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Winter Tire Recommendation for a New Jerseyan

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by smarano, Oct 14, 2006.

  1. smarano

    smarano Junior Member

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    I live in north Jersey not far from Manhattan, and would like to get some tire advice from someone in similar locale. A couple of questions:

    1) Given the typical Jersey winter weather conditions, am I better off just biting the bullet and not even testing how well the Integrities might perform? Seems like there's a near-universal feeling on this board that Integrities are not worth a dime. Though I must admit that so far I haven't really been dissatisfied with the performance of the tire. Then again, we've have a rather mild fall so far...

    2) If I do opt to change out the Integrities this winter, should I go the snow tire route, or would switching to an all-season tire provide sufficient traction for near-Manhattan roads? I'd prefer all-seasons for the convenience of no tire changes, but not if they're a significantly greater safety risk vis a vis snow tires.


    Any advice would be appreciated.
     
    #1 smarano, Oct 14, 2006
  2. stanleyjohn

    stanleyjohn New Member

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    Location:
    Higganum,Ct
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Hello from CT! Im in the same boat as you are!this will be my first winter.I just ordered a set of 4 Michelin X-Ice tires mounted on steel rims.This is the first time i ever used a snowtire.Allways used all seasons before but got alittle worried with the prius.I have read that if the wheels start to spin and slip in the snow or ice!the prius might shut down.Its a safety feature to protect the electric motor from possibly burning up.Good winter snow/ice tires hopefully will prevent this from happening.It dosnt seem to happen alot from what ive heard on pc!but im not takeing any chances.If i lived in a flat area vs hilly!i might of gave the all season tires a chance.NOTE! if you do plan on snow tires! dont put them on too early and take them off too late.These tires are soft and will wear the tread faster than all season tires.
     
    #2 stanleyjohn, Oct 14, 2006
  3. smarano

    smarano Junior Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(stanlwyjohn @ Oct 14 2006, 08:31 AM) [snapback]332672[/snapback]</div>
    Thanks for the advice.

    Anyone else out there? I'd love to hear from someone who's actually gone through one or more winters here in NY metro area with OEM tires to see what they recommend.
     
    #3 smarano, Oct 14, 2006
  4. barbaram

    barbaram Active Member

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    Location:
    Trenton, NJ
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Hey Steve!

    I am a big fan of Michelin Hydroedge. Had bought them for my Saturn and couldn't wait to get rid of the Integras and put them on the prius. They are better handling and far more quiet~! reccommend BJ's if you have one near you. Great prices.
    Did not do alot of driving in the snow last year, but have driven almost 14,000 miles since I picked the car up in January
     
    #4 barbaram, Oct 15, 2006
  5. priusnyc

    priusnyc New Member

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    I haven't had any experience with the Prius in snow yet. I hope my snow tire experience in NYC would help.

    All-season tires performance on snow varies depends on the rubber and the thread design. It is difficult to tell until you try it. Usually FWD cars with all season will run safe in 2-3 inches of snow if you drive with reasonable speed.

    REAL snow tires have rubber stay soft (and relative sticky) in low temperature. If you drive them in warm weather, they feel like jelly. You can also wear them out really fast in ~60F.

    There's a category of tires called "Winter performance". They are not as hard core as real snow tires, but they will take you anyway from highway on dry 20 degree days to 4 inch of snow without problem.

    I did lot of Googl'ing before buying a set of Winter tires last year. I have the "Dunlop Winter Sport M3" for my RWD BMW. I actually got them used from another guy from CT. Anyway, I had no problem last year in bone-chilling 20F days or snow days. I drove everyday to Manhattan last Winter and didn't get stuck in snow or going uphill in snow once. The best thing is you can drive on the Turnpike on 40F to 50F days with sure handling and traction.
     
    #5 priusnyc, Oct 16, 2006
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