Should 2012 Prius Plus Have Run Flat Tyres?

[essexjones247]

Hi, does anyone know if 2012 version of Prius Plus should have run flat tyres?

My 2008 model had run flats as standard but the 2012 version doesn't, not good with no spare or sealant!!!

[Awebb180]

as far as i remember no prius has used run flat tyres as standard, the only run flat toyota offer was on the rav4

alex

[Devon Aygo]

Hi, does anyone know if 2012 version of Prius Plus should have run flat tyres?

My 2008 model had run flats as standard but the 2012 version doesn't, not good with no spare or sealant!!!

No, Prius has never been factory fitted with runflats, if your 2008 had them they where an aftermarket fit. So long as you have a normal and not a Plug in Prius you can buy a space saver spare wheel to fit.

[Grumpy Cabbie]

Run flats are too hard, too expensive and unless you're a President or billionaire wanting to make a getaway after a potential highjacking, there's no reason to have them. They only get you home at upto 50 mph and have to be replaced then anyway; the damage has been done.

Nah, I'll stick to a normal tyre and a spare. If people want run flats then I have no problem with them doing so as an optional extra. It's their car and their choice. But to pay extra on the cost of the car to have them as standard isn't for me.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Run-flat_tire

I wonder if I could buy a branded run flat tyre for my Prius for £70 fitted like I do at the moment? Doubtful, but happy to be proved wrong :)

[johalareewi]

You would normally use low rolling resistance (LRR) tyres on a Prius rather than run flats.

[cootuk]

Without TPMS, how you know you've got a puncture?

I think the US version had tpms, but not sure if UK version ever did?

[PeteB]

Without TPMS, how you know you've got a puncture?

I think the US version had tpms, but not sure if UK version ever did?

No, it's never been on the UK models, but it should be starting to appear about now as it's a legal requirement and in three years time will be part of the MOT for cars registered after this year.

I notice the new Aygo has PTWS (warning system), as it's just a warning light that alerts you to have a look at your tyres.

The manual for my 2012 Prius shows a system that's fitted in some countries and displays on the centre MuitiFunction Display - it shows individual pressures and temperatures can be selected.

I've wrecked at least two tyres (both nearly new) that might have been repairable because I didn't realise they were flat until I reach a slower road and heard the noise.

I've fitted a third party TPMS to my car which shows pressure temp for all 5 tyres and bleeps/shows warning light if any go out of range and I'm very impressed with it.

[korat102]

Without TPMS, how you know you've got a puncture?

Same way we always did. If a tyre looks flatter than the others (you do check before you start driving the car don't you?) or a tyre is losing pressure more regularly than usual (you do check your tyre pressures regularly don't you?) or the car suddenly starts handling like a roller skate on ice, you know something's wrong!

[cootuk]

most drivers wouldn't notice any of those...

when I had a puncture on the front it was obvious as I thought the drive train was falling to pieces.

With a runflat the difference might not be so obvious.

[PeteB]

On both the occasions I mentioned above, it was a rear tyre, and they had appeared normal before I started my journeys.

No doubt a flat front tyre might be more 'entertaining', but on both cars (a 1977 Fiat 127 and a 2002 Gen 1 Prius) a flat rear tyre gave no noticeable sensations through the steering or 'seat of pants' (might have been different if I'd taken a sharp bend or corner quickly) but on a relatively straight, fast road with no significant bends, I was only the noise at lower speed that gave it away.

[another time where a (rear again - same Gen 1 Prius) tyre exploded it was more obvious because I heard the bang and the car lurched slightly as that corner dropped abruptly!]

[IanIanIanIan]

Tyres are designed to degrade gracefully, a sudden blow out is comparatively rare. As the tyre looses pressure handling is affected and it is usually very obvious to the driver.

The key is not to ignore strange new noises or changed handling. Just pushing on regardless is not the answer.

[Grumpy Cabbie]

The key is not to ignore strange new noises or changed handling. Just pushing on regardless is not the answer.

lol you try telling Mrs Cabbie that!

"Can you look at the car as it's making a strange noise". Yep love, it's cos you've smashed the suspension arm away.

[MEP's Yaris GS]

The key is not to ignore strange new noises or changed handling. Just pushing on regardless is not the answer.

lol you try telling Mrs Cabbie that!

"Can you look at the car as it's making a strange noise". Yep love, it's cos you've smashed the suspension arm away.

My usual response is "how long has it been making the noise for?" followed by a response something along the lines of 4 weeks.