Tyres

[wizzlon]

Evening all. Some while since I last popped in here to ask about tyre choices for my prius T spirit Dec 2009. Presently on michelins- 215/45 R17. Replacements are £150ish each. Toyota have offered a tyre at £85 each. I can drop 5mpg and still not be out of pocket. I do about 15k miles per annum. What advice would you "forumers" give? Cheers

[britprius]

Evening all. Some while since I last popped in here to ask about tyre choices for my prius T spirit Dec 2009. Presently on michelins- 215/45 R17. Replacements are £150ish each. Toyota have offered a tyre at £85 each. I can drop 5mpg and still not be out of pocket. I do about 15k miles per annum. What advice would you "forumers" give? Cheers

Check out Hankook optimo K415 and ventis prime2 both made in 215/45/17 and LRR a lot cheaper than Michelin, Bridgestone, and toyo.

[MLW2233]

I know they are expensive but I would get Michelins. It is a lifetime decision of economy, wear, grip, noise and braking. Michelins are probably the best. If you could have a free set of tyres, I bet you would say Michelins on all 4 wheels please.

At 15,000 miles a year you could be replacing tyres ever 2 years. Michelins will last. The problem with one of these decisions is it is a balance. Get Michelins and after you have made the decison and driven out of the tyre shop, you will feel good.

My old SAAB had an original Michelin still on the back from when it was made. 64,000 miles!

[monya]

Remember the only thing between the car and the road are the tyres. Get the best you can afford.

[britprius]

The ware life of of a tyre is not the only criteria for buying, rolling resistance especially on a Prius is a large factor. One mile per gallon difference over the life of a tyre at present fuel prices is approximately £80 and fitting the wrong tyre (ie not low rolling resistance) can easily add 6MPG £480. Michelin are good tyres but not the lowest RR this crown I believe belongs to Hankook. I am in know way connected to Hankook or any other tyre company but strongly believe the most expensive is not always the cheapest in the long run many factors come into play other than longevity. Unfortunately the lowest RR tyre in Hankooks the K425 range is not made yet in 17inch but the Ventis prime is and it is lower RR than Michelin. Hankook is not some obscure brand of tyre thay are fitted as OEM on many new cars including VW.

[daveybee]

Personally, I'd stick with the Michelins if at all possible. There are potentially better tyres on the market (depending on your requirements), but 215/45/17 tyres tend to be made from softer compounds, making them better for handling, but not for wear or rolling resistance. The Michelin seems a good all rounder providing good handling, low road noise and decent longevity.

Ultimately, you pays your money and takes your choice, but IMHO, better the devil you know if you can afford them. Dave.

[britprius]

I suggest you take a look at Backcircles.com to give you a guide to what is available and price just put in tyre size for speed rating choose any (all the tyres listed will be above that required) take note of those listed as low rolling resistance and if in doubt you can always phone them for assistance, they are very helpful. They have prices for 215/45/17 from £62 to £172 fitted of witch the most expensive tyre is a Hankook. Again I will state I have no connection with the tyre trade in any form.

[wizzlon]

Well- I got a pair of bridgestones at £144 each. Ride is much quieter and steering lighter. But MPG has flopped from 57 to under 51. Hoping that this will ease back when tyres bed in- although the drop in temperature with the arrival of Autumn will have had an impact.

[sushd]

Well- I got a pair of bridgestones at £144 each.

Which one exactly?

[Chris Dance]

Wizzlon. Did you do a tyre reset calibration after you had new tyres fitted? I know this is in the Gen 2 Prius handbook. I am told if the check is not done you get an inaccurate fuel consumption.

I cannot recall seeing this check in the Gen 3 manual.???

[britprius]

Wizzlon. Did you do a tyre reset calibration after you had new tyres fitted? I know this is in the Gen 2 Prius handbook. I am told if the check is not done you get an inaccurate fuel consumption.

I cannot recall seeing this check in the Gen 3 manual.???

The tyre calibration instructions are in the navigation manual on the gen2 page111 but from reading it only helps keep the satnav position accurate. I do not know if this applies to gen3.