Quiet tires for 2004 Prius

I've only had the ComforTread for a couple days, but already I have observed a noticable difference in:

1. Noise - both highways and city streets, the ride is smoother and quieter. We also had the chance to stealth/glide with windows open, radio off, and A/C off, and the outside noise was quieter as well.

2. Wet (rain) handling - noticably better than Integrities in my limited, but back-to-back driving experience.

We replaced the Integrities at 5k and 3k miles, respectively. Just make sure that whoever is installing them doesn't break the TPMS sensor (my car is currently in the shop because the Goodyear tire place did).

 

If you are basically looking for a quiet tire with extremely long treadwear, the ComforTred is a fine choice.

If you want an even quieter tire with superior handling, traction, fuel efficiency and price, but with less treadwear longevity, move up to the grand touring all-season ContiProContact as an alternative to the passenger all-season ComforTred.

Here are two comparative tests done by the TireRack.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/chartDisplay.jsp?ttid=66 tests the ContiProContact against other grand touring tires.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/chartDisplay.jsp?ttid=74 tests the ComforTred against other passenger car (basic) tires.

The tests provide numerical scores that let you compare the ContiProContact with the the ComforTred. Be careful interpreting user surveys. ComforTreds are strictly aftermarket while ContiProContacts are popular OEM tires on Audis, Jaguars, VWs, BMWs, and Volvos. These owners tend to be more critical of the tires that their car manufacturers chose for them than ComforTred owners are of the tires that they chose for themselves.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(blackdog @ Sep 25 2006, 09:21 AM) [snapback]324617[/snapback]</div>

Just Installed my ComforTreads last night after 15,000 miles on the noisy Integritys. First observations; I agree with Taco Mel's Noise comment. Also, I decided to have my dealer mount and balance the tires ($52) after hearing Taco Mel's TPMS story (seems to be a common problem at the after market tire shops). Tires cost $316 at Tire Rack, plus $34 shipping; ordered Sunday night, delivered Tuesday.

Real time commute testing starts next week.

 

I have ContiProContacts on my Audi A8 and I think the Comfortreds on my Prius are quieter. Don't get me wrong, the Audi is the quieter CAR but I think the Comfortreds made a bigger overall improvement. I have never tried ContiProContact tires on a Prius, tho.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jbarnhart @ Oct 1 2006, 03:02 AM) [snapback]326393[/snapback]</div>

Thank you. You are the person to ask. What size tires does your Audi A8 use? I see that the 2006 A8 uses a much larger 255/45r18 tire than the Prius.

 

I'm on a trip and the Audi is home in the garage. I think it's a 245/55 R18 but I'll have to check. I upgraded its wheels to the 18-in ones that came on the S8. Mine is a MY 2000 car and it came standard with 17-in wheels.

 

The Hydroedge is a fine tire. I had a set on a Camry that worked great. Not so on the Prius (though I understand that some like them on the Prius). Way too noisy, especially noticeably so with the ICE off line. I exercised Michelin's 30 day take-back wty and replaced them with a set of Michelin Energy MXV4 Plus. What an amazing difference in sound (not fully explored yet, admittedly). Much more quiet and smooth, and they handle as well or better. IMO, the MXV4 is a great choice for this car.