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Tires, an enviable predicament...

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by RCE1, Sep 19, 2016.

  1. RCE1

    RCE1 Member

    Joined:
    Aug 31, 2016
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    Location:
    Northern California
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Four Touring
    I am trying to figure out a use for the VW good will gesture cards we TDi owners were given. I have two gift cards: $500 to spend anywhere and $500 that has to be spent at a VW dealership. Since I now have a Prius (Touring 4, which I love) , I have little use for VW branded merchandise, but I believe I can order tires through the VW parts network. I have less than 1000 miles on the clock currently and don't hate the tires that are on the car, but I'm thinking ahead.

    I have two different tires I'm considering. The Pirelli Cinturato P7 Plus A/S and the Michelin Premier AS are the two I've narrowed it down to. It seems Prii have different requirements for tires than most other vehicles and I was surprised when many top rated tires were panned by Prius drivers, but these two seem to be okay.

    I live in the mountains at 3500' elevation and commute to the flatlands with some regularity. We got a pretty good amount of snow last year and although I understand that neither of these tires is a snow tire per se, I was wondering how they would do driving on plowed roads. I will also mention that once we drop about 400' the snow goes away for the most part. Any thoughts or suggestions would be most appreciated.
     
    #1 RCE1, Sep 19, 2016
    RCO likes this.
  2. RCE1

    RCE1 Member

    Joined:
    Aug 31, 2016
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    Location:
    Northern California
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Four Touring
    Well, there's one little problem. Apparently, VW uses 225 45 R17 tires on some of their cars, but not the 215 45 R17 that come with the Touring 4 Prii like I have. The dealer parts guys only have access to certain sizes of tires. Is this a big issue? I guess the tires just under a half inch wider than out recommended size. Bother.
     
    #2 RCE1, Sep 20, 2016
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
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    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    The optional 215/45R17 size is slightly smaller outside diameter than the stock 195/65R15 tire size. Just checked now, 225/45R17 theoretically gets you right back to the stock size. Here's the breakdown:

    upload_2016-9-20_13-34-58.png

    That said, I would stick with the stock size. For starters there might be wheel well clearance issues, and mpg is going to go down I think. And you're motivation is to take advantage of a freebie, which doesn't seem good enough reason, you have to live with them.
     
    #3 Mendel Leisk, Sep 20, 2016
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