OK to use Snow Tires/Wheels From 2005 on 2012?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Nice_Rumble, Nov 13, 2012.

  1. Nice_Rumble

    Nice_Rumble Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 27, 2005
    20
    3
    0
    Location:
    New London, NH
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I have a set of Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 snow tires/wheels from my 2005 (OEM size 185/65R/15) which I sold in the spring to buy my 2012. Can I safely use them on my 2012 Prius which has a slightly larger OEM tire size of 195/65R/15? I called The Tire Rack where I bought them and they don't like using a smaller size than OEM and are concerned about load rating. It's only 1/4" difference in width. Your thoughts?
     
    #1 Nice_Rumble, Nov 13, 2012
    PriusCamper likes this.
  2. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2012
    11,856
    4,807
    0
    Location:
    Pacific Northwest, USA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I'm looking forward to what people say on this...
     
    #2 PriusCamper, Nov 13, 2012
  3. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2006
    19,011
    4,082
    50
    Location:
    Grass Valley, CA.
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    The 185/65/15 tire is too small for a GenIII IMO. The 185/65/15 is 24.4" and the 195/65/15 is 25" in diameter. Not only will your car be lower to the ground, it will be less stable because the tire is already undersized for such a heavy car. The 185/65/15s are generally an 86 load rating and the 195/65/15s are generally 89-91. The tire will fit but I don't recommend it.
     
    #3 F8L, Nov 13, 2012
  4. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2006
    19,011
    4,082
    50
    Location:
    Grass Valley, CA.
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Somehow I missed the part about the Blizzaks. They are slightly larger (24.5") and have a higher load rating (88) than most other tires in that size. My biggest problem would be a reduction in vehicle height but only you can judge whether that is a problem or not.
     
    #4 F8L, Nov 13, 2012
  5. Nice_Rumble

    Nice_Rumble Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 27, 2005
    20
    3
    0
    Location:
    New London, NH
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Thanks for your reply. You clearly know your tires and sizing. I will not take any chances with driving in snow with the smaller tires, given that it is challenging enough, and put them up for sale on Craigslist. I'll purchase a new set from The Tire Rack. Our tires are our only contact with the ground.
     
    #5 Nice_Rumble, Nov 13, 2012
    F8L likes this.
  6. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2006
    19,011
    4,082
    50
    Location:
    Grass Valley, CA.
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    #6 F8L, Nov 13, 2012
  7. Nice_Rumble

    Nice_Rumble Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 27, 2005
    20
    3
    0
    Location:
    New London, NH
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Just checked out the Michelin X-Ice Xi3 and will purchase those as they get a better rating plus qualify for the $70 rebate so in the end will cost less than the Blizzak WS70. As to the TPMS I'm not sure my car has them. Does the Prius II come with TPMS? If it does is there any reason not to purchase them? Will it throw a light on if the computer doesn't detect a signal? $220 is a bit steep for a monitoring system that will only be on the car for 4 months. I also am religious about checking tire pressures manually anyway so I'm not used to having the technology anyway. Your thoughts?
     
    #7 Nice_Rumble, Nov 13, 2012
  8. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2006
    19,011
    4,082
    50
    Location:
    Grass Valley, CA.
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Your car has TPMS, however, you don't need to have new sensors installed on winter only tires. Just ignore the warning light. It's pretty dim so it is easy to ignore. :)
     
    #8 F8L, Nov 13, 2012
  9. Nice_Rumble

    Nice_Rumble Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 27, 2005
    20
    3
    0
    Location:
    New London, NH
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Excellent! Thanks so much F8L for your guidance through the maze of snow tire and wheel packages. Going with the MSW Type 14 silver painted wheels and the Michelin X-Ice Xi3 package through The Tire Rack. Now this is why I like this forum!
     
    #9 Nice_Rumble, Nov 13, 2012
    F8L likes this.
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)