Michelin Alpin 4, test winter tires
in a Toyota Prius
We begin with the conclusions of our long-term test of Michelin Alpin 4 tires that we assembled at the beginning of December . After 2,700 kilometers with the Michelin Alpin 4 it is time to collect data, remember feelings and especially tell you if these winter tires have convinced us or not.
During the three years before riding the winter tires , the test Toyota Prius equipped Bridgestone B250 tires as standard. The grip and performance of these tires in quiet driving are, if I may qualify them quite generically, good. As summer tires and "Eco" cut, although there is a more efficient Ecopia variant , the consumptions are contained and the grip acceptable.
The Bridgestone B250 has a label F in fuel consumption and C in wet grip , with a loudness of 73 db. This label indicates a below-average fuel economy and an acceptable wet grip. Come on, what a mid-range tire.
However, in October, during heavy rain, I entered a roundabout a little past and the car left the rear axle. A very silly scare but fortunately I controlled it and going alone at the roundabout I only suffered a rapid acceleration.
Before anyone rushes, the drawing of the rear wheels is about 4 mm, it was more a matter of speed not suited to the state of the road than of tire wear. Well, in December, as we said, I rode the Michelin Alpin 4 in my Toyota Prius.
Tire Search
More information on the tires we ride, the Michelin Alpin 4. The measurements of our tires were 195/65 R15 , with load index 91 and speed code H. It also carries the Michelin Green X marking . In European labeling, it achieves an E in fuel consumption and a C in the wet grip , while the loudness is 70 dB.
These tires in these measures, searching well on the best tires for prius online, start at a price of 96 euros for each tire. Rounding, for about 400 euros we could have a Michelin Alpin 4 set to alternate with a set of summer tires.
Ideally, as we have said on occasion, it is to have another set of tires dedicated exclusively for winter tires , so that at the time of the change, we could make the change ourselves quickly without having to mount and balance the tires. In any case, the assembly of the four tires costs between 50 and 60 euros, also including balancing. Depending on how much a set of tires for our car costs, it will be worth it or not, although it usually comes to mind.
In the specific case of the Prius, if we have the 17-inch wheels, the best option would be to take a set of 15-inch wheels to mount the set of winter tires, since the tires will be cheaper than the 17-inch ones and also They are narrower, an advantage in low adhesion conditions.
© 2019