1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

TireRack: MPG Effect of Replacing Worn Tires with New Ones

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Fuel Economy' started by Aegison, May 20, 2010.

  1. Aegison

    Aegison Member

    Joined:
    Apr 13, 2009
    404
    32
    36
    Location:
    Southeast MI
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Interesting analysis of MPG effect of replacing worn tires with new ones.

    Excerpt:

    Conclusion
    While many of these individual differences may seem insignificant, it is easy to understand that when they are added together, the new tires may appear to reduce vehicle fuel economy. It also means that a Toyota Prius appearing to get 50.0 mpg just before replacing its worn-out tires with new tires of the same brand, type and size, might be reduced to registering just 47.25 mpg afterwards, even if all of the driving conditions were identical.
    Remember, "your mileage may vary."

    Full article is at:

    Tire Tech Information - Tire Rolling Resistance Part 3: Changes to Expect When Switching from Worn-Out to New Tires
     
    #1 Aegison, May 20, 2010
    2 people like this.
  2. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 4, 2005
    12,544
    2,123
    1
    Location:
    SF Bay Area, CA
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Great article! Maybe this should become part of the KB section even though it's not Prius specific.

    The high mileage of the Prius really magnifies the percentage effect along w/Prius owners' tendency to care or monitor their mileage.
     
    #2 cwerdna, May 21, 2010
  3. timo27

    timo27 Member

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2009
    316
    52
    0
    Location:
    Baltimore, MD
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Interesting. I have noticed this before on three other cars--a VW and two Acuras--and it was indeed noticeable upon switch-out. I attributed it to larger diameter and different tire characteristics, but the material hardening with age and thus less rolling resistance makes sense. (And hey--it's before 5AM, and I already learned a new term--'rubber squirm'! By any reasonable measure, today should be a good day!)
    CHeers
    ~T
     
    #3 timo27, May 25, 2010
  4. alfon

    alfon Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 17, 2009
    1,370
    270
    0
    Location:
    seaside, oregon
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    I changed the factory Yoko Avid tires, 195x65x15, to Michelin Energy Saver tires,, 195x65x15 at 11,000 miles. I now have over 16,000 miles on those Michelin tires.

    All 4 have 44psi of Nitrogen.

    When I first purchased I noticed a 2-4 mpg increase over the Yoko Avid tires.

    Those Michelin tires continue to deliver the MPG's that Michelin promised.

    alfon
     
    #4 alfon, May 25, 2010
  5. mainerinexile

    mainerinexile No longer in exile!

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2010
    403
    73
    0
    Location:
    Maine
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    I use helium in my tires because it makes the tire almost weightless which increases gas mileage and increases tire life.
     
    #5 mainerinexile, Jun 13, 2010
  6. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2009
    12,470
    6,862
    2
    Location:
    Greenwood MS USA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    But then road noise becomes very high pitched and you can only refill your tires from clowns.
    :focus:
     
    #6 JimboPalmer, Jun 13, 2010
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)