Low Rolling Resistance replacement tires: Current List

Falken ziex ze 912

 

Just ordered the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 from a local tire shop (HIbdon tire) and they had to order them because the tires are discontinued. I was torn between the EP422 and Michelin Energy saver. Hope they have less road noise then my EP20's do.

 

The EP422 has been replaced with EP422 Plus 70000 mile

 

The Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus is engineered to be more fuel efficient to give you 20 extra miles per tank.* Designed to be durable, the Ecopia EP422 Plus now offers a 70,000 mile treadwear limited warranty. Engineered for some of the most popular sedans and minivans on the road today, the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus offers dependable all-season performance, confident handling and a comfortable ride. * Based on rolling resistance in lab testing comparing Ecopia EP422 Plus (215/60R16) to Firestone FR710 (215/60R16) when new. Extra 20 miles based on 400 miles per tank. Actual results may vary based on proper tire maintenance, vehicle, driving style and road conditions.

 

Unlike the old version, the new (plus) tire doesn't appear to come in 215/45R17

Or 195/65R15?

At least that's according to Tirerack. Could be sizes available might increase?

It's just Tirerack: Bridgestone US site shows both above sizes. Canadian site makes no mention of "plus" version yet.

 

So are the 422's ok or should I ask for the plus? The salesman did not mention the plus. I am pushing 36,000 miles on the EP20. They do seem very loud with road noise. I have 38-40 in them.

Another question, the EP 20 has a speed rating of S and the EP422 is an H. Is that an issue when I drive 75 mph ?

 

Just answered part of my own question. s rating is 112 mph and H rating is 130 mph. Crazy lettering system

 

Called to cancel order on 422 but they had already come in. Plus they wanted $40 to send them back. They should be fine.

 

Yup, and the newer ones maybe costing more?

 

I love my 422s. They're like comphy slippers. My 05 is good for one more set of tires and I'll be sticking with these or apparently the improved version.

 

Is the point of the highest MPG tire to save money or brag about MPG? If it is to save money, would it make more economical sense to pick up Michelin defenders, which are rate for 90k miles vs the 65k of the Energy savers?

 

I had the Michelin defenders on my Honda CRV and every time it rained it was like starting out on ice. No wet traction.Yokohama AVID Ascend tires I have on my Prius are much better in the rain and on the Prius much better ride and handling. But thats just my experience . Defenders were the first Michelin tires I have ever purchased. I will never buy another. to expensive for what you get.

 

Just paid about $380 for a new set of Yokahama Avid Envigors, replacing the four year old ones that were just worn too much. Extremely good in the rain till the end. The Michelins I had on my Camry wore like the Ice 2's I had for winter, poorly. The new Premier line from Michelin seems to be the best, doing much better as they wear than the energy savers, especially in the wet.

 

Being that some cheap Accelera Alphas came on the used Prius we bought last week, what can I realistically expect to pick up in gas mileage if I went to, say, the Michelin Energy Savers? We'll be running across the desert in the heat fairly often and I want to go to a tire brand I'm more comfortable transporting my family on like a Bridgestone, Pirelli or Michelin. Mileage isn't everything but I would like to improve the 39 mpg I got on the trip last weekend.

 

I am thrilled with the energy saver tire---I am in humidity all of the town--with short trips I get an average of 46 MPG-- mainly 3-5 miles trips often....I am in a 2008 Prius....

 

My 2009 touring, that I gave my daughter, may need new tires at 100K. Any Highest MPG tires out there that are the correct size?

 

Post that correct size, it'll help responders.

 

I would expect at least 3-4 mpg increase. Over the life of tire (say 50000 miles) that would save.....
50 000/40mpg = 1250 gal * $3/gal = $3750
50 000/44mpg = 1136.4 gal *$3/gal = $3409
__________________________________
= $341 savings on gas

Looks worth it :-0

- Alex

 

Thank you, aleksa. That's what I was looking for. I kind of thought that based on what I was seeing in reviews and tire tests elsewhere but it's always nice to see some confirmation within the community. As the Alphas are relatively new I can probably get some trade-in value as well and not have to mess with trying to sell them.

 

Well, we bit the bullet; the Energy Savers are going on the car this afternoon.

Michelin had them in stock and will deliver them to the local America's Tire after noon. Expensive but the shop has a $100 prepaid VISA card deal for the next few days instead of the normal $70 rebate from Michelin. They'll determine the trade-in value of the Alphas when they get them off the car and can check them for plugs, etc. With the added expense of the lifetime protection and replacement certificates it will wind up costing us $400-500.

The peace of mind of having some quality tires under my family is worth it. The anticipated improvement in gas mileage is important but not nearly as important as that.