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Best tires nowadays?

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by Leadfoot, Sep 6, 2017.

  1. Leadfoot

    Leadfoot Penny pincher

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    This probably applies to every generation and type.
    Wondering what people find as the optimum rubber to buy.
    Dizzying array of brands and options out there. It can drive a person nuts.
    Everybody on here likely has the same strategy:
    - quiet
    - low price
    - low rolling resistance
    - decent wear (50k to 70k miles)
    - good handling on wet roads

    Our '14 PIP came with Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max. These seem to work well, although (maybe just bad luck) we suffered about four punctures over their 50k miles. One rear exhibits a slow leak, so we figured just to replace the whole set now. We could squeeze another 10k miles, but with wintertime looming it's not a bad idea to replace.

    Other tires worthy of consideration:
    Bridgestone Ecopia 422 Plus
    Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus
    General Altimax (quite inexpensive)
    Michelin Energy Saver A/S (Costco)
    Continental Purecontact

    With the exception of the Generals, all run close to about $500 to $550 out the door.

    Hoping to get some Priuschat feedback. Thank you.

    Fred
     
    #1 Leadfoot, Sep 6, 2017
  2. MattStevenson

    MattStevenson Member

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    #2 MattStevenson, Sep 6, 2017
    Leadfoot likes this.
  3. MattStevenson

    MattStevenson Member

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    Also I'd put snow tires on for the winter if you get ice or snow where you drive. They make a huge difference.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #3 MattStevenson, Sep 6, 2017
  4. MattStevenson

    MattStevenson Member

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    #4 MattStevenson, Sep 6, 2017
  5. MattStevenson

    MattStevenson Member

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    Lifetime rotation and balance are free at Walmart also.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #5 MattStevenson, Sep 6, 2017
    Leadfoot likes this.
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    Another set of Fuel Max, the devil you know? I wouldn't think they're more prone to catch nails; it's likely just bad luck.
     
    #6 Mendel Leisk, Sep 6, 2017
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  7. Leadfoot

    Leadfoot Penny pincher

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    Thanks for the feedback. The easy route would be to stick with the Assurance Fuel Max. One's gotta figure that Toyota put 'em on there for good reason. I do like them in the wet and they corner nicely.
    That Yoko Avid looks enticing. Definitely a good price. Even beats Tirerack.com. I want to say that some version of Avids came OEM on our 2010 Prius driven by our kids. Longevity did not seem on par with the Fuel Max, but saving a hundred bucks might make up for it. And the Walmart is located just down the street from my office.
     
    #7 Leadfoot, Sep 6, 2017
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  8. MattStevenson

    MattStevenson Member

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    Mine came with the crappy version of the Avids. There are the good ones. I did my homework and these are definitely the best deal. I get my oil changed and tires rotated around ever 6,000 miles. Like I said, rotation and balance are free. I buy the 5 quart jug of Mobile One Advanced fuel economy and the K&N oil filter first then they charge me for an oil change. I bring home the left over oil and it costs me about $40 each time.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #8 MattStevenson, Sep 6, 2017
  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    I'm pretty sure wheels are just routinely rotated, not also balanced. The latter'd be overkill, tough on the rims too.
     
    #9 Mendel Leisk, Sep 6, 2017
  10. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    As the owner of a 2010 Prius, 2015 Prius and 2017 RAV4 Hybrid...my recommendation is Defenders and Blizzak take offs.
     
    #10 frodoz737, Sep 6, 2017
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  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    michelin energy savers a/s. it was as if i put dynamat in all of the cars interior.
    same mpg's.
     
    #11 bisco, Sep 6, 2017
  12. Simtronic

    Simtronic Active Member

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    Michelin G1s work for me.
     
    #12 Simtronic, Sep 30, 2017
  13. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

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    I got Michelin Defenders as well. Although they are LRR they aren't quite as good as some of the other LRR's. But what they lack in fuel economy they make up for in longevity. That makes them overall one of the cheapest tires per mile.
     
    #13 markabele, Sep 30, 2017
  14. bluemanalbert

    bluemanalbert Junior Member

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    I just bought my car recently, but I am looking to get a new set of tires in the next 5k miles. I have the Bridgestone ecopia on it right now. What tire has the lowest rolling resistance, and the least amount of noise?

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #14 bluemanalbert, Oct 2, 2017
  15. farmecologist

    farmecologist Senior Member

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    I'll vouch for the Defenders. We put them on our 2010 this summer and the have been great...if you run them at rather high PSI. When I do that I notice only about a 2MPG hit. The defenders do feel much better at higher PSI than the previous Ecopias did.

    Part of the decision to go with the Defenders is better all around performance vs the previous tires. Plus, our kids drive this car quite a bit so any added bit of safety at the expense if a tiny bit of MPH is certainly something I can live with!
     
    #15 farmecologist, Oct 2, 2017
  16. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    This is my learned experience with GEN III tire pressures...F42R40 to F40R38. Regardless the tire, they wear evenly. While I am adamant the GEN III is probably the most reliable and mechanically sound car I have EVER owned...ALL cars and light trucks require periodic wheel balance and alignment.
     
    #16 frodoz737, Oct 2, 2017
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