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Low Rolling Resistance Tire Help!!

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Fuel Economy' started by Steph88, Sep 11, 2013.

  1. Steph88

    Steph88 New Member

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    I know there are other threads concerning this, but they have been going for a while and some information is out of date, and I've found that the tire selection for LRR 17" has really decreased apparently. I bought a pre-owned 2010 model V in March of this year, and it still had what I'm assuming are factory Toyo tires, though the Toyota dealer wasn't quite sure. From March to August, I drove with those tires on and had no problem getting 50mpg or more daily, and around 45mpg on long interstate trips. I replaced the tires a few weeks ago and since then have not been able to get more that 40-42mpg. After many discussions with Toyota and the Firestone dealer that put the Bridgestone (Protenza) tires on, we came to the conclusion that these are not LRR tires and I was never told that's what I needed for a hybrid to maximize fuel economy. Also, my Prius has low-pro 17" tires, which are apparently rare on the Prius and really expensive in the LRR. The Firestone people are going to switch out for free to a new tire, and they recommend the Bridgestone Ecopia ep422 that others have mentioned. Most other tires in a LRR/green model from Goodyear, Michelin and Toyo are not available or out of stock at all their warehouses, but I've tried to research some on Tire Rack and am a little confused--don't know much about tires. My EO specs: 215/45/17 Any thoughts/suggestions? Should I just go with the Ecopia's? What have other people thought of them? I'm mainly looking for longevity and fuel economy. I'm not a speed demon and don't need really fancy handling or anything like that. I live in Tennessee, which can have really humid summers, but not enough cold weather issues to worry about. Please help!
     
  2. rdgrimes

    rdgrimes Senior Member

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    The Michelin Energy Saver A/S can be bought but a dealer has to special order it direct from Michelin. But you're right that in this size you take what you can get. Be sure to inflate them to around 40 PSI no matter what you get.
     
  3. Steph88

    Steph88 New Member

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    Yeah, I've found that most items are out of stock or not available very often... It even took the Toyota dealer quite a while to give me a recommendation. I honestly should have looked into it more when purchasing the car, but I'm not all that auto savvy, and my husband didn't really know anything about hybrids. It was a pre-owned, so it came with whatever the original owner wanted, and had a lot of bells and whistles. We didn't want most of it but bought it anyway because it was the best deal for all it offered. I had never paid more than about $89 for a tire and experienced a bit of sticker shock when shopping around! Thanks for the reply!
     
  4. retired4999

    retired4999 Prius driver since 2005

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    If I remember right, what I have read on this site Ecopia ep422 are suppose to be pretty good tires. Hopefully someone else who is using the tires will chime in.
    Energy saver A/S are really good also.
     
  5. Steph88

    Steph88 New Member

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    Thanks, that's what I'm hoping, too. For some reason, I can't seem to find the Energy Saver ones in my tire size/specs. The only Michelin that Toyota recommended to me is the Michelin Pilot mxm4 green x, but according to Tire Rack, the mxm4 doesn't come with the "green x stamp" in that size (215/45/17).
     
  6. rdgrimes

    rdgrimes Senior Member

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    Just be sure not to confuse the Michelin Energy Saver A/S with the regular Energy Saver. They are very different tires, and you want the A/S. Regular Energy Saver is even harder to find. But any tire shop who's willing to order direct from Michelin should be able to help you. You'll probably have to go with 215/50R17, a slightly taller tire.

    Energy Saver A/S | Michelin Tires
     
  7. Steph88

    Steph88 New Member

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    Thanks, that's helpful info. Firestone and Toyota both told me to stick to the EO numbers exactly in order to maintain fuel economy, so I hadn't really branched out my search.
     
  8. tach18k

    tach18k Member

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    My Michelin Energy Saver A/S 15" gained me nothing if not drop in MPG over all. just saying real drive time experience
     
  9. rdgrimes

    rdgrimes Senior Member

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    Mine gave me 4 MPG minimum.
     
  10. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    For max efficiency in the 17" size go with the Ecopia EP422. They are the most efficient option you have in that size. They don't handle really well but they are inexpensive, have a $70 rebate, good tread wear and are comfortable.

    You can also use a 205/50/17 which opens up more options like the Continental PureContact. This tire is better in all respects except slightly less fuel economy and it rides rougher.
     
  11. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    That is sort of an anomaly. They generally offer better fuel economy than the OE tire. If your OE tires were very worn then it may take some time before you see gains. If you had installed a new set of OE tires you would have suffered a loss.
     
  12. CardiffChris

    CardiffChris Member

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    Originals - Goodyear Eagle LS - 54 to 58 mpg
    Replaced with Michelin Defenders - 48 to 51 mpg ----- RETURNED after 30 days.
    Michelin Energy Saver A/S - Back to 54 plus.
     
  13. csp1971

    csp1971 Junior Member

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    Good info. Costco was trying to talk me into the Defenders but I'm going to get the energy savers when they are available again.
     
    Merkey likes this.
  14. wetback1

    wetback1 Junior Member

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    My factory tires are the Bridgestone Ecopia EP20's. They've been a decent tire but with just over 100,000K it's time to replace them.
    I've had tire dealers tell me the Energy Saver A/S is no longer available - and is being replaced by the Defender. The Defender seems to rate better in wear, comfort and handling but from what I read not so special in fuel efficiency.
    Does anyone know if the Energy Saver A/S is really being dumped? And if you're running them how do you find the handling and wear? The Defenders are also cheaper...
     
  15. cary1952

    cary1952 Member

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    its still available at tire rack.com in the usa.
     
  16. csp1971

    csp1971 Junior Member

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    Walmart has them to ship site to store, at least they do in the KC area.