Just got new Prius yesterday!

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Main Forum' started by Billy56, Oct 16, 2019.

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  1. Billy56

    Billy56 Member

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    2020 L Eco (Sea Glass Pearl). Driving away from dealer, first thing I did was stop at tire store and put exactly 48 lbs of air in tires.

    2nd thing was apply Rain X to exterior glass (rains here in Seattle)

    Love the car so far! After 135 miles of mixed driving, averaging 83.2 MPG....not great, but will try techniques to improve.
     
    #1 Billy56, Oct 16, 2019
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  2. Dimitrij

    Dimitrij Active Member

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    Congratulations! Now you are stuck with an indestructible car for 10 years mininum :)
     
    #2 Dimitrij, Oct 16, 2019
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  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    congrats and welcome!

    all the best (y)
     
    #3 bisco, Oct 16, 2019
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  4. krmcg

    krmcg Lowered Blizzard Pearl Beauty

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    good choice.
     
    #4 krmcg, Oct 16, 2019
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  5. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    Except for severely over inflating your tires needlessly you're off to a great start.

    ( Now ducking under the bar, to avoid the glasses being thrown by the "Over Inflate" crowd.
     
    #5 The Electric Me, Oct 16, 2019
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  6. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    What is the sidewall pressure rating? That sound like it is over the safety specification.
     
    #6 Prodigyplace, Oct 16, 2019
  7. Soba1

    Soba1 Junior Member

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    Congratulation
     
    #7 Soba1, Oct 16, 2019
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  8. Billy56

    Billy56 Member

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    Hi Prodigy.....sidewall says, like most tires, 44 lbs. There is, of course, a large safety margin above that. I normally run 50 lbs. And my driving for the next few months will be at fairly slow speeds and cooler outside temps.
     
    #8 Billy56, Oct 16, 2019
  9. Billy56

    Billy56 Member

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    Hi Electric.....I have been inflating tires high since 1979. I want the harder surface and maximum rolling capabilities.
     
    #9 Billy56, Oct 16, 2019
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  10. Montgomery

    Montgomery Senior Member

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    Newbies must include pictures! You have to show your car off!
     
    #10 Montgomery, Oct 16, 2019
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  11. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    And minimum traction with a small center strip if the tire wearing out first. Like I said, dangerous.
     
    #11 Prodigyplace, Oct 17, 2019
  12. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    It's such a polarizing opinion and approach that I have reached a point where I tire-(pun intended) of debating it.
    But to me,- just inflate your tires to the AUTO manufacturers recommendation.
    Why some rank and file owners think they know some secret that automakers and designers have missed, and IMO dangerously over inflate their tires, I don't get.
    Any minimal and I mean minimal MPG and low rolling resistance advantage one might imagine they are enjoying, doesn't make up for changing the suspension and road contact SAFETY characteristics between the automobile and the road.
     
    #12 The Electric Me, Oct 17, 2019
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  13. Dimitrij

    Dimitrij Active Member

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    This reminds me of some other spirited debates of similar nature, notably those in the highly opinionated audiophile community, e.g. about the tracking weight of the needle, and the only acceptable shape and material of the tonearm, and direct- vs belt drive, and whether the record player should be run with the dust cover up or down :) ... those are fun to watch - 100% pure, science-free emotion.
     
    #13 Dimitrij, Oct 17, 2019
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  14. Billy56

    Billy56 Member

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    You dont seem to understand......car manufacturers recommend a very LOW tire pressure to ensure a cushy ride. They dont want complaints that "gee, my new Toyota rides stiff, rough". There is very SUBSTANTIAL MPG gain by inflating tires up to sidewall max or more. The car simply ROLLS much better! In 2009 the Bridgestone engineer confirmed all this at Hybridfest in Madison, WI. Yes, more air in tires makes a very big MPG gain!

    For over 1.63 million driving miles I have seen this. I always teach people to inflate them up to 44 lbs...
     
    #14 Billy56, Oct 17, 2019
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  15. CooCooCaChoo

    CooCooCaChoo Senior Member

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    Hitting bumps and potholes would be terrifying with such high pressures. The chance of a blowout is too great a risk for such little reward.
     
    #15 CooCooCaChoo, Oct 17, 2019
  16. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Jeeeesus... :cautious:

    Yeah, I'm chiming in with this sentiment, several others have responded similarly.

    My hunch: the tires at Toyota's spec'd tire pressures (or slightly higher, at most) give much more, over minor bumps and dips. And this will translate to longer life for the wheel bearings, suspension, and anything that feels those shocks, which is pretty much every part of the car.
     
    #16 Mendel Leisk, Oct 17, 2019
    Last edited: Oct 17, 2019
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  17. farmecologist

    farmecologist Senior Member

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    Have any of you high PSI'ers ever experienced premature bearing wear? there is a theory out there that high pressure increases wear on the bearings, etc... However it has never been proven ( as far as I know ). (y)
     
    #17 farmecologist, Oct 17, 2019
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  18. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Yeah completely unscientific. But I just figure if you brutally bash at something (the side effect of high tire psi) it's got to be detrimental. :ROFLMAO:
     
    #18 Mendel Leisk, Oct 17, 2019
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  19. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    Like I said, I really don't like debating it, because it's one of those gulfs that never will be crossed.
    I'm never going to convince you it's a bad idea. But IMO, it's a BAD idea.
    Sidewall max or more is IMO a horrible dangerous standard.

    I don't think the designers and builders of the automobile are ONLY considering "cushy" test rides as the standard bearer for choosing the recommended PSI. They are considering the total picture, which is the sweet spot, for ride comfort, MPG, but most importantly braking and handling and the suspension-SAFETY.
    Hate to tell ya, but your new Prius wasn't designed to run on tires pumped up to 48 PSI. IMO...you endanger yourself and others around you.
     
    #19 The Electric Me, Oct 17, 2019
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  20. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    :ROFLMAO:
    Yup. Mpg improves but depending on the road surface of your city, it may or may not be beneficial. A city with pot-hole-filled roads may result in a harsher ride and greater wear and tear on other components. If you have smoother roads and little rain or snow, go for it.
     
    #20 Tideland Prius, Oct 17, 2019
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