New Tires - Brief Review

Discussion in 'Clarity' started by descolado, Oct 17, 2019.

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  1. descolado

    descolado Member

    Hi all,

    41k miles on my Solar Silver Clarity and still loving it.

    Recently replaced the stock Michelin Energy Saver A/S tires with 235/45R-18 CONTINENTAL PURECONTACT LS SL. I found these based on feedback from some Tesla Model 3 drivers on other forums, and I have to say they're living up to the reports.

    I live in South Florida and the Michelin Energy Savers would hydroplane quite a bit during our frequent summer/early fall rainy season. Per feedback from the tire installer, they think it may be a weight thing as the Michelin Energy Saver A/S's were originally designed for the Prius..which I think our car outweighs by at least 800 lbs.

    After driving the Continental PureContact's for a week now I have to say the ride quality has become more comfortable, and the tires themselves seem quieter and grip better than the stock ones Michelin Energy Saver's. Haven't been able to see how they do in the rain yet, but I'll update this post once we get a shower.

    No apparent changes to my fuel economy (granted, I have a lead foot) and, as stated, big improvements to my overall ride quality and driving security.

    Hope this may be helpful for you in the future when you get around to needing new tires!
     
    Last edited: Oct 17, 2019
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  3. Clarity_Newbie

    Clarity_Newbie Active Member

    descolado

    Thanks for the review. Always helpful to get multiple inputs.
     
    descolado likes this.
  4. petteyg359

    petteyg359 Well-Known Member

    Good to know. I may replace mine well before they wear out. I hate the OEM tires' lack of traction even on a dry road. I can't even take a long curving onramp at 30mph without them squealing :(
     
  5. insightman

    insightman Well-Known Member Subscriber

    I cannot understand how a heavier car would aquaplane more than a lighter car. I can understand how the tread pattern and tire composition would make a difference, but would a 1,000-lb car with the Michelins aquaplane less than a Prius?
     
    David Towle likes this.
  6. descolado

    descolado Member

    Yeah, I hear your logic. It's also my understanding that the lighter a vehicle, the more likely it would be to hydroplane. I am quoting the tire installer above, and can't speak eloquently enough to the physics of it to have a solid judgment.

    What I can say is the stock tires are much slicker, having the low rolling resistance.. So I'm guessing that is the actual issue.

    Tire Rack had similar less than favorable reports around wet road traction by both by buyers and through their independent research. Ultimately, I'm guessing the low rolling resistance is more of a factor than vehicle weight, but what do I know?

    I will say, I'm pleased with the Continentals and the already comfortable ride quality has become even nicer on rougher/construction highway. It also rained here yesterday evening and there was no noticeable wheel spin while cornering or going over an intracoastal bridge. Didn't push it of course!
     
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  8. Apparently being knowledgeable about tires is not a prerequisite for a tire installer.

    Continental makes good tires.

    Would you provide us with some additional information regarding your OEM tires?

    Did you measure the tread depth prior to replacing them?

    Were there any uneven wear patterns?

    What tire pressure did you maintain?
     
    Last edited: Oct 18, 2019
  9. Andrew97

    Andrew97 Member

    Is mostly the tire width, is the same with the snow, more surface you less likely the tires will grip and create a new thread into water/snow, it will mostly likely plan over it. Prius has 195, clarity has 235. There the huge difference. That's also why most people go with less width in winter than summer.
     
  10. A Prius will hydroplane if there is a 30% chance of rain in the forecast. We had one for 10 years.
     
  11. HagerHedgie

    HagerHedgie Member

    Ive had one for about ten years as well(on my second Prius now). IMO it’s all about the tires. Continental truecontact are amazing on my ‘13 Prius. Excellent control in the rain for the first 50k miles or so. With 50k they are about as good as new Michelin’s. My experience with Michelin is that they are at best average tires that cost a whole lot. I would only consider them if they were about 40% cheaper.
    I can’t wait to wear out the crappy, expensive, factory tires on my clarity.
     
    TomL likes this.
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  13. Take them off and sell them. At least you’ll get something out of it. Sell the wheels too. I’ve heard they go for $1100 each.
     
  14. HagerHedgie

    HagerHedgie Member

    That’s a great idea. I would prefer 16’s or 17’s anyway. Tires have 27k miles so not a whole lot of tread left but I’m going to ask my local tire guy about some aero wheels that might fit.
    Who’s buying those wheels? Would you just put them on eBay?
    Oh and I scratched two of them already. The tires are perfectly flush with the wheels (for aero I think) and they have zero forgiveness if you rub a curb even slightly.


    Sent from my iPhone using Inside EVs
     
  15. S L .

    S L . Active Member

    Comparing tires are difficult because you mostly remember the lousy performance of old worn tires and comparing with new tires. The new tires would always be better.

    The oem michelins are different from the aftermarket michelins. When i bought replacement michelins, they had rim guards, oem did not. They were same model.
     
    Last edited: Oct 20, 2019
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  16. Mark W

    Mark W Active Member

    CT
    Thanks for the report on the new tires. I love to hear people's opinions.
     
    descolado likes this.
  17. Evfred

    Evfred Member

    I’m curious if anyone has considered going up to 235 50 (vs 45 stock) 18 for a cushier rise?
     
  18. A 235/50 will be an inch taller. Clearance issues?

    They will also have 3.8% larger circumference. Taller gearing?

    A 235/50-17 would be a nearly perfect match to the OEM tires. But what exactly isn’t already cushy about the stock ride?
     
    insightman likes this.
  19. Evfred

    Evfred Member

    Nothing - wouldn’t mind cushier though. Not sure about clearance issues but if there are none I'm entertaining trying out 50. Might help out a bit on highway as well with the taller gearing.
     
  20. Sandroad

    Sandroad Well-Known Member

    Just a quick note that I would not generalize about Michelin. The Tire Rack list 9 different models of Michelin in 15 different varieties in the Clarity’s size. Some of them are very highly rated and reviewed, so don’t feel tied to the Energy Savers. That’s probably the case for any tire manufacture because the Clarity has a very common size tire.
     
  21. HagerHedgie

    HagerHedgie Member

    I’ll keep an open mind about them but I’m pretty sold on the continentals right now.


    Sent from my iPhone using Inside EVs
     
  22. Teslawannabe

    Teslawannabe Active Member

    Thanks, will keep this in mind when the time comes here in SW Florida.
     
    descolado likes this.
  23. ClarityBill

    ClarityBill Active Member

    Has anybody tried the Continental PureContact LS in snow?
     

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