Hi Patrick, My researched numbers are ... # of holes=5, PCD=100mm, offset=45mm(15inch) or 50mm(17inch) Ken@Japan
The different tire sizes puzzle me - the 17" option has a smaller circumference which could account for at least a part of the alleged 2-3 mpg worse fuel economy. An identical (well, almost) circumference to the 195/65-15 would be a 205/50-17 - and there are plenty of all-season, LRR, tires in that size - and plenty with the required load index. I'm concerned, as we in Europe will probably only get the 3rd generation Prius with the 17" wheels - as we've currently also only have the 16" wheels on the 2nd generation. Could this also possibly mean that we're not getting the sunroof/solar cells? I hope not. Krouebi
Hey. Does anyone know the what those 17" tires are warrantied for? I know some of the 17" tires on the Lexus says they only are warrantied for 20,000 miles? Are these 40,000 mile tires?
Prius original equipment tires do not come with a mileage warranty. The Michelin 17" tires on the dark grey Prius have a UTQG rating of 300AA, so I would not expect many miles on those tires, maybe 20K to 30K if you drive slow and take turns at a slowwwer speed.
I'll have to see how long the OE tyres on my UK Prius last. They're Bridgestone Turanza ER30s. We don't have the marking system you do in the US, and Bridgestone don't sell the 195/55 R16 size over there, but all the other members of the family (according to TireRack.com) have a UTQG rating of only 140 (AA). Toyota just can't pick a good match to this car, can they? TireRack's article on tyre markings is interesting. It points out that the test loop is 7,200 miles, and therefore there isn't a substantial amount of treadwear. There's scope for some misleading extrapolation of results.