Michelin Energy Saver tires now on my 05 prius

[konakahuna]

so just this morning, i went and had the new michelin energy saver tires put on my 05, replacing some nokian WRg2's that i really liked, but couldn't get locally anymore.

i've only had a couple of miles on them, but one thing i can report is that they're very quiet, perhaps quieter than the nokians. they also seem to have a nice comfy ride, although i haven't upped the tire pressure to my usual amount either.

they also look nice, as tires go. they're got quite as agressive looking as the hydroedge, but not an eyesore either.

michelin claims an 8% increase in fuel economy, although this is compared to a standard tire, so i'm expecting perhaps half of that. still, i'll take an extra 2-3MPG gladly.

will post more as i have more to say. BTW, i got mine from tirebarn for $125ea. which is what tire rack and others were charging. it was a bit more than i wanted to pay, but i have a tendency to be cheap. i got the 185/65/15 size and RPM is 851, so any speedo difference is minor at best.

[Peak Oil Aware]

I'd be really interested to know if you notice a difference in mpg. I know that there is a current thread on the type of oem tire showing up on the 2010 Prius, but is there a consensus on here which of those tires is best, or if this tire is superior to them? Here are some specs from the manufacturer on the new Michelin Energy Savers:

http://www.michelinman.com/media/en-...S_spec_pdf.pdf

- Bill

[alevinemi]

Originally Posted by Peak Oil Aware

http://www.michelinman.com/media/en-...S_spec_pdf.pdf

- Bill

Wow, that ad is really footnoted.

- They compare the rolling resistance of 8% better to the Bridgestone Turanza, which is NOT a LRR tire. They don't compare it to the Bridgestone Ecopia or Goodyear FuelMax, which are LRR tires.
- They compare stopping distance to the Ecopia, not the Turanza.
- They compare treadwear to the Ecopia and FuelMax.

Judging from this ad, I would assume that LRR is comparable or worse than the Ecopia or FuelMax. Otherwise, they wouldn't have changed their comparison tire when comparing rolling resistance.

Does anyone know which of the three (Energy, FuelMax, or Ecopia) would have the lowest rolling resistance?

-->Adam

[jdenenberg]

Originally Posted by alevinemi

Does anyone know which of the three (Energy, FuelMax, or Ecopia) would have the lowest rolling resistance

Add to the list Nokian WRg2 which is also an LRR tire with silicates in the tread compound. I have usage data that can compare Nokian WRs to the earlier Michelin MXV4+ "Energy Saving" and The OE Goodyear Integrity Tires. The Nokians noticably beat both in MPGs (by about 4%).


JeffD

[F8L]

Originally Posted by jdenenberg

Add to the list Nokian WRg2 which is also an LRR tire with silicates in the tread compound. I have usage data that can compare Nokian WRs to the earlier Michelin MXV4+ "Energy Saving" and The OE Goodyear Integrity Tires. The Nokians noticably beat both in MPGs (by about 4%).


JeffD

Jeff, have you seen anything that compared RR of the WR with the i3? I sent emails to Nokian reps and both sources told me that the i3 was the best option for my car considering I didn't have to deal with bad weather.

[jdenenberg]

Originally Posted by F8L

Jeff, have you seen anything that compared RR of the WR with the i3? I sent emails to Nokian reps and both sources told me that the i3 was the best option for my car considering I didn't have to deal with bad weather.

I have no direct experience with other than the WR and WRg2. In your situation the new "H" may also be a good choice.

Jeff

[PriusLewis]

Originally Posted by F8L

Jeff, have you seen anything that compared RR of the WR with the i3? I sent emails to Nokian reps and both sources told me that the i3 was the best option for my car considering I didn't have to deal with bad weather.

You're a lucky prairie dog to not have to deal with ice, snow and slush. That's what has me concerned - how will these new Michelins do in the winter? I may buy a set and find out for myself (and report back, naturally).

[Tideland Prius]

It should be quieter. The WRs will be noisier because of their tread pattern design.

[F8L]

Originally Posted by jdenenberg

I have no direct experience with other than the WR and WRg2. In your situation the new "H" may also be a good choice.

Jeff

Thanks Jeff. Guess I'm still stuck assuming they are low rolling resistance. lol

Lewis, all I usually have to deal with is some hard rains in early spring and the occassional trip to Canada to see my friend Hyo Silver and it is usually snowing .

[wicastawakan]

I hope you keep us updated with actual mileage info as you go.