Tire Info from Michelin

[Priusaurus110]

Hi All: using the wealth of tire info from previous threads I went to replace all 4 OEM tires on my '05 with Michelin low rolling resistance (LRR) Energy MXV4+ tires. But, I had trouble finding them and was also getting conflicting info from local dealers so I contacted Michelin customer service.

I received very helpful and knowledgeable assistance from Michelin. Here are the results of the phone call:

1. Michelin stopped production of Energy MXV4+ in May 2007 with no direct replacement or tire with comparable LRR (that fits the Prius).
2. Slightly higer on the LRR scale is the Hydroedge but it is not the best Michelin performer in ice and snow.
3. Slightly higher than the Hydroedge in rolling resistance are both the Primacy MXV4+ and X-Radial (available at Costco). Both are better all-weather tires for ice and snow. Note that they told me the primacy MXV4 is NOT a direct replacement for the Energy MXV4 in spite of what has been said on some previous posts.
4. Next higher on LRR scale is the Harmony

I went with 4 Primacy tires.

Unsolicited, the rep told me that Michelin had a " Friends of Michelin" promotion going on until the end of Oct 08 (none of the dealers I spoke to knew of this). Michelin mailed me the coupon for $60 off 4 tires which arrived in 4 days. If you want it, call Michelin at 1-866-866-6605 and ask them for the coupon.

It's only been a week, but so far, no dicernable reduction in MPG with the new tires at 42/40 PSI.

Thanks to all that contributed the past Michelin data. It really made this process a lot easier.

[a priori]

Thank you for sharing this experience. Valuable information for those of us looking for tires!

[F8L]

Yes, thank you for posting this up. That is better than the info I got from them a month ago but the idea was the same. Just not as concise as yours.

[dwreed3rd]

Me too! Thank you for the info. I run MXV4+'s on our 2000 Avalon w/108K. Averaging around 40K miles a set. About time for next set. May 07 should be O.K. if I can find a set. I call in for the coupon tommorow.
Really, Thanks again for the heads up!

[sparkyAZ]

I just replaced my tires at the end of June with the Costco X-radial DT's. They seem to grip much better than the Integrities but I did take a 4 MPG hit initially but it's coming back up. Costco had the $60 off deal and they ended up costing $444 out the door for the set.

[mrblaise]

How does the ride compare to the OEM integrities? Is it better? The same? I've been thinking of making the same type of purchase as you just made.

Originally Posted by Priusaurus110

Hi All: using the wealth of tire info from previous threads I went to replace all 4 OEM tires on my '05 with Michelin low rolling resistance (LRR) Energy MXV4+ tires. But, I had trouble finding them and was also getting conflicting info from local dealers so I contacted Michelin customer service.

I received very helpful and knowledgeable assistance from Michelin. Here are the results of the phone call:

1. Michelin stopped production of Energy MXV4+ in May 2007 with no direct replacement or tire with comparable LRR (that fits the Prius).
2. Slightly higer on the LRR scale is the Hydroedge but it is not the best Michelin performer in ice and snow.
3. Slightly higher than the Hydroedge in rolling resistance are both the Primacy MXV4+ and X-Radial (available at Costco). Both are better all-weather tires for ice and snow. Note that they told me the primacy MXV4 is NOT a direct replacement for the Energy MXV4 in spite of what has been said on some previous posts.
4. Next higher on LRR scale is the Harmony

I went with 4 Primacy tires.

Unsolicited, the rep told me that Michelin had a " Friends of Michelin" promotion going on until the end of Oct 08 (none of the dealers I spoke to knew of this). Michelin mailed me the coupon for $60 off 4 tires which arrived in 4 days. If you want it, call Michelin at 1-866-866-6605 and ask them for the coupon.

It's only been a week, but so far, no dicernable reduction in MPG with the new tires at 42/40 PSI.

Thanks to all that contributed the past Michelin data. It really made this process a lot easier.

[Sheepdog]

wet muddy hooves on bananna peels would be an improvement over the std tire Goodyear.

[Sheepdog]

btw, with the demise of the energy Michelin, what is the best tire made by anyone else now I wonder?

any other best LRR out there anymore?

[F8L]

Originally Posted by Sheepdog

btw, with the demise of the energy Michelin, what is the best tire made by anyone else now I wonder?

any other best LRR out there anymore?

Yes, Nokian i3 and WR series are considered LRR.

[Priusaurus110]

Originally Posted by mrblaise

How does the ride compare to the OEM integrities? Is it better? The same? I've been thinking of making the same type of purchase as you just made.

Mrblaise: Hard to say after just one week and trying to compare brand new tires against the worn OEMs with 38,000 miles on them, but, initial impression is that they are a little quieter and smoother. I have not yet used them on the freeways or in the rain so the jury is still out, but I'm very happy so far.