Non LRR Tire Switch, No Mileage Loss

That's an interesting fact, thanks for sharing.

However, I don't think all LRR tyres have inferior traction. I've got 4 x Michelin Energy Saver Tyres on my 2008 Prius T Spirit - UK version of the Touring, and I'd best describe their performance as exceptional. I find the traction more than adequate for day to day city driving.

I find their grip to be more than adequate in the wet, and very dependable in the dry. Obviously, I don't drive my Prius II 'like I stole it', so we're not talking performance driving here, but everyday hustle bustle on the roads, with the odd power take off (Warp Mode? ), occasional heavy braking to avoid the dullard who just cut you up, and of course going round corners kinda "hot" while trying to preserve momentum.

Unlike a pair of Rockstone LRRs I once had on the rear, the Michelin Energy Savers neither bounce on the road like a pair balloons, nor slide or skip around corners as if traction is taboo.

On a roundabout where the Rockstones once almost completely lost it as I was threading my way through to an exit spiritedly. Trying the same manoeuvre with the Michelins gave me the same effortless grip I'd come to appreciate from the Toyo T1's on my previous car, a Mazda MX-3 Coupe.

An added bonus is high MPG figures I get from hypermiling at a decidedly faster speed.

Are the Sumitomo's made in Japan? They're kinda 'notorious' for sometimes creating really excellent vehicle components or parts in an understated sort of way - I suspect because they have very high standards.


iPhone ?

 

The term Low Rolling Resistance is at best a guideline, but sometimes little more than a marketing "bullet point". And for sure there are "sleepers" out there, tires that roll easy, but the manufacturer hasn't bothered to mention.

 

Both my Prius have non LRR replacement tires.

I never liked the LRR tires on the 2005 Prius and thought they were borderline dangerous. They made me very uncomfortable driving in the rain. I recommended they be replaced with cheap non LRR tires. The car feels a lot more stable, softer, comfortable, and quieter. I also have a lot more confidence in the rain.

The EP20 that came on my 2012 Prius was a vast improvement over the 2005. (I admit, it could also be the difference between Gen 2 to Gen 3) I was going to replace with EP422+ but they ran out of stock. So I replaced with cheap non LRR's as well. My last road trip to San Diego was the most comfortable I've had in the 2012 Prius. I go down 2-3 times a year as DW's family lives there. I didn't even remember I had changed the tires. I just noticed my butt was less sore after the 9 hour drive.

Mpg on the 2012 took a slight dip. Can't really say how much as electricity ruins the calculations. I'm averaging 47 on the 2005 and my brother owned the car before so I don't know what mpg I would've gotten on the LRR tires.

I'm still eying the EP422+ for my next replacements as the 7 year improvement in LRR technology between the 2005 and 2012 tells me that today's LRR can be even better.

 

In most cases, a LRR tire inflated to near the sidewall max cold, will roll more easily than an ULRR tire at the vehicle OEM suggested pressure.

One should also consider the real potential that the new tires travel more revolutions per mile, throwing off the miles on the high side, while consuming the same amount of fuel.

 

i just got four energy savers, $110. plus $30. for installation each. very happy, but i didn't buy them to save money.

 

I purchased Michelin Defenders in 195/65R15, for our son's 06 Civic Hybrid just the other day. They will be mounted on loose rims (putting snows on today), and back on the car in early spring.

Interesting tire, very long tread life rating, and designated GreenX; not sure if that was always the case. I'll try to remember to post some comment once they've been on for a while.