We are getting 40.5MPG with the incorrect tires installed by former owner. It's time for a set of 4 and looking at the various threads I'm uncertain which way to go. We are in SE-Central GA, about 40m N-W of Savannah, so snow isn't a concern. Price IS a decisive factor, reliability is important, absolute maximum MPG is not. Is the Continental ProContact EcoPlus Passenger Touring Tire 185/65R15 still a Best Deal choice? Our mechanic recommended Sumitomo Passenger & LST ST127 - 185-65-15's. I'd love a taller tire, as our Prius bottoms-out regularly crossing drainage gulleys at parking lot entrances, but don't want to lose tons of MPG - and don't know that tire size would make enough difference anyhow. Thanks in-advance ...
I was told that what's on it is the wrong type of tire - width or tread-type or something. Front tires are shot anyhow - worn - so it's time to do it right. Current tires are: Right front & read: DORAL SDL 65 (rear is 65 A) P185/65R15 Left Front General Altimax LT 185/65R15 Left Rear Atrezzo Touring LS 185/65R15
IIRC, the size you have is the correct size. You can verify that by comparing the size on the tire placard on the door jamb of the Prius to your tires. Since you are on a budget, consider either the Bridgestone Ecopia 422 or the Conti Pro Contact. Both are LRR tires. Both seem to be pretty popular here on PC as long as you are NOT in the snow. I don't think snow will be a problem for you unless you are going north during the winter months. FWIW, I have heard the Pro Contacts do better in snow than the Bridgestone EP422. Eyeballing both tires side by side I myself like the tread pattern better and the overall appearance of the Conti's, but I do hear the Conti's sometime give a 2 to 3 MPG drop. YMMV If you hadn't mentioned "budget" I would recommended my personal favorite. Michelin Energy Saver A/S. IMO these are the crème de coup for the Gen II non touring Prius. Hope this helps you. Ron (dorunron)
Incorrect tires....hmmm....in my experience an incorrect tire is a brand your tire store does not sell.... But, somewhat seriously, they have a thing about mixing different brands and tread designs, especially on the same axle, so I am pretty sure that is what they meant. Except, of course, if you need one tire replaced, then, of course, whatever tire they sell will "mate perfectly" with whatever other tire is on the axle. If you really want to go budget, see if there is one of these stores near you.... http://www.discounttire.com/storelocations/GA-stores.html In my area, these guys have never done anything but give good advice. And, they should have several to choose from. You can probably get out for less than $350 for everything and have decent tires besides. Sears has also been running awesome prices on tires lately, but you HAVE TO KNOW WHAT YOU WANT if you go to Sears and make sure they install the stick-on wheel weights, not the clamps.... I used to use my good old boy tire store, until he really, really ripped me off on a bad Cooper tire.
Sure appreciate the help! Can someone translate the labeling, please? Bridgestone EP422 P185/65R15 BW A/S 86H or 89S I get the first part through BW = Black Wall but what, please, of: A/S 86H 89S The Bridgestones have a $70. rebate (I think for four) but I believe it's one of those nuisance "card" rebates, not cash-equivalent - only a gift card toward Bridgestone products. Continental ContiProContact Automobile Tire P195/65R15SL: Car & Truck Tires : Walmart.com Walmart shows the 195 but not the 185 and wants $96. each plus mounting. Tire Rack is $79. each + $20. each mount & balance locally. Using Cookies The nearest Discount Tire is over 75 miles from here. WDYT?
Nope, prepaid VISA. Rethink Green: Tire Deals & Tire Rebates This guy asked a similar question a few days ago. how much for 4 tires installed? | PriusChat Got 4 Ecopia's from Costco for under $400 installed (I assume after the rebate). I would go with the Ecopia's. I'm strongly considering picking up four of them from Costco even though my tires still have a little life left (I'll install them in a few months). Looks like going with a 195/65R15 would be the only option for taller without changing wheels. Would give you a few more mm of clearance.
Regarding how to read tire sizes, see: Tire Tech Information - Tire Size Guide A/S = all season 86 = tire load index rating (how much weight the tire can carry, in this case, 1,168 lb) H = tire speed rating (maximum speed rating, in this case, 130 mph)
OK re. the rebate, I may have understood a comment I read elsewhere. Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Tire - Walmart.com has them for $97. less $70. off a set of 4 plus $12. each to mount, tire stems, balance, & rotation (lifetime). I think that is $436. - $70. = $366. total The Walmart "lifetime" deal is good because there are so many of them everywhere - but I'm hoping our mechanic can come close to the price as I'd like to give them our business for tires as well as everything else. What impact might the 195/65R15 have on mileage? I think I read that for some reason the inaccuracy of the speedometer is related to tire size. OK re. the nomenclature: 130 MPH and 1168lbs should be OK ...
If the stock size is 185/65R15 (believe it is for second gen) I'd stay with that size. The speedometer inaccuracy is legislated, the intention being to slow people down a bit, avoid speeding. The odometer should be accurate with the stock size, that's for sure. Intentionally going bigger to remedy the speedo error seems a fools mission, at least to me. It'll throw the odometer off, and change gearing. All slightly. Will also reduce wheel well clearance, but again, very slightly. If, for example, you get the tires at Costco, I know they'll refuse to install anything but the stock size.
Listen to what Mendel and Patrick said, and go with the 86 H series. Don't need the faster speed and weight. (S)
Actually, the S speed rating is only 112 mph. That is minimally acceptable, H is better. Tire Tech Information - How to Read Speed Rating, Load Index & Service Descriptions
OK, stock it is ... will try to avoid those locations where we bottom-out ... Oh, wait, now that I think of it ... it's probably the trailer hitch! Thanks to all ... now to decide where to buy.
Hi Handygeek. Keep in mind that even a relatively small loss of MPG will cost you a couple of hundred dollars over the life of the tires. Say for example a set of tires lasts 50k miles and gas is about $4/gal, then if you picked up just 3.5 MPG the saving is nearly $400! So just saying, if overall cost is important to you then MPG should be really important too. Calc: 50000 * 4 * (1/40.5 - 1/44) = $393 BTW. With those cheep tires you're currently running you should be able to pick up 3 to 5 MPG pretty easily with good LRR tires.
Michelin Energy Saver A/S Tire P185/65R15 86T Walmart is $118. each, $472. for four plus $12 x 4 = $48. = $520. total (I don't see any reference to a Michelin rebate.) Across 50k miles I should make up the $154. higher cost difference plus $50. In the reviews 2 of three complained; Michelin site said poor in snow and fast wear, Consumer Reports was poor handling (soft walls) and hydroplaning. If less than 6 years doesn't the warranty handle fast wear? Could poor handling be the result of running too soft and hydroplaning too hard? I don't think any of the reviews were on a Prius.
Don't forget to check out Costco in-store and on-line. They always have a $70 off a set of four tire promotion (Bridgestone one month, the next perhaps Micheline). Costco's in California have some of the cheapest install with road hazard warranty fee ($14/tire), and tire disposal fee ($1/tire), total of $15/tire. I believe road hazard warranty is for 4 or 5 years from installation. Rotation, flat repair, and spin balance are part of road hazard warranty too. If the tire has to be replaced due to a road hazard (ie due to blow out, road debris, etc), the replacement price is prorated based on the amount of useable tread left on the destroyed tire; say 50% tread left on destroyed tire, you'll have to pay 50% of new tire replacement price. You might be able to get local tire stores to match/beat Costco's tire price and install/road hazard/disposal fee. Enjoy shopping.
I'll ask about the Costco match but since the nearest Costco is 3.5-4 hours away in Atlanta it's unlikely. Sure appreciate the heads-up! David
I recently installed Kumho brand tires and so far am happy with them. They are priced in the middle of the pack.
Just to close the loop - for price & availability - as well as broad geographic service - we went with the Continentals via Walmart. Now we wair for break-in to see if we really get improved MPG's vs the oddball tires it came to us (used) with.
