Tires... Thinking of switching from Hydroedge to Energy Saver A/S or?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Fuel Economy' started by roverguy78, Mar 18, 2013.

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  1. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

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    Thanks for the update. It is good to hear that the Michelin A/S is helping to raise the MPG. Several have stated similar findings. Great information as well as the input about wider tires. To me it seems that wider tires would add friction to the mix which in essence lower MPG.

    Good luck to you.

    Ron
     
    #21 dorunron, May 9, 2013
  2. SteveLee

    SteveLee Active Member

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    Thanks for the info. I have been contemplating whether to stay with the stock size or go to the 195 with the next set. So far the best improvement in the steering stability has been to lower the psi in the 36-38 range which has resulted in little if any mpg loss and improved the ride also, at least to my preference.
     
    #22 SteveLee, May 10, 2013
  3. roverguy78

    roverguy78 Elite Lurking Member

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    I think my biggest complaint about the wider tires was primarily due to increased friction. While I had more traction, it was almost like it was too much. Couple that with the very sensitive steering of the Prius, and it made steering at high speeds or with a crosswind even worse than with the narrow tires. The tires I had also weighed 5 pounds more (22lbs instead of 17 - quite a difference). I think that also contributed to the heavy steering feeling I experienced.

    For those that still use the Goodyear Integrity tires and have noticed traction control issues, I can report that I have yet to have the traction control kick in with the Michelin Energy Saver A/S tires. So it must have been the tread and/or compound that caused those issues (and not the tire size), which I experienced with the stock Goodyear tires.
     
    #23 roverguy78, May 10, 2013
  4. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

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    I am not trying to hijack this thread, but I would like to hear input concerning those who have compared Michelin Defender to the Michelin Energy Saver A/S.

    I am still running the crappy Integrities, but will be in the market soon for a new set. I am interested in the following priorities.

    1. Improving MPG
    2. Increasing traction in wet conditions
    3. Longevity (Wear) and Failures. (Have read numerous posts of A/S blow outs on Michelin Site.

    I like the Integrities except for when it is raining. The TC kicks in a lot and if you brake while trying to turn there are times when the Prius will slide.

    I have studied many threads here on PC as well as elsewhere and am trying to figure out which of the two tires above would be the better choice that would possibly fit the parameters above.

    Thanks for any and all input!

    Ron
     
    #24 dorunron, May 10, 2013
  5. roverguy78

    roverguy78 Elite Lurking Member

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    I can't comment on the Defenders, but we've also had the Energy Saver A/S tires on the 2010 Prius for quite a while now. We've had zero complaints about them. That was one of the primary reasons I decided to put them on my 2006 as well. Very good wet & dry traction, great MPG, and they seem to be holding up well.
     
    #25 roverguy78, May 10, 2013
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  6. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Ron, my friend.

    The Defender and the Energy Saver A/S are great tires. From your list of priorities I can only say that neither the Defender or Energy Saver A/S offer outstanding wet traction like the ProContact, PureContact, Serenity Plus, etc.. However, they are adequate and much safer than your Integrity tires by far.

    If increasing mpg is your #1 priority then the Energy Saver A/S is the way to go. Conversely, the Defender lasts such a long time that even though the fuel economy is lower, the total cost of ownership could be close depending on gas prices over the next few years. Additionally, I've never heard of a blowout with the Energy Saver A/S on the Prius.

    Your other option is the Continental PureContact. While not as efficient as the Energy Saver A/S, I have a feeling it is very close to the Defender if not better. It also has a super long tread life, is fairly cheap and has crazy good wet traction. It rides a little rougher though. See what I mean about trade offs? LOL

    Defender
    Tire Test Results : Testing Passenger and Touring All-Season Tires

    PureContact
    Tire Test Results : Testing Grand Touring All-Season Tires
     
    #26 F8L, May 10, 2013
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