Lost 5 mpg when replacing Integrity tires with Hydroedge

[oxnardprof]

I did not notice such a large change in my MPG when I switched to hydroedge after about 35K miles. Less than 5 % reduction.

Also, I have been letting Costco set the tire pressure. They do not fill it to the higher pressure unless I remind them - and it seemed too much trouble to do so all the time.

My long-term MPG is 48 - 49 MPG, with a lower efficiency around town compared to the highway. I don't know if tire pressure would have more effect in urban traffic?

[brick]

My hit with the hydroedges has been no more than 4 or 5%. It's unfortunate but I'm willing to trade-off for tires that don't scare me. Integritys were fine when brand new but became way too "exciting" in inclement weather.

[86jaguar]

[QUOTE=pardreamer;975937]I replaced the Integrity after 63,000 miles. There were a lot of tread left but the problem was tire wear was uneven and there was too much noise. I replaced them with the Hydroedge tires and had alignment done. The Hydroedge tires provide better ride and grip, and are more quiet. However, I used to get 55 MPG and now suddenly it is 50 MPG. I hate to see the mileage number in the high 40s but I guess ride comfort and better road grip cost something.[/QUOTE
I'm looking for black steel rims for the winter for my 2008. Does anyone have a site I can go to and purchase them?

[86jaguar]

I'm looking for black steel rims for the winter for my 2008. Does anyone have a site I can go to and purchase them?

[JimboK]

Originally Posted by 86jaguar

I'm looking for black steel rims for the winter for my 2008. Does anyone have a site I can go to and purchase them?

There is no Prius-specific steel wheel, as the alloy wheels are standard. But the previous generation (2003-2008) Corolla wheel will fit. Maybe you can find a salvage set, or if not, a tire dealer might be able to order a new one for you. I got one for $50 to mount a spare tire on.

[hill]

Originally Posted by daniel

I'd say it's worth a slight reduction in mpg for the increased safety of better tires!

... and it IS only temporary. Our hydroedges needed about 8K miles to get back up over 60mpg. Welcome to the "lost mpg's when replacing tires ... but only temporarily" club.


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[carz89]

I'm in the "New Hydroedge tires" club, having just replace my OEM Integrities at 25,000 miles. Upon reading that many PC members claimed low lifetimes on the Integrities, I'm amazed that the original poster reported getting 63,000 miles of wear! Mine were badly (and unevenly) worn at 25,000, even though I religiously rotated them every 5,000.

Well, it is too soon to really tell, but the first 50 miles is bad news for me. But, my lower MPG is in line with what everyone is saying. On my OEM tires, I was consistently achieving 55 mpg. On my new Hydroedges, it's a struggle to get 50 (same exact daily driving route, same temperature, same weather).

Still, I'm looking forward to the improved handling, ride, and quietness.

[uart]

It's interesting that many people are reporting a similar story of "about 5 MPG" decrease for their new hydroedges, given that in the recent tire-rack tests (see When Round and Black Becomes Lean and Green ) found only a very maginal difference (0.6%) between them and the GY Integreties.

Can we assume from this that the majority of the reported decrease is just the result of the tires being new and not yet "broken in"?

[carz89]

Originally Posted by uart

It's interesting that many people are reporting a similar story of "about 5 MPG" decrease for their new hydroedges, given that in the recent tire-rack tests (see When Round and Black Becomes Lean and Green ) found only a very maginal difference (0.6%) between them and the GY Integreties.

Can we assume from this that the majority of the reported decrease is just the result of the tires being new and not yet "broken in"?

I think this is part of the answer.
Given the same percentage of wear, side-by-side, the Integrity has lower rolling resistance than the Hydroedge. Couple that with the fact that a tire's rolling resistance decreases with wear, and you get a double-whammy MPG hit when you install the new tires.

[pardreamer]

Yes, I got 63,000 miles with my original Integrities within less than two years. My commute is 82 miles one way with 77 miles on the highway. My drive in the morning is at around 5 AM and I barely touch the brakes at all. I use the brakes a little bit more in the afternoon but it is still mostly coasting at 64 mph.

I guess highway coasting and little use of brakes help reduce tread wear.

Originally Posted by carz89

I'm in the "New Hydroedge tires" club, having just replace my OEM Integrities at 25,000 miles. Upon reading that many PC members claimed low lifetimes on the Integrities, I'm amazed that the original poster reported getting 63,000 miles of wear! Mine were badly (and unevenly) worn at 25,000, even though I religiously rotated them every 5,000.

Well, it is too soon to really tell, but the first 50 miles is bad news for me. But, my lower MPG is in line with what everyone is saying. On my OEM tires, I was consistently achieving 55 mpg. On my new Hydroedges, it's a struggle to get 50 (same exact daily driving route, same temperature, same weather).

Still, I'm looking forward to the improved handling, ride, and quietness.