Are there any Canadians out there who have purchased affordable winter tires for their 2014 V? Wondering if there are any recommendations? Also wondering what the base model is equivalent to in american terms (2,3, or 5)? Looking at buying from Goodyear for our brand new and first Prius! Thanks
I picked mine up at Costco. They always have a $70 off deal right about now and they will sell you the rims too. Warning though! Make sure the rims are for the V and not the standard Prius! They screwed mine up and that really sucked when I went to put them on the day before the first snowfall! Whole package was around 700-800. Tires are Bridgestone Blizzak WS-70's and they do the job. You will need another set of lugs, get them from Toyota. Also recommend you pick up a jack from Costco too and change your own wheels. Trying to get an appointment in fall/spring can be difficult and you can time it perfectly as to not have them on too long or get caught in the snow without them (as long as you get the correct rims!). I think the base here is equivalent to 2.
Bridgestones and Pirelli are $70 off, per set, at Costco right now. Commencing Oct 06 it's Michelin and BF Goodrich. My money's on Michelin, the X-Ice. I'll be getting a set for another vehicle. I believe there's a black steel Camry rim that's compatible, if you're thinking steel rims. And likely galvanized, open-ended tapered base lug nuts, for about $1 each. Both those items best bought through the dealership.
Can't go wrong with Michelin X-Ice (currently on 3rd generation X-Ice Xi3) or Nokian Hakkapeliita R2 (2nd generation). (I'm using Nokian Hakkapeliita R winters through 5 seasons in Alberta with 4mm of tread left going into this season). If you're worried about ice from freezing rain or wet roads freezing overnight when temps drop, Nokian Hakkapeliita 8 studded tyres work (new for 2014-2015 season). Here's the list from pmctire.com (Quebec tire company) for last year's winter tyres Source: Top winter tires for cars in 2013 | Auto123.com
