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what size tires 195/65 or 195/60

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by ldlau, Sep 17, 2015.

  1. ldlau

    ldlau Junior Member

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    Have a 2007 Prius base model.
    Still not sure I made the right choice of tire, got a Michelin Defender from Costco today, wanted a wider tire so asked for the 195 instead of the 185/65R1588T. They put on 195/65R1591T, it is a little floaty when I drive and does not handle the road quite as nicely as I thought it would. Am not sure I understand the aspect ratio very well, but should I have asked for the 195/60R1588T instead? Would that have made a difference? What would I notice while driving? Looking for a tire that handles well but also has a smooth drive. Willing to take a hit on the gas mileage. Am in California, so don't need to worry about driving in the snow. My car has 175K on it. Is there a better choice or size I should have selected? I chose Costco because it is close to my house so easy for me to rotate the tires and take in if I get a flat. Thanks in advanced.
     
    #1 ldlau, Sep 17, 2015
  2. tvpierce

    tvpierce Senior Member

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    The second number is the sidewall height of the tire, represented as a percent of the width.

    So your original tires were 185mm wide, with a sidewall height of 120.25mm (65% of 185)

    Your new tires are 195mm wide, with a sidewall height of 126.75. (65% of 195) So about 5/16" wider, and 1/4" taller sidewall.

    A 195/60 would have had a sidewall height of 117mm, so 2.27mm shorter.

    I would imagine the difference you're experiencing has less to do with the size, and more to do with the construction of the new tires.
    Different tires (makes, models, load ratings) exhibit different characteristics.
     
    #2 tvpierce, Sep 17, 2015
  3. xpcman

    xpcman Senior Member

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    Yes the Michelin Defender will feel a little detached from the road. Giving you the floating feeling. It's still the better tire is you want a smoother ride.
     
    #3 xpcman, Sep 17, 2015
    Last edited: Sep 17, 2015
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    Yeah isn't 185/65R15 the second gen stock size? Shown on the driver's door jamb decal. My 2 cents: stick with that size.
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Sep 17, 2015
  5. Hokie-Dave

    Hokie-Dave Member

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    I think it will feel a little cushier with the higher sidewalls AND the wider tire. You didn't go too much wider, and I'm not sure what the exact wheel size is, but going to a wider tire on the same wheel will balloon out the tire slightly. I haven't gone to a different size on my Prius, but have gone wider on performance cars in the past.
     
    #5 Hokie-Dave, Sep 17, 2015
  6. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

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    if you wanted the 60 series you would have wanted 205/60r15. speedo already reads faster so a taller tire is needed to correct it.
     
    #6 69shovlhed, Sep 17, 2015
    toddrav likes this.
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