Selecting winter or all Season tires for Gen II in Colorado Front Range

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by dpluigi, Nov 5, 2014.

  1. dpluigi

    dpluigi Junior Member

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    Driving my 2009 Gen II last winter was hairy at times, skidding in the sleek snow covered road here in Denver. This year I'm considering swapping my tires with tires that will improve handling on those snowy and/or icy day.

    I heard great things about Nokian brand. Below ate three suggested tires from SimpleTire. What are the best tires for wet, dry, snow (and occasionaly icy) conditions?

    What size tire should I get 195/65R15 or 195/55R15?

    Is it that big of a deal to swap tire two a year (Nov and March/April) that getting a second set of rim recommended?

    Three choices:
    Size: 195/65R15 195/65R15 195/65R15
    Model: Hakkapeliitta 7 WRG3 Hakkapeliitta R2
    Manufacturer: Nokian Nokian Nokian
    Sidewall: BW BW BW
    Ply
    Load Index: 95 95 95
    Speed Rating: T H R
    Warranty: - 55000 -
    UTQG
    Tread Depth: 13.00 12.00 12.00
    Part # : TS31669 T428746 T428385
    Price: $104.99 $115.99 $113.99

    Thanks for your suggestions,
    Donat
     
    #1 dpluigi, Nov 5, 2014
    Last edited: Nov 6, 2014
  2. Tony D

    Tony D Active Member

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    I would stick with the 195/65/15 as that is a more common size and as such more tyres available and usually cheaper

    I run Goodyear Ultragrip 8s on a 15" steelie and have been happy with them for the last three winters, and they perform well in snow and ice. I loose some mpg, but it's worth it knowing that I can stop alot quicker
     
    #2 Tony D, Nov 5, 2014
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  3. FazilHussein

    FazilHussein Member

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    I had Nokian WRG2's on my 2005; terrible under -10C...they would freeze up and become completely useless. They only lasted 50k...not a good investment at all.

    Ran a used set of Ultragrips for a couple of years and had no issues. They're about half done, so I ran them this summer...will get another summer out of the set. We had some really terrible winter weather last year and there was only one time I was worried about ditching it (-3C and raining...glare ice...country roads with no salt...you get the picture).

    Now I have a brand new set of Hankook I-pikes..they were amazing on my mom's Neon, and the price was right ($400 installed for the set).

    Definitely get a second set of rims; flipping tires back and forth costs $$$$ and is a pain.

    Faz
     
    #3 FazilHussein, Nov 5, 2014
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  4. goldfinger

    goldfinger Active Member

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    I had Nokian entyre which claims to be an all season. I hadn't driven 20 feet and my reaction was these are snow tires. Noisy rumbly things. Worked great for two years, but belts shifted ending their life. If I had an extra set of rims I would consider Nokian for 2 months of the year and Bridgestone Ecopia for the remainder.
     
    #4 goldfinger, Nov 7, 2014
  5. dpluigi

    dpluigi Junior Member

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    Thank you all for the inputs... Winter just overtook Fall since yesterday here in Denver, CO. Tonight single digit... 6F and dropping?!

    Note that my car is 2009 Gen II Prius Touring Trim, which is currently fitted with Michelin Defender Radial Tire - 185/65R15 88T (Radial Green X Tubeless, Temperature B).

    The Nokians and Goodyears seem nicer quality or at least great reviews. The cheaper Hankook if of comparable performance and quality would be really attractive.
    Faz: is this Winter I*pike W409 the one you were referring to (see below)? It is priced at $40 per tire with a promo buy 3 get 4th free, of course in this weather I would not be surprised if they are sold out (couldn't select any to order on this link)?!

    Hankook Winter I*pike W409 SIZEPassenger 195/65R15
    Tire Details Hankook Winter I*pike W409 | Pep Boys

    Question, my current tire are 185/65R15, should I get exactly the same size, or the 185mm can be increased to a 195mm as suggested by some online store. Same question with the aspect ration 65%? In the snow, would you want tire with a little more surface area in contact with the road?

    Anyhow, tonight I skidded on the freeway without real consequences but I saw car spinning in front and it makes me nervous to drive with tires not suited for winter driving (cold temp on dry or with snow and/or ice).

    I am on a budget and I suspect would be driving from November through April in the Sunny and caprcious front Range weather of the Denver region.

    Thanks,
     
    #5 dpluigi, Nov 12, 2014
  6. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    TireRack suggests that narrow snow tires are better than wide. Therefore I would stay with the correct 185/65-R15 size.

    "Unfortunately wide, low profile tires have to "plow" a wide path through deep snow, where narrower tires have an easier time. So if you're likely to drive through deep snow this year, you'll want winter / snow tires and wheels in sizes that help put the laws of physics on your side."
    Winter Tech - Size Selection of Winter / Snow Tires
     
    #6 Patrick Wong, Nov 12, 2014
  7. Tony D

    Tony D Active Member

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    IMO the difference between going from a 185 to a 195 is so negligible, I wouldn't let it be an issue. I would go with the cheaper in terms of price and the best brand that you can afford.

    It is true re thinner is better, but more relevant if going from a 225 to a 185 for example.
     
    #7 Tony D, Nov 12, 2014
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