TIRES: the 2010 Prius needs new shoes

[ECO-AKJ]

I am partial to the Continental True Contacts if you can find in your size, I have had nothing but awesome luck out of mine, and I run mine at 55PSI on a P195/65/15 tire...just my 2 cents!

[KrautBurner]

I ended up with the Michelin Michelin - X Tour A/S T + H (Costco version of the Defender T+H) 80,000 mile all season tires

got them out the door for about $350


I decided to go with these due to the weather I've got to drive in and the long lasting tread. (and not really consider the fuel economy)

now I'm noticing a 5-8mpg drop
(but the weather has gotten cold as well)

we'll see how they do once it warms back up

[S Keith]

Didn't see if it was mentioned, but even with LRR tires, there's an mpg hit when new. It seems to take 1-2K miles of break-in before they're optimal.

The cold is probably the lion's share of the change in your situation.

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by KrautBurner

now I'm noticing a 5-8mpg drop
(but the weather has gotten cold as well)

we'll see how they do once it warms back up

Not only are new tires less fuel efficient, but the increased tread diameter means the wheel spins less revolutions for any given speed. New tires will report less miles driven than worn tires.

[KrautBurner]

well,

they have been on for close to 2K miles now
still getting 5+ less mpg than normal
I had the shop air them up to 38 all around (they were 36F/34R I think)
the best I've seen on my 110 mile round trip to work since the new tires was 46mpg (normally about 49-51 everey trip (and 53-54 in the summer))

[Angel And The Wolf]

I've always loved Goodrich TA RWL, but they are not long tread or low roll resistance. Wish I could find good low rolling resistance long tread life Raised White Letter tires to fit my Prius.

[broski499]

Originally Posted by Daox

I personally think I'd probably go with a Bridgestone Ecopia EP422. Its what they have on the Leaf. But, I'd look at other EVs and high MPG cars for options as well.

I have these on mine. Very happy with them. I got mine at Costco and am able to get free nitro inflation and balancing.

It was funny because right off the bat the tire technicians recommended inflating them to 50psi, said they wear better at the higher psi than what the manufacturer recommended. I was surprised that they would do this but was glad I didn't have to top off after they finished my car. haha. "Hey wait why are you back? "

[Angel And The Wolf]

The techs at Costco, or at Bridgestone? I always heard over-inflated tires would wear the center of the treads. I kept my tires at 42 lbs/sq in. but my headlight bulbs kept popping off. Guess it was from the harsher ride. Better mileage, though.

[CapriRacer]

Originally Posted by Angel And The Wolf

..... I always heard over-inflated tires would wear the center of the treads. ......

Well, it's sort of true. There are things that have a greater effect on evenness of wear than inflation pressure, so it's not only hard to sort out what is causing a tire to wear unevenly, but it's also possible to get even wear in spite of over inflating the tires.

[mattrod]

Continental True Contact is my choice. They are quiet with excellent handling. These continental tires are less expensive than Michelin, though I'm not expecting the best tread life out of them.