After using the search feature and passing 2 hours -- I am still confused. My current tires are: Michelin Premium A/S ( 205/60/R15 ). Tires purchased new last October 2014. These are wider tires over stock ... I like the better handling offered of wider tires. Tires were purchased at Tire Kingdom near Orlando, Florida. MPG according to my dash mileage screen is 43 when zipping around town like Mario Andretti and 54 when driving like Grandma. Maybe I should go back to the original stock tire size? Please, a solution to better MPG? BIG THANKS !!!!!!!!!
I suggest you look at the link below, but bear in mind that the fuel consumption on the car display is not accurate. With the tyres size you have at the moment against the OEM size the display will under report your MPG. This is because the tyres are larger in diameter, and therefore rotate less times to cover one mile. The display calculates your MPG on a fixed number of wheel rotations per mile, and on this number of rotations your car is actually going further than one mile. Low Rolling Resistance replacement tires: Current List | PriusChat John (Britprius)
There are lots of great options. If I were to buy tires now, I'd probably try the Continental TrueContact in the stock size. They have really incredible survey results in all categories, including winter traction (maybe not as important for Texas). I have the Hankook Optimo H727s on, in 195/60R15 and am really happy with them, but the TrueContact has been pulling in better ratings lately. If you just want to roll fast, I'd probably throw on some Bridgestone Ecopia EP 422s.
Yokohama Avid Ascend (T) (All-Season) UTQG=800 A B, 44PSI, 12/32, 20LBS, 828, $89 - Try these I love them, good handling,quiet,good wet traction,and good mileage.
John (Britprius): I did read all that Thread but I am STILL confused. PLEASE advise the best Tire for my application. Thanks. Billy
In my opinion, the best tires are the ones you have, unless they're nearly worn out. Your mileage is about what should be expected. Replacing capable tires might save you a little gas, but probably not much (if any) money. I wouldn't worry about replacing them til they need to be.
Billy this is not meant as a put down, but you do not state what your application is. You do not say how many miles your tyres have done, how much tread is left, what your expectations are from your tyre choice, what pressures you use, and even if your tyres need changing. As "Vskid3 says if your tyres are good stay with them. Goining back to the OEM size you will never be happy with the handling of the car. From an economy point I found an improvement by going to 205 section tyres, but in the UK all gen2 Prius have 16 inch wheels. Your millage looks good about 5 to 10 MPG down on my figures depending on seasonal variation, but UK gallons are about 10% bigger than US gallons. Going with smaller tyres will give better, but false improvement MPG figures from the MFD. John (Britprius)
