Winter Tire advice and tips

That's what I set our X-Ice at. Even though our stock tire is 215/45R17, I'm using 195/65R15 for the X-Ice (on steel Corolla rims). The only time it feels too firm is going over speedbumps in parking lots (I hate those things).

 

Using a 15" wheel/tire for winter is a great way to absorb some of the mpg hit due to winter conditions as well as increase your safety by using a dedicated snow tire instead of an all-season tire. If your vehicle came with 17" wheels from the factory then the mpg gain is even higher. Most people freak out or are at least saddened by the large mpg hit in winter so this is a great way to turn that frown upside down. to

 

Hi all,

Just purchased a 2010 IV prius with stock OEM 15" tires (195/65-15). I've been considering getting snow tires for the upcoming Minnesota winter. I was going to purchase some used corolla wheels for the snow tires. But remembered that I have stored, a set of old 1998 Audi A4 Stock wheels 205/60-15. My question is, will the Audi Wheels work for the 2010 prius ok? Are there any negative affects of doing this? is it safe?

Thanks,
Ethan

 

I went with the MSW Type 14. Vehicle pics to follow after they are mounted.

 

Have you noticed uneven tread wear on the X-Ice2 at those inflation pressures?

 

Fortunately the information you linked to is a bit antiquated. On the Prius we have observed more uniform tire wear, reduced tire wear, and better mpg with overinflated tires. The modern tire technology and the general narrowness of the tire means you won't see the center wear out when the tire is overinflated unless you go nutty with pressure (60+ psi). There are plenty of anecdotal evidence to support this here on PC and other hypermiling sites. Handling is also improved at higher pressures but braking could be comprised if you go too high in pressure. When I get to a computer i'll link you to the appropriate threads with pictures included.

 

Ensure. To insure is to take out a policy.

But anyway....at 35 psi, I found the handling to be 'mushy', and the car did not glide well. At 42/40, the ride is a bit bumpier, but the mileage is much better, the handling is more precise, and the car glides much further. At close to 100,000 km so far, the tire wear is very even.

 

Here is my post on overinflation. There are a bunch more but posting from my phone sucks.

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...24-integritys-over-35k-miles-50-psi-pics.html

 

Just to be clear, I should say that I'm no longer using the OEM Integritys. After upgrading to Goodyear TripleTreds a couple of years ago, handling in all conditions is vastly improved. I now consider the Integrity to be such a poor tire in comparison that I'd call them dangerous.

 

I used to have snow tires on my cars earlier, but considering the cost of winter tires, and the cost/hassle of swapping them in/out every year, I have been buying all-seasons just before winters every other year. It works for me, but then the snow load is not extreme in the mid Atlantic.

 

Can someone post Toyota part numbers for steel wheels that would fit a v Package Five? I see there are options and recommendations for wheel diameters and tire sizes. We're in the Colorado mountains and looking for a set of winter wheels. Hope to get dealer to order some Corolla or other wheels when our new v arrives.

 

I'm with ya, Mike. I'd go alloys.

 

Yes, but I've read things about 'scratching or damaging' alloys and/or weakening them with changing of tires. Plus out here they use a 'liquid deicer' magnesium chloride on the roads that really messes up certain metallic parts and finishes.
Plus wasn't sure about the 'inserts' that one might have to use on non-OEM wheels.
Thanks.

 

Alloys look better, no question, but for something sacrificial, steel rims make more sense. Plus, with a second set of rims, you don't have to pay to have tires and rims mounted and balanced twice a year.



hrududu? Is that from Watership Down? It's "rabbit" for car, right?

 

Yep. From Watership Down, think refers to all motorized vehicles that the rabbits feared. Not sure how they deal with a Pri.

 

We swapped in the Michelin X-Ice2s yesterday. Rolling resistance is noticeably higher than with the stock Yokohama S33D. The i/c engine is running now on stretches of road where the car would normally glide. We've been struggling to maintain 50 MPG, whereas the last trip scored 55.3 MPG. Will post some real data after a couple of hundred miles pass.

BTW - up until yesterday we did not realize that TPMS was a standard feature. Oh well, we can live with the warning light for 15 weeks out of the year.