Confusion Over Correct Prius Tire Size

Unless there was a compelling reason, I'd stay with stock, just to keep "gearing" and odometer accurate, as much as anything. And to trust Toyota's judgement.

I'm a bit of hypocrite though: our 3rd gen comes stock with 215/45R17, but I'm using 195/65R15 for snow tires. The second size is the more typical stock tire, our 17's are an optional, come just with a certain model. They have outside diameter slightly less (maybe 1.5%), and I'm really not sure if Toyota's adjusted the odometer for this difference. I suspect not.

 

I had yokohamas on the '04. the '05 has Michelin, but I don't remember which ones and the dragon lady is out of town with that car. if you would like to come slit the integritys so I have an excuse to put Michelins on my '06, I'd really appreciate it.

 

Toyota's judgement was that GY integritys were good enough. they were damn sure wrong in that respect. 205/60r15 are better in every way including speedo accuracy, than the oem size for base gen 2.

 

Found this great tool Tire Size Calculator - Compare Tire Sizes

 

I use 195/65R15 as my tires from the factory 185/65R15. Corrects the speedometer also allows for wider surface tread not he pavement which would aid in braking distances. I was considering going up to 205 size but best prius tire for fuel economy (which is the main reason I drive the prius) is Michelin Energy Saver A/S whose max size in 15 inch are 195/65R15.

 

I used 195/65/15 for about 50k miles, dont you hear the tire hitting the struts every now and then?

 

no. must be fast speeds and bad potholes. tires have plenty of clearance. and i always drive slow over speed bumps and potholes.

 

No. I just install FuelMax 195/65R15. have not been able to make them rub. Only gone 5 miles so far. I did it because I had two new ones from my 2011 that Goodyear replaced under warranty off my 2011. So I only needed TWO. Now to decide on tire pressure ???

 

So.. I replaced my tires on my 06 about three months ago. It had 185/55 R15 on it.. I noticed that they weren't the factory and changed them to the size the sticker on my door reads 185/65 R15 and now Everytime I hit a pothole, sewer drain cover or anything my traction control turns on and I slide/can't stop.
I am worried about my child's safety with these stock tires, they are terrible.
After reading this thread I'm wondering which size to replace with (soon as we are nearing snow and ice).. seems like others liked the 205/60 R15.. anyone tried 185/55 R15?
What is everyone's best experience with size and handling?
I'd rather have safety than economy.

 

I would stick with the stock size. Maybe the tire choice is the issue, not the size? What are they, make and model? I would just give them some time too.

 

you bought some junk tires. you get what you pay for with tires. wife's car has Michelins and they handle just fine. manufacturers are looking to cut costs when they make a car, so they put skinny, junky integritys on and they sucked, but were much cheaper than a decent set of 205 Michelins or Contis.

fact: a larger contact patch makes for better traction.
fact: cheap tires have lousy traction.
buy top rated all season tires if you want safety. even if you really believe Toyota selected the best size tires for your car, you must buy quality tires or you will not have good traction regardless of the size.

 

FWIW, In other jurisdictions (like NZ, Aus, and the UK) Toyota fitted 195/60 R15 on the 15" wheels and 195/55 R16 on the 16" wheels. The handling is good with this profile.

69shovlhed is very much on the money. Buy the best quality tires you can afford and make sure they are LRR (low rolling resistance) tires as well.

 

Ok.. yes, they were a used set. I couldn't afford more at the time. I just wondered if it was the difference in size rather than the brand of tire. I've always went for relatively cheap tires and never had this happen.
I appreciate your all's input and will definitely keep that in mind when I go tire shopping again.
Thank-you!

O.. and 69shovlhed, love your occupation and picture

 

I run 195/65r15 H rated General Altimax RT43 on my 2009 Prius. There is no/very little difference in the speedo accuracy according to the state and local your speed is on the roads. There are no problems with fit and the later Prius 2010 on uses this size also!
The H rated does help tighten the handling up a bit without loosing the ride quality. Originally equipped with 185/65r15 T rated.
Also the added weight capacity greatly helps out when I do rideshare and have to pick up 4 heavy people!