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Mounting tires on a Prius, Difficult? Risky?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by swi66, Jun 3, 2010.

  1. swi66

    swi66 Member

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    My 2008 Prius is due for tires.
    I'm thinking of getting the Goodyear Tripletred in the 195/6- x 15 size.
    I can get the best price from Discount Tire, or through Tire Rack.

    I also own my own rim clamp tire machine and spin balancer.

    My worry is the sensor inside the rim, and the alloy rim itself.
    I have no experience mounting tires on this type rim. An old Cragar Mag, yes, these....No.

    How likely am I to screw things up?

    Or should I take them to a tire store?
    Or buy from a tire store?
     
    #1 swi66, Jun 3, 2010
  2. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    Nothing special. You need to be aware that the pressure sensor box is attached to the stem. Just make sure nothing sweeps through or pries in that area. Otherwise you brake the box and buy a new one.

    Tom
     
    #2 qbee42, Jun 3, 2010
  3. swi66

    swi66 Member

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    So how big is that box on the stem?

    Also.
    Anyone tried buying tires from discount tire on the internet?
    How about Tire Rack?
    other recomendations?

    So far it looks like I can save like $200 buying them through the internet instead of locally.
     
    #3 swi66, Jun 3, 2010
  4. SW03ES

    SW03ES Senior Member

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    They're just like any other tires and wheels.

    I have bought many tires from TireRack and have always been elated with the service. Since you're going to mount them yourself its really ideal...
     
    #4 SW03ES, Jun 3, 2010
  5. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    Roughly an inch and a half square.

    Tom
     
    #5 qbee42, Jun 3, 2010
  6. swi66

    swi66 Member

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    Another place has them for $116 each plus free shipping!
    Discount tire direct.
    unbeleivable.

    and thanks for the info on the box, I think it is tucked in enough to be no problem, but certainly glad I asked.

    I learned how to change tires 35 years ago.
    But always something new to deal with........
     
    #6 swi66, Jun 3, 2010
  7. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    Ask at a good tire place, but when I did they said to start removing the tire away from the valve (monitor is part of the valve) and when mounting the new tire start the tire into the rim away from the valve. That way the tire doesn't get forced down against the monitor electronics part. It's about 1 cm thick.
     
    #7 David Beale, Jun 3, 2010
  8. bedrock8x

    bedrock8x Senior Member

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    Basically you need a touchless system to prevent damage to the TPMS and the alloy wheel.

     
    #8 bedrock8x, Jun 3, 2010
  9. a_gray_prius

    a_gray_prius Rare Non-Old-Blowhard Priuschat Member

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    I'd be careful around the TPMS (which sits inside the rim at an approx. 40 degree angle to horizontal), but I don't think the install is that big a deal. The alloy rim isn't that weak - you might scratch it though.

    I've bought from both Tire Rack and Discount Tire Direct. I like DTD because of the free shipping.
     
    #9 a_gray_prius, Jun 3, 2010
  10. SW03ES

    SW03ES Senior Member

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    I've never bought from Discount Tire Direct...I'll check them out...
     
    #10 SW03ES, Jun 3, 2010
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