the highest survey rating for ride (9.1) and noise (8.7) is Turanza Serenity Plus ($89). The second highest is Michelin Defender ($106), 8.9 ride and 8.6 noise.

    If you decided to put more work on it, change the struts and shocks. I highly doubt it is the suspension unless you have hit a curb or pothole.
     
  11. surfer7382

    surfer7382 Junior Member

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    Thank you very much for your time and effort! I had not done the car selection process on tire rack and see that I should have. That is VERY helpful, especially with the links.
    The tires will get changed (leaning toward the Turanzas) and see if the installer can check the suspension.
    Thanks again.
     
  12. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    I had my tires delivered to a TR recommended installer. They had laser alignment equipment and they checked it for free. YMMV depending on your installer. This was for my 2006 Prius with about 150k miles and the alignment was still in spec!