Carmine is a 2008, NOT the touring model; bought new. I've only ever had to replace 1 tire at a time -- I have a tendency of finding that one stray item in the road which will rip your tire and leave you flat in 10 seconds or less, so have stayed with the OEM. I know, I know, not great tires. Finances were only a part of the issue. Currently: I drive 7,000 to 8,000 miles per year. Most trips are short, under 10 miles one way. Grocery store, doctor appts, etc. Two or 3 times a year I may make a 'long' trip which for me is about 100 miles one way. I think it is time (well, past time) to get a full new set of tires for Carmine. Car is parked in the garage when here at home. Most weeks, I take Carmine out 3 times a week. Once in a while, 4 trips in a week (big excitement for me! ha haa) I get about 42 mpg. Buy gas about every 5 weeks. Carmine has almost 80,000 miles on her at this time. (I used to drive a LOT when I was a bit younger, 98 miles one way, round trip made 3 times a week.) Read a few threads on here re tires. Michelin MXV4Plus seems like a common item which many can agree on as being a good tire for this car. Should I spring for 4 new tires of this type? Why or why not? Thank you in advance for your replies.
Since you live in a northern clime, consider the Nokian WRg3 which will match the Michelin MXV4+ in all characteristics but add very good snow/Ice traction. I have these on my 2016 Prius and have been happy with earlier Nokian "All Weather" models on my 2004 Pius. JeffD
I try to avoid skimping on tyres, since (IMNSHO) when it comes down to it, they're the most important thing between you and the road! There is so much useful information to be mined both here and on the rest of TheInterNet, that it's pretty easy to get all the necessary information for you to make a sensible choice! Good luck!
"Carmine"..... hmmm, seems like you listen to a particular radio show on Saturdays I agree, given your very modest annual mileage and potential for serious snow, I would lean to the SnowISH side of the tire spectrum, something with a more open tread - the opposite of what we would do in TX.
LOL hi JohnG! Actually the name "Carmine" is a play on words. Carmine is a shade of red; my Prius is Barcelona Red. And when I bought it, this Car is Mine! LOL
@jdenenberg follow up I read up on the Nokian tyres, liked what I read. Eco friendly manufacturing! Among other things. Used their web site to find local suppliers, called 5 for pricing - range difference was $50 PER TIRE! Lowest priced place was one of 3 which included free flat repair and free tire rotation for life of tire. Afternoon of Dec 22 I went to get my new tires; car was a little 'loose' as we had snow showers. An hour later, coming home on the same roads w/ my new Nokian WRG3 tires, car was quite stable! And when I went in and said what I wanted, the woman who owns and manages the place said I deprived her of making her sales pitch for Nokian ha haaa. She said they do sell themselves, once a person has them, they talk them up to all the friends. Otherwise, people have not heard of them and often want the cheapest tire, she has to explain why they do not want that one. She also explained that the Nokian starts with 12/32 ", while most USA made are 10/32" and China made are 8/32" - and I think she said 5 is bald and must be replaced. Overall a great experience. Many thanks for your help with this issue.
