Michelin EnergySaver A/S tires at Costco

[abq sfr]

I know, not another tire thread! My OEMs are really down there at 32k miles, that was with 40/38. I notice a new (?) Michelin at Costco.com, Michelin EnergySaver A/S for $122, almost the same as Hydroedges. Anybody know anything about these? Pretty expensive even with the $70 rebate. Features follow, the 8% more fuel efficient caught my eye...
Michelin - Energy™ Saver A/S

• P185/65R15 86T
• Item #: 427343
• Tire Type: All-Season
• Sidewall: Black Sidewall
• Limited 6 year manufacturer's warranty
• Up to 8% more fuel efficient than standard tires to save you money*
• Stops 8 feet shorter for added safety†
• Reduces CO2 emissions as much as planting 40 trees**

[Boo]

I would consider getting the 195/60R15 size -- better and safer handling and braking, plus at TireRack, they're $7 less per tire than the OEM 185/65R15 size.

[abq sfr]

Originally Posted by Boo

I would consider getting the 195/60R15 size -- better and safer handling and braking, plus at TireRack, they're $7 less per tire than the OEM 185/65R15 size.

I thought the 195 size was for Touring? I don't have Touring, I thought a different size would screw up all the readings based on tire rotation.

[Boo]

Originally Posted by abq sfr

I thought the 195 size was for Touring? I don't have Touring, I thought a different size would screw up all the readings based on tire rotation.

Yes, 195mm is the width of the OEM Touring Prius tire and 185mm is the width of the OEM Standard Prius tire.

Using Miata Tire Calculator's assumed tire rotation values for different tire sizes, the 195/60R15 would result in a 1% over-read, meaning when the speedometer shows 60 mph you'll actually be traveling 59.4 mph. No big deal.

Personally, I'd gladly trade that very slight speedometer over-read (and probably less mpg because of the wider width) for better and safer handling and braking any day of the week.

[dhancock]

I also noted that the tred wear index of the EnergySaver A/S is a LOT (almost half) lower than the Hydroedge (or X-Radial). 480 vs 800 (or 740).

[jay_man2]

Originally Posted by dhancock

I also noted that the tred wear index of the EnergySaver A/S is a LOT (almost half) lower than the Hydroedge (or X-Radial). 480 vs 800 (or 740).

Wouldn't a higher treadwear rating mean a harder compound, hence a harder ride.

My Bridgestone Ecopia's have a wear rating in the 300s, and running 42 front 40 rear psi, I wouldn't want the ride any stiffer.

[bluesparky]

Originally Posted by jay_man2

Wouldn't a higher treadwear rating mean a harder compound, hence a harder ride.

My Bridgestone Ecopia's have a wear rating in the 300s, and running 42 front 40 rear psi, I wouldn't want the ride any stiffer.

The compound of the rubber doesn't necessarily mean a "stiffer" ride, it could..., but the construction of the sidewall along with the compound usually changes the ride. The original Goodyears on my 07 are very soft on the sidewalls, even at 42psi, and the construction of the tire makes it very rounded from the tread over the edge of the tire to the sidewall. Goodyears wear very quickly on the edge of the treads when cornering and if the pressure is just a bit low. Michelins have a flatter tread pattern and stiffer corners of the tread. They help control during cornering and stopping. The HydroEdge tires are good and stiff (Much better handling on a PT Cruiser) and don't wear nearly as much as one with a 480 rating. I'd opt for the higher number for longer wear!

[ggcc]

Originally Posted by dhancock

I also noted that the tred wear index of the EnergySaver A/S is a LOT (almost half) lower than the Hydroedge (or X-Radial). 480 vs 800 (or 740).

Please explain more about tread wear index, I want to buy the tire that last longer so which index I should buy?

[jay_man2]

Originally Posted by ggcc

Please explain more about tread wear index, I want to buy the tire that last longer so which index I should buy?

There's not much to explain. The higher the number, the longer the treadwear. Theoretically, a tire with a treadwear rating of 800 will last twice as many miles as one with a 400 rating.

[ggcc]

Originally Posted by jay_man2

There's not much to explain. The higher the number, the longer the treadwear. Theoretically, a tire with a treadwear rating of 800 will last twice as many miles as one with a 400 rating.

Thank you Jay_man2, That much much easier to understand.

My stock tires last for 62K. I just replaced with Michelin X Radial less about two weeks ago. I love these tires because it much better handling, better or same MPG (54MPG).