Putting new tires on my '08 yaris soon... what do I need to know?

[hannahyaris]

I recently bought my first car :smile: I have a 2008 yaris base sedan
aaaand now I need to buy tires.. What do I need to keep in mind while I'm looking?

I think the size is P175/65R14.
My budget is under $400. I would like something that handles well on wet and dry roads.
I tried viewing the official wheel and tire guide but it was like a foreign language to me. Please excuse me, I'm pretty new at this.

Thanks!

[ivanstepul]

you should get some new rims !!!
https://www.google.com/search?q=slammed+yaris&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=gJ6JUr_0LJDTkQeu4oD4CA&sqi=2&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1366&bih=666#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=6mtcP31P5U4vVM%3A%3BIVevsWa_P53WxM%3Bhttp%25 3A%252F%252Fstatic.cargurus.com%252Fimages%252Fsit e%252F2009%252F01%252F17%252F18%252F27%252F2008_to yota_yaris_hatchback_s-pic-44822.jpeg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fforum.miata.net%25 2Fvb%252Fshowthread.php%253Ft%253D417125%3B1200%3B 722


http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/searchTiresBySize.do?sortBy=prca&ar=65&fqs=true&rd=14&sw=false&pgTires=1&cs=175

[B2FiNiTY]

under $300 is pretty easy.

if you have costco in your area and you have a membership, they have pretty good prices.

[IllusionX]

She's in NC. I would suggest getting tires from discounttiredirect and have them installed at your usual garage.

[hannahyaris]

Thanks guys. I'm considering Firestone FR710 for a total price of $357.48 (including installation, etc). I also considered Yokohama Avid Touring-S as those came on the car when I got it, but I'm not really sure how to compare tires so we'll see.

[juicyjosh]

I recently bought my first car :smile: I have a 2008 yaris base sedan
aaaand now I need to buy tires.. What do I need to keep in mind while I'm looking?

I think the size is P175/65R14.
My budget is under $400. I would like something that handles well on wet and dry roads.
I tried viewing the official wheel and tire guide but it was like a foreign language to me. Please excuse me, I'm pretty new at this.

Thanks!

Hi Hannah,

FWIW, I always buy my tires from tirerack.com. I live in San Francisco, and they ship out of Nevada, so I don't pay tax, and the tires arrive in two days. I've never had a problem with them, ever. Not even on returns.

Tires are not the place to skimp on quality. Sliding into a tree or into the back of another car because of crappy tires isn't worth initially saving few bucks. Tires are a once-every-few-years expense that you just have to deal with. You're going to have these tires on your car for the next couple of years, so it's important to make this decision a good one. Tires are the easiest way to improve - or worsen - your car's performance.

You don't have to buy from tirerack, but you owe it to yourself to do your due diligence and go to tirerack.com and educate yourself before making your purchase. On their site, you can enter your car (year/make/model/trim), and they automatically tell you which types of tires are available for your Yaris, as well as the specifications for each tire. Don't know what all the specs mean, like "actual tread width" or "aspect ratio" or "UTQG?" Highlight the term, and it tells you what it means.

Without actual experience with a lot of different tires, you won't know how the tire will perform until it's on your car. However, as a general guide, tires that have larger tread blocks give you better dry traction, and they are more performance-oriented; tires with smaller blocks give poor dry traction and are more designed to pack snow in between the treads for better snow traction. Contrary to mainstream belief, tires with lots of tiny tread blocks are not necessarily grippier in wet conditions.

If you drive in lots of rain or snow, consider tires with smaller tread blocks. If the majority of your driving is in dry weather, go with the tires with largest tread blocks.

Hope that helps.

[kimona]

Thanks guys. I'm considering Firestone FR710 for a total price of $357.48 (including installation, etc). I also considered Yokohama Avid Touring-S as those came on the car when I got it, but I'm not really sure how to compare tires so we'll see.

There are so many better tyres out there than the Firestone FR710! I'd get 185/65/14's to replace the 175's. There are more options in this size, and the 185's are an excellent fitment. If you do a lot of highway driving, choose a tyre with a wide/flat center band to reduce/eliminate highway wander. Discounttiredirect.com is a great place to purchase tyres; good selection, low pricing, and free shipping, (and no tax to NC). I buy all my tyres from them and have them installed/balanced locally for $10 a corner.

[Hershey]

Agree , there's better than the Firestone for less .

[UberSilver]

I really like the Michelin Defenders I bought from Costco. I've had them close to a year and they show little to no wear, and they handle great.

Cost was $411. with the $70. off rebate.

[hannahyaris]

Y'all are awesome. I started out by checking tirerack.com and the only thing that got to me was the shipping, but it was great for learning a bit. Then I went to discounttiredirect and saw some michelin defenders with an "out the door" price of about $550. Searched for the tire on tirerack.com and found a total price of around $450.
I contacted discounttire to see if they'll match the price, and I'm hoping I can find out about some sort of additional discount, but you're right- it's probably worth the money to find the safest available tire

[WeeYari]

Take a look at where Michelin Defenders rank in this comparison http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showpost.php?p=714259&postcount=5

[Hershey]

Did some research for you at Tirerack and it looks like the Kumho Solus KR21 are a well liked tire for many Toyota owners and seem to be suitable for the weather in your region . They are $61 each ( $244 for 4 ) . Another to consider would be the GENERAL Altimax RT that are $55 each ( closeout ) . There's a review from an owner of a 2008 YARIS hatchback that rates them at 9.4 out of 10 . Other Toyota owners agree . Go to http://www.tirerack.com/index.jsp for a look . Click on the brands mentioned for more input . May be able to get the Kumho Solus KR21 or General Altimax RT at Discount Tire Direct , http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/home.do?s_kwcid=AL!3693!10!417200075!3324497226&ef_id=UkteSgAAANS2tRKa:20131122045143:s . They have free shipping and may match the price at Tirerack . Hope this helps and let us know of your choice and how they perform .

[hannahyaris]

Thanks so much WeeYari- definitely a good resource to have.
Unfortunately I think the michelin defenders are going to be a little too expensive, but I'm still going to see what I can do. For now, definitely considering the two types of tires that Hershey recommended. I'll be sure to post the results when I finally decide.

For now, I've run into a bigger issue. I don't actually know what size the tires are. I know that the original tire size (from the factory) was either 175/65/R14 or 185/65/R14. The tires on there now are Yokohama Avid-Touring S, and the size is 195/60/R15. Does that mean I should go with that size?

(note: i bought the car used from a toyota dealership about two months ago. i'm 99% sure they didn't put new tires on the car when i bought it)

[kimona]

OEM size is 185/60/15. However, 195/60/15 is an excellent fitment on stock suspension. The Yokohama Avid Touring S is a great tyre. The tread pattern works extremely well on the Yaris for good overall handling, a smooth ride, and straight-line tracking with minimal or no highway wander.

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/findTireDetail.do?ra=searchTiresBySize.do&fl=&pc=40546&counter=0&ar=60&rd=15&cs=185

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/findTireDetail.do?ra=filterTireProducts.do&fl=&pc=44397&counter=0&ar=60&rd=15&cs=195

[nookandcrannycar]

I'm considering Firestone FR710 for a total price of $357.48 (including installation, etc)

Fantastic tires and a fantastic price. I'm on my second set of 4 FR710s. I took off the first set of 4 after they had 85,009 miles on them. I probably could have squeezed another 3,000 to 5,000 miles out of them at that point. I have 41,216 miles on the second set and over half the tread left. Out the door, the second set (with installation, tax, and the Lifetime Road Hazard/Free Valve Stem Repl/Balancing/and Rotation,etc.) was $407.77.

[nookandcrannycar]

^^^^^The $407.77 was in September of 2012. On my current set, I've taken two trips in the last 3 1/2 months through parts of (IIRC) at least 30 states and over 12k miles total. I drove on dry pavement, and in rain (too early for snow or ice).....and on gravel, dirt, asphalt, and cement. Just make sure (and I only realized this recently) that you inflate them to the Toyota recommended PSI (stated inside the driver door jamb, near the driver door lock striker, IIRC). I was over inflating 6 and then 5 PSI to boost MPG even more...better not to in Fall and Winter (at least IMO re feel).

[nookandcrannycar]

OEM size is 185/60/15. However, 195/60/15 is an excellent fitment on stock suspension.

:thumbsup: I'm on my 4th set (including OEM) and either Set #2 or Set #3 = 195/60/15. I agree with you, 195/60/15 also = excellent fitment on stock suspension.

[nookandcrannycar]

There are so many better tyres out there than the Firestone FR710! I'd get 185/65/14's to replace the 175's. There are more options in this size, and the 185's are an excellent fitment. If you do a lot of highway driving, choose a tyre with a wide/flat center band to reduce/eliminate highway wander. Discounttiredirect.com is a great place to purchase tyres; good selection, low pricing, and free shipping, (and no tax to NC). I buy all my tyres from them and have them installed/balanced locally for $10 a corner.

To each his own. My last set of FR710s lasted me about 15,000 miles longer than the OEMs and the first set of 4 that replaced the OEMs (not Firestones). I also like the 'almost anyplace there is a Firestone store' aspect of the service and the efficiency (faster than many other places i've patronized). Definitely agree with you though on her not going with the 175's.

[nookandcrannycar]

Take a look at where Michelin Defenders rank in this comparison http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showpost.php?p=714259&postcount=5

Not surprising. As this subject has come up in posts over the years, more replies seem to include a recommendation for Michelin Defenders than any other tires.

[DebbyM46227]

To each his own. My last set of FR710s lasted me about 15,000 miles longer than the OEMs and the first set of 4 that replaced the OEMs (not Firestones). I also like the 'almost anyplace there is a Firestone store' aspect of the service and the efficiency (faster than many other places i've patronized). Definitely agree with you though on her not going with the 175's.

Are you still running the Firestone FR710's? I have major tread separation on my OEM Goodyear tires. I thought I had a bad wheel bearing but Car-X can't find anything wrong with my car & they are sure it's my tires. Cracks all the way around each one of them with only 29K on them.

So I see Firestone has a Buy 3 Get 1 Free on the FR710's and I can get them with all the mounting/balancing/TPMSrebuild, etc. $304.86 + tax. I'm on a budget so these seem to be the best.

Have you driven them in snow?

[IllusionX]

Do you know the year your tires were manufactured? You can see how to find out here (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=11)

I see you have a 2010. So if your car was manufactured in 2009, you could have 2008/2009 tires.
My company bought a 2012 mazda 5 in 2013.. it had tires manufactured in 2011, and they show sign of dry rot.

so i'm not surprised that your 4-5 years old tire is in very bad conditions, especially if it's very hot in the summer where you live.

[nookandcrannycar]

Are you still running the Firestone FR710's? I have major tread separation on my OEM Goodyear tires. I thought I had a bad wheel bearing but Car-X can't find anything wrong with my car & they are sure it's my tires. Cracks all the way around each one of them with only 29K on them.

So I see Firestone has a Buy 3 Get 1 Free on the FR710's and I can get them with all the mounting/balancing/TPMSrebuild, etc. $304.86 + tax. I'm on a budget so these seem to be the best.

Have you driven them in snow?

Yes, I do still have them on my Yaris.....52,803 miles on 3 with lots of tread left.....54,050 'effective' miles on those 3 (see post #193 and post #214 on Kal-El 's mileage thread re the 1,247 mile difference between effective and actual re what happened in my case).

I don't know if you've ever been to Texas, but we have 1 way 'feeder roads' (2-4 lanes) here on each side of many freeways/Interstates. Major intersections often cross the freeways at an underpass. Often (as part of the underpass infrastructure) there will be U-turn lane on either side of the major street that is part of the underpass. This is set up for the purpose of switching to the one way feeder in the opposite direction on the other side of the freeway without having to wait at any traffic signal. Late at night...a few thousand miles ago....I was utilizing one of these U-turn lanes to switch direction and ran over something. My right rear tire immediately went flat. I used tire sealant. For (I think) the first time in my life, it didn't work. Don't use tire sealant if you get the FR710s...it invalidates the road hazard warranty. See my thread re this (tire sealant invalidating road hazard warranty).

Although the tire sealant invalidated the road hazard warranty (see posts to my thread I just mentioned...seems as though this is SOP in the tire industry), Firestone did a pro rata discount re the FR710s replacement for the uncovered 'tire sealant abused' flat. Also (I think twice overall on the two sets --- almost 140k miles total) I've had a slow leak on a tire and Firestone successfully eradicated the leak (without need for replacement) for free.

I don't know if the price you quoted includes the optional road hazard warranty, but definitely get the road hazard warranty ($13.44 for my recent replacement -- Jan 2014 (the old road hazard warranty wasn't transferable nor pro rated re my invalidating it with the use of tire sealant)). Even if you add that warranty + tax, that's still less than I paid for my 2nd set of 4 on 9-9-2012. If the $304.86 includes the road hazard warranty, that is an even better deal.

Later this month I'm going to Montana and a couple of other states. After having to use my donut spare (re that January 2014 'U-turn lane flat' mentioned above, I decided I didn't like the Idea of getting a flat somewhere in Montana that might be more than 100 miles from a AAA contract station without having a full size spare. Given this, I bought a single Yaris steelie rim and tire from CTScott (came from the California Yaris he bought and has essentially 'parted out'.

Roxy1 found that one can track the entire U.S. inventory of 5-speed manual Yarii (as well as subsets of other models) on Cars.com. I'm currently watching this inventory because 2015 is 'unknown'. What I mean by 'unknown' is uncertainty re if there will be a 2015 current 3rd Gen Yaris (and also if a manual transmission AND hand crank windows will be available) with the new assembled in Mexico Yaris coming out in the Spring/Summer of 2015 as a 2016 model......OR.....if Toyota will do it the way Honda chose re the 2015 Fit....skipping a model year (2014 for the Fit) and selling the remaining inventory of the old body style and model year until the new redesigned model comes out. I want a 3rd Gen with a 5-speed manual with hand crank windows. I bring this up, because my new thought (evolved since roxy1 posted this information) is that I'll probably trade my Yaris in on a new one and (given that I don't get a flat in Montana) I'll put the tire and steelie I got from CTScott on the right rear (before trading it in) and KEEP THE NEW in January (2014) FR710 (mounted on its current steelie), for the future. When the OEMs wear down on a new 3rd Gen Yaris (comes with different size tires than my 2nd Gen) I'll either: 1. Get FR710s if they fit....2. Possibly try the more expensive Michelin Defenders....or 3. Get the same replacements Roxy1 ends up getting (if he posts that he's having good luck with them).

Ideally, the 2014 5-speed manual/hand crank window inventory in White or Silver will dwindle slowly (I only want White or Silver...and after Tooter posted that the clearcoat is 'part of the paint' (I'm paraphrasing) on the White (one reason he chose White) White is my #1 choice. Silver doesn't have that benefit)....AND...there will be an unchanged 'short year' 2015 3rd Gen with the same available equipment.....AND... that I'll get to 300,000 miles on my Yaris, with no repairs in the interim, before trading it in.

I'm already at peace with going outside Texas to get the color and equipment choice I want :smile:.

You've probably already eliminated the need for some of my suggestions (3):

1. Get the quote in writing (sounds like you already have such a specific quote that this might not be necessary).

2. Make sure they have your size in stock (If they have to order...pay close attention to details....I had to order my 2nd set. I had them installed and noticed they put the wrong tires on the car :rolleyes:. I questioned this. Turns out they forgot to order my tires, so they 'upgraded' me to more expensive tire (at no additional cost) and I guess thought I wouldn't notice :rolleyes:. I did. Firestone always lets you change your mind to another one of their tires within 30 days, so I switched back to FR710s before that).

3. Get the Road Hazard Warranty (already discussed).


I don't know re snow. My yaris has experienced (IIRC) fewer than 10 snow days....all here in Houston....and all pretty much not sticking on the roads. Most extreme effect = on the roof of my house for a maximum of 2 days. I haven't had any problems re ice. The FR710s have also performed reliably in the rain.

The only slight negative has been on my 2nd set. Because of the population explosion and construction, some businesses here have underestimated the demand for paved parking. If they have extra land, they'll add a gravel parking lot. Also, some shopping centers will open finished stores while the rest of the center is still under construction. For these and a couple of other reasons, I now have more experience driving on 'small gravel'. Sometimes the gravel will get wedged (TEMPORARILY) in a tread groove and make the tire 'sing' for a bit of time (I think there is a Yarisworld thread on this).

[NEexpat]

I just got some Hankook H727's.

I looked about at the online guys and got a local price from an outfit across the river from me that have been in business since forever. $425.00 all in mounting/balancing, disposal and taxes. It's what I would have paid to go online.

So far they seem fine. I run dedicated snows in the winter, so these are 3 season for me.

[DebbyM46227]

Thanks, guys! Nook - you wrote a book! On the Firestone Complete Autocare web site you can print out a quote that's good for 30 days. Now I guess I'm screwed. I just got back from Firestone, and I guess they are right now that I see my quote, didn't pay attention to it yesterday.

There was a supposed glitch in the estimate feature of their web site yesterday. It's supposed to be Buy 3 Get 1 Free on certain tires only, yet it came up that way on my quote for the FR710's. Late on I think they fixed the glitch. No amount of my bitching got me anywhere at Firestone, so I came home without any new tires. It's now $354.88 + 7% Sales Tax for the FR710's. For a little more I can get the Affinity $363.89 as those are on sale. And neither quote includes the road hazard. I think I've only purchased road hazard once in my life, and never used it so I thought it was a waste of money. There aren't any gravel roads that I drive on, but there are 1000's of potholes after the severe winter we just had.

[nookandcrannycar]

Thanks, guys! Nook - you wrote a book! On the Firestone Complete Autocare web site you can print out a quote that's good for 30 days. Now I guess I'm screwed. I just got back from Firestone, and I guess they are right now that I see my quote, didn't pay attention to it yesterday.

There was a supposed glitch in the estimate feature of their web site yesterday. It's supposed to be Buy 3 Get 1 Free on certain tires only, yet it came up that way on my quote for the FR710's. Late on I think they fixed the glitch. No amount of my bitching got me anywhere at Firestone, so I came home without any new tires. It's now $354.88 + 7% Sales Tax for the FR710's. For a little more I can get the Affinity $363.89 as those are on sale. And neither quote includes the road hazard. I think I've only purchased road hazard once in my life, and never used it so I thought it was a waste of money. There aren't any gravel roads that I drive on, but there are 1000's of potholes after the severe winter we just had.

I didn't like the Affinity. That was the tire they 'upgraded' me to without telling me (the ones I drove for 1247 miles). I didn't like the way they felt while driving, found I couldn't get the same MPG, and didn't like that they 'resisted' adding air (I could hear my portable air compressor straining). However, that is what suits me and also my location. The Affinity tires weigh more, and I imagine are thicker. They might be better suited to your conditions. If you're not going to get the road hazard warranty, I would say that also might tip the scales toward the Affinity. Does the unexpected increase in price bring any other choices back into play? IIRC, after I got my 2nd set of four FR710s, UberSilver posted that he got Michelin Defenders at Costco (in the SF Bay Area) for about the same total I paid.

[DebbyM46227]

Nook, the addl cost of the Affinity still doesn't bring any others into play for around the same price. There's only 2 Costco's in town, both on the far northside and I'm not a member anyhow. I'll probably wait another week or 2, it seems there are different sales each week.

The last time I bought tires was 2006(?) for my 1997 Chevy Cavalier that I traded in on my Yaris. I hate the TPMS - that alone adds $40 to the cost of whatever I get. In 2006 I ordered my tires from Tirerack.com and had them installed locally. Maybe I was lucky, didn't have a problem with those.

[NEexpat]

^ "I hate the TPMS - that alone adds $40 to the cost of whatever I get."

Are you going to replace the TPMS valves?

I looked into the lifespan of these things and depending on cycles and weather people say they last 7-10 years. I just had the tire guys put my new tires on the original wheels with the original TPMS valves.

I brought this up on here and got some advice on whether or not to replace them.

[IllusionX]

^ "I hate the TPMS - that alone adds $40 to the cost of whatever I get."

Are you going to replace the TPMS valves?

I looked into the lifespan of these things and depending on cycles and weather people say they last 7-10 years. I just had the tire guys put my new tires on the original wheels with the original TPMS valves.

I brought this up on here and got some advice on whether or not to replace them.

There is a TPMS valve rebuild kit, that should be done to prevent leaks after a few years.

[NEexpat]

^X, You're quite right, I saw those when I was looking around at new tires.

[DebbyM46227]

That rebuild kit is what costs the $40 (for all 4) At Firestone Auto Care, $28.00 for the valve service kit, and $11.96 for labor.

[Exiwolfman]

There is a TPMS valve rebuild kit, that should be done to prevent leaks after a few years.

also keep in mind that the life spend of a TPMS is about 4 to 5 yrs give or take...always a good idea to get valve kit also clean rims of from any corrosion a good shop would do that and use rim sealer all this will help with air staying in ur tire . Nitrogen helps too , keeps the tires from psi fluctuation and over all longer lasting tires...yes it does work .

[DebbyM46227]

also keep in mind that the life spend of a TPMS is about 4 to 5 yrs give or take...always a good idea to get valve kit also clean rims of from any corrosion a good shop would do that and use rim sealer all this will help with air staying in ur tire . Nitrogen helps too , keeps the tires from psi fluctuation and over all longer lasting tires...yes it does work .

TY for letting me know about the nitrogen keeping the tires from fluctuating. I didn't know that and that's the reason I hate the first cold day of Fall and if my tires are right on the borderline, that stupid TPMS light comes on.

[FlushYaris]

www.onlinetires.com :)

[nookandcrannycar]

I'll probably wait another week or 2, it seems there are different sales each week.

:thumbsup: Good idea.....as long as your current tires aren't in unsafe condition. Given that, it can't hurt to get a better feel for the local landscape (tire wise).

[DebbyM46227]

I decided to order tires from TireRack.com. I got the Sumitomo tires.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Sumitomo&tireModel=Touring+LS+T&partnum=86TR5TOURLS

And I'm having them installed at the Tire Barn on Sunday.

[nookandcrannycar]

I hope my mentioning 'unsafe condition' didn't scare you. The Sumitomo looks like a good choice :thumbsup:.....one of the cheapest, but with a high UTQG rating. I'd want a better road hazard warranty, but I know that isn't important to you, and you don't drive enough for that to really matter anyway. The one review on Tire Rack does mention that it is good in the snow, so that is certainly a plus for you :thumbsup:. I can see why roxy1 has his eye on the Yokohama AVID Ascend, as they have the highest UTQG, but not the highest price.

[DebbyM46227]

I hope my mentioning 'unsafe condition' didn't scare you. The Sumitomo looks like a good choice :thumbsup:.....one of the cheapest, but with a high UTQG rating. I'd want a better road hazard warranty, but I know that isn't important to you, and you don't drive enough for that to really matter anyway. The one review on Tire Rack does mention that it is good in the snow, so that is certainly a plus for you :thumbsup:. I can see why roxy1 has his eye on the Yokohama AVID Ascend, as they have the highest UTQG, but not the highest price.

Nope - your unsafe condition comment didn't scare me! I came into a little extra money this week and now is as good a time as any to get tires!

[nookandcrannycar]

Nope - your unsafe condition comment didn't scare me! I came into a little extra money this week and now is as good a time as any to get tires!

:thumbsup:

[why?]

have to get new tires soon too, so annoying. My fronts are almost totally bald. The General Altimax seems to be well loved by many, and for that price it is worth seeing if they are really decent or not. I have to see if my mechanic can get them.

[DebbyM46227]

OK, got my tires installed yesterday at Tire Barn, $67 - that was mounting/balancing, TPMS service, stems and old tire disposal. No more tire noise! When my OEM tires started making noise last winter, I thought I had a wheel bearing going out....the sound was like a washer on spin cycle. I took my car to Car-X in March and the mechanic couldn't find anything wrong with the bearings, etc. but told me I had tread separation. I guess he was right.