What is the general recommendation for winter tires? Is swapping tires on the same rims a bad idea? I'm thinking of getting another set of rims, but then I have to buy 4 additional TPMS. Do the universal (re-programmable) TPMS work with the Toyota system to avoid having to sync the different set of TPMS? Any other winter suggestions?
Swapping tyres on same rims puts undue wear on tyre beads, and also means they have to be re-balanced every time they're swapped. "All Season" tyres are a compromise, think: "jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none". I never like to skimp on tyres, since when it comes down to it, they're all there is between me and the road !!!
I bought 4 steel rims (15") on-line from TireRack for ~$52 ea. inc shipping), and took advantage of a "Buy 3 get 1 FREE!" tyre deal from local Toyota dealer. I chose 15" rims since that would allow me the greatest choice of the many snow-tyres available. Again, I went on-line, and read lots of reviews, particularly from TireRack, and ended up choosing Bridgestone Blizzak WS-80s, although there are many others which others have recommended, Cooper, Michelin X-ICE, Continental Winter SI to name but 3. Research as much as you can, and don't wait until the start of winter, as you will find all the good deals will be offered and snapped up quickly. There is lots of useful information on PriusChat! Good luck, and welcome again to PriusChat! - Wil PS: to the OP, I didn't bother with the expense of fitting TPMS on the steelies, since they're only on between November and April, and my birthday being in June is when the car's inspection is due (NH quirk) and all the OEM safety equipment has to function for the vehicle to pass inspection). Between November and April I ignore the NagLight (I'm not too worried since I regularly check all tyre-pressures (inc. spare! ) Although I've noticed that when my car is in the garage where the summer-wheels are stored, or parked within a couple of hundred yards from the garage, the car is able to "see" the TPMS sensors and the light goes out, although it comes back on about 20 mins later when I've driven out of range! PPS: before I bought the steelies, someone suggested I looked around for a used set of Prius 15"rims (local junkyard or on-line?) but those I found averaged ~$100/rim - so, being really cheap, I went with the brandy-spanking new steelies!
Do you? Check if your State will in fact fail you for a tpms light. Some have an annual inspection and will, but by no means all. Also see my posting here: Winter tires and rims | PriusChat
