14 inch wheels?

If you change wheel sizes... then you will be using the wrong size for the life of the car. Why not just sell your Michelin's on Craig's list and get the proper size tires. It seems like a simpler solution.

/Jim

 

I think flynz4 has the right idea in not going to the smaller wheel. In order to keep the same overall tire diameter, the tire sidewall would have to be taller. This would decrease the handling responsiveness in a car that is already not too nimble. You might see improved mpg if the overall wheel weight was reduced but not sure if that is a safe trade-off.

 

no per the owners manual on the o6 plus they dont recomend preasure other than
35 front 33 rear.also tire sensor is on the inside of the rim

 

Although it's not recommended, you theoretically could "minus size" (which is sometimes considered a good thing for winter tires)..

The things you have to watch for are: 1) overall tire diameter- the 14" tires have to be high enough profile so that the overall diameter matches within a few percent of the OEM size so that speedometer, etc work properly. 2) Load rating of the tire- the 14" tires are typically of lower load rating, so you'll need to ensure that they can carry the weight of the Prius and you may also need to increase the pressure to compensate for the extra weight of the Prius.

As for factory pressure specifications, they really only apply to the OEM tire; if you change tires, you will have to re-evaluate pressure based on the load rating of the new tires and your desired level of ride comfort. I've used this example many times before: the OEM Integrities are rated to carry 1168 lb at 35 psi, but if you change for example to the popular Hydroedge tire, they are rated to carry 1168 lb at 44 psi, therefore, using the factory 35 psi in Hydroedge tires means that they are under-pressurized and you may be overloading the tires- you actually need to increase the pressure to 44 psi to maintain the same load rating.. If you insist on using 35 psi, you really need to go to an XL rated tire or a larger size with a greater load rating.. This means that in general, the factory spec should be treated as a *minimum* rather than a maximum.. With today's tire technology, most tires tend to do better with higher pressures anyways, and there's more than sufficient safety margin designed in that you could exceed the sidewall rating by a significant margin without any danger at all..

 

2k4 Prius weights
curb weight 2890 Lbs
gross weight 3795 Lbs
1235x4=4940 Lbs
wide marigin. What does the 14" wheel fit? if you could find someone with that car ask to try and see.

 

Town Fair tire in new England sells 14 in wheels w/ 185 70/14 winter tires for the 2010 prius
My 15 inch wheels from my 2009 Prius fit well on the 2010 prius - currently in use

 

They will fit the back but I believe your correct in assuming the wheels will not clear the brake system on the front. Hal

 

Does anyone have an answer for the original question on this thread:
Will 14" wheels fit on a Gen II Prius?

I'm in precisely the same situation as the OP. I have a set of 185/70-14 snow tires from my old Honda and I'd like to put them on my '07 Prius. I'm not just being cheap here. For winter driving I'd prefer a tire with a taller sidewall then stock.

Thanks.

 

Agree, must be someone out there who has tried bolting up 5x100 14" steelies?

Would like to run 185/75 14" snows on a genII if they won't rub.
Please no need to rehash the lug-centric vs. hub-centric spacer ring debate in this thread.

 

Sorry to post on an old thread, but 14" wheels do not fit on the 2nd Gen (04-09) prius. I just tested this and they rub the calipers in the front. Hopefully this info helps someone!