Treading carefully

I have tried to identify what type of winter tyre is suitable for a 215/45R17 that is on the latest model of the Prius. Toyota UK were no help, the local Toyota dealer was no help and I have contacted several tyre suppliers and again they have all said that there is no suitable winter tyre for this car. Since the car's traction in snow is not the best in the world I thought that winter tyres would help. Would winter tyres help and could you suggest a suitable tyre since I know that such tyres are available in the USA.

Asked on 28 November 2011 by LS, Middlesbrough

Answered by Honest John

All you really need are wheels and tyres that offer the same rolling circumference without fouling on the car's brakes, so it is likely that a deeper profile R16 or R15 (as fitted to the Auris hybrid) will do the job on a separate set of wheels. May I refer you to this and the links in it: www.honestjohn.co.uk/news/parts-and-accessories/20...s You have to disclose to your insurer that you have fitted winter tyres. And if you switch to steel wheels you may need different shouldered wheel bolts or nuts to hold them on.

Tags: wheels and tyres tyres

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