Prius Tires

Iconic  (2004 - 2009 models)

Last Updated: Sun. 12/07/2008

Tires Classic  (2001-2003)

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PSI    

Iconic Prius is average weight, exactly what you'd expect a vehicle that size to weigh.  It does not need special tires, since there is nothing extra to support.  (In other words, XL rated tires are not required.)

Like with many vehicles, a minimum of 35 PSI (2.4 bar) is required for tire-pressure.  Less than that will cause premature wear.

42/40 PSI (2.9/2.8 bar) is what many Prius owners recommend, since it increases the handling abilities and allows the tread to last its longest.  (That's 42 front & 40 back, since a 2 PSI bias is required for the front tires.)  The standard tires, as well as many other tires, support a maximum cold pressure of 44 PSI (3.0 bar).  So using 42/40 is no big deal.  In fact, some owners even use 44/42 PSI (3.0/2.9 bar).

PSI Made Simple    

Tire pressure needs to be routinely checked (for all vehicles, not just Prius).  Temperature drops cause PSI to decrease.  Heat caused by driving increases PSI, making measurements inaccurate until cool.  MPG & Safety are directly dependent on properly maintained PSI.  Prius owners have found a way to make this simple: use a cordless-inflator.

One of many examples of available is the Campbell Hausfeld Cordless-Inflator at Wal-Mart for $40.  It's small & powerful, which allows you adjust PSI in the convenience & comfort of your own garage when the tires are cool.  And as an added bonus, the battery in the cordless-inflator can also be used as a portable 12-volt power-supply to plug your automotive accessories into.

The Brookstone Backlit Digital Tire Gauge is available from Brookstone (sku #219857) for $30.  It's easy to hold & use, 0.5 PSI accuracy, the display is easy to read in both day & night conditions, it's built surprisingly tough, and comes with a nice hard-shell case.

LRR    

Iconic Prius comes with standard tires.  There are not LRR (Low Rolling Resistance), as many people believe.  If you desire, you may switch to LRR tires.  That will maximize MPG, offering a minor improvement over most standard tires.

Treadwear    

460 is the treadwear rating for the standard Iconic Prius tires.  That's what many typical family vehicle tires come with.  800 is what you'll find on the ultra-long-life tires.  So there is an obvious upgrade opportunity, if you want a set tires to last as long as possible.

The rating number represents the wear resistance of the tire.  It does not correlate directly with the amount of mileage you'll be able to drive.  Don't rely exclusively on this value when selecting a tire.  Check the warranty, it will usually state an approximate distance expectation.

Size        

185 / 65 R15 is the standard size tire for Iconic Prius.  You'll find a wide variety of choices available for this size.

Revs    

Revs (Revolutions per Mile) indicate the precise "rolling" size of the tire.  This measurement is needed since not all tires with the same specification are actually the same.

855 is the Revs value for the standard Iconic Prius tires.  When selecting an alternate, a number very close to that is required to insure the speedometer and odometer remain accurate.  (Being off by a small amount is acceptable since that value will change as tread wears down anyway.)

Alignment    

0.05 Degrees of toe IN each side, for a total of 0.10 Degrees

Not having proper alignment will cause tires to prematurely wear out.  Also, if steering feels like it wanders at high speeds, it's probably because the alignment isn't adjusted correctly.  Remember, "within factory-specified tolerance" is an answer you don't have to accept from a service provider; you can insist that alignment be adjusted to this "exact" setting.

Original Tire:  Goodyear Integrity    

Iconic Prius comes with these tires standard.  They are sometimes referred to as OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) tires.

    185 / 65 R15
   44 PSI (3.0 bar) maximum
   1168 lbs. (530 kg) load maximum
   Standard Rolling Resistance
   855 Revs per mile
   10/32 inch Tread-Depth
   86S Speed & Load Rating
   "A" Traction
   "B" Temperature
   460 Treadwear
   50,000 (80,467 km) Mile Warranty

Upgrade Tire:  Michelin HydroEdge    

These are premium-grade, high-traction tires that can be used on a Iconic Prius.

185 / 65 R15    44 PSI (3.0 bar) maximum    1168 lbs. (530 kg) load maximum    Standard Rolling Resistance    856 Revs per mile    11/32 inch Tread-Depth    86T Speed & Load Rating    "A" Traction    "B" Temperature    800 Treadwear    90,000 (144,841km) Mile Warranty
	Personal experiences with these tires are documented on this webpage.

Upgrade Tire:  Goodyear TripleTred    

These are premium-grade, high-traction tires that can be used on a Iconic Prius.  (Unfortunately, they are not available in the standard size.  So you have to use an alternate instead.)

190 / 60 R 15    44 PSI (3.0 bar) maximum    1190 lbs. (540 kg) load maximum    Standard Rolling Resistance    863 Revs per mile    11/32 inch Tread-Depth    86H Speed & Load Rating    "A" Traction    "B" Temperature    740 Treadwear    80,000 (128,748 km) Mile Warranty

Upgrade Tire:  Michelin Harmony    

Upgrade Tire:  Goodyear ComforTred