I’m trying to decide which tires are best for my area of the country. I reside in Carlsbad, coastal Southern California, where much of the year we have dry weather, some rain, and no snow. By now my head is spinning with all my internet surfing trying to figure out the best plan on new tires. I think I’m more confused than ever! I’d like to know prevailing thoughts on increasing tire size (2005 Prius) to 195/60-15 or even 205/60-15 from stock. I’m trying to decide between the Michelin Pilot Axalto A/S and the Michelin X Radial DT. Any other tire recommendations for Southern Cal driving would be appreciated. Any suggestions on 4-wheel alignment specifications too? :blink:
Go with 195/60/15. Minimal impact on the speedometer so it won't be off by more than 1-2mph @ 65mph. I'd personally go for Nittos or Yokohomas because they are cheaper in price, and at the same time excellent quality. Yes, Michelin is better but it is too much for marginal benefits. Answering your question, Pilot Axalto are excellent for SoCal weather.
I'm happy with the Michelin X. It was highly rated in all categories with the exception of snoiw and ice where it was just above average ( still did ok). I, like you, do not need to worry about winter conditions.
Looks like I narrowed it down to two good tires for my driving conditions. What do you think about going to a bigger tire size?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jamarimutt @ Oct 9 2006, 06:56 PM) [snapback]330281[/snapback]</div> I disagree. The stock tires are loud, hard, and they have poor grip in rain and snow. In my experience with tires (and I've had a lot), almost any tire is better than the stock tires.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SW03ES @ Oct 9 2006, 06:40 PM) [snapback]330307[/snapback]</div> Not to mention mine are worn out at 21K and I rotated them with every oil change too. Any suggestions for me on my tire question?
We replaced ours with Michelin MXV4s and are pleased. The MXV4 is a really quiet tire with ultra low rolling resistance and long treadwear, I have them on the Lexus too. They're pricey, and grip isn't what it is on more aggressive tires with higher rolling resistance (but better than OEM), but I'm pleased with them. Honestly, anybody who thinks the stock tires are okay needs to drive a Prius with replacement tires. The difference in...everything is just night and day, and our stock tires weren't worn out when we replaced them either.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SW03ES @ Oct 9 2006, 08:54 PM) [snapback]330317[/snapback]</div> Whole heartily agree. It is like driving another car. I my case the improved ride was costly not only in terms of wheels and tires but also it seems in about a 11% drop in MPG.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SW03ES @ Oct 9 2006, 04:54 PM) [snapback]330317[/snapback]</div> Agreed. Chalk another one up for the MXV4 Plus. They're comfortable, quiet and are rated x-green (which I presume is Michelin speak for LRR). The treads on those are like the Grand Canyon and those on the Integrity is like a stream. No comparison.
Consumers Report says you should go with the Michelin X. Costco say you should go with the Michelin X . . . and $60 off. Our Mediterranean climate say you will be fine with the Michelin X.. Now why would you want a larger tire? It's a Prius, not a hotrod. I replaced two of my OEMs with Michelin Xs from Costco. One sidewall was damaged and I didn't want an unbalanced car . . . nor did I want to get rid of two adequate for now tires. I can tell the Michelin tires are definitely quieter.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SW03ES @ Oct 9 2006, 06:54 PM) [snapback]330317[/snapback]</div> I double agree! GY Integrities (the OEM tires) are awful. This is the third car I've had with them, and they've been inadequate on all three. They're especially bad when the rain starts. I would venture to geuss that those who claim that the Integs are adequate have not tried the alternatives. I too now have MXV4s installed, and they're superior in all respects, including rolling resistance/mileage. So far (I've had the MXs installed for about 700 miles now), I'm getting about 3 mpg better than I did with the Integs. Ride, handling, and noise are all noticeably better too.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ekpolk @ Oct 10 2006, 08:36 AM) [snapback]330542[/snapback]</div> Based on what I've been reading in this thread I've decided to go with the Michelin MXV4's. My area has no snow. Comfort, quietness, & cornering traction is what I'm looking for. I can live with the fact the tires might wear out at 60K. The increased gas mileage is a plus too. I'm planning on a 4-wheel alignment too. Read some stuff about setting the specs at +.05 degrees of toe in on each side, total +.1 degrees. Any Ideas? Anyway, thanks to all for the info.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Kramer @ Oct 9 2006, 06:50 PM) [snapback]330315[/snapback]</div> I have the stock tires (GY Integrity) with about 16,000 miles on them after 6 1/2 months, and they seem to ride well and have very little wear. Except for that FLAT I got when we drove over a big nail!!! I might try the Michelins when mine wear out. Would they be okay for the midwest, with some snow?
What about Goodyear ComforTreads I've had them on my 06 for 10 days and I'm kicking myself for not replacing the Integritys sooner. Much quieter with no real MPG hit; I went with the stock 185/65 size.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jamarimutt @ Oct 9 2006, 06:56 PM) [snapback]330281[/snapback]</div> Allow me to differ on that. Last March, on a wet road a woman attempted to make a left turn in front of me, and I was unable to stop the car - it slid about 10-12 feet into her rear wheel, in spite of the ABS. Those tires just couldn't grab enough of the road. I couldn have stopped easily on a dry road. Caused my insurance $3,000. Then, last weekend I discovered a 3 inch swelling on the sidewall of one of the Goodyear Integrity tires. Took it to the dealer today, and they replaced it under warranty. It was a manufacturing defect. The service representative said that the Goodyear Integrity tires that are shipped with the Prius are different from the stock Goodyear Integrity tires. He said Toyota ships the Prius with tires that are specially made to be softer than the retail version, to soften up the ride.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Leo @ Oct 10 2006, 08:07 PM) [snapback]330929[/snapback]</div> Interesting comment about the sidewalls on the Integs. My first experience with them was on an 01 Highlander. When that car was about a week old, I destroyed one hitting a piece of road debris. Seeing it dismounted at the dealer gave me a real shock. The sidewalls on this tire are very thin and flimsy compared to other tires. Shortly thereafter, I had a set of LTXs put on that vehicle, and it too was suddenly handling much better. I'm not surprised at all (though alarmed) that you had such a defect. Yeah I know, business is business, so I see why Toyota puts on these bare minimum adequate tires, but really, I think they could and should do better.
