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Energy Saver A/S to be replaced by Defender

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Fuel Economy' started by GaryD1, Jun 7, 2012.

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  1. GaryD1

    GaryD1 Active Member

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    This note came from Michelin:
    We apologize the Energy Saver A/S in some sizes have been discontinued and stock is not available for retailers to order.

    The Energy Saver A/s in size 195/65R15 will be replaced by the Defender and is scheduled to be launched July 2, 2012.

    We appreciate your business and thank you for choosing Michelin.
     
    #1 GaryD1, Jun 7, 2012
  2. sLick415

    sLick415 Member

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    Looks like I may be going 17s after all.
     
    #2 sLick415, Jun 7, 2012
  3. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    *EDIT*
    The Defender IS NOT replacing the Energy Saver A/S.


    Dear god. Say it's not so.

    Those Defenders better provide outstanding mpg if they hope to compete with the ES A/S!
     
    #3 F8L, Jun 7, 2012
  4. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    Justin, you and I need to buy up a stock of Energy Saver A/S tires...ASAP!
     
    #4 The Critic, Jun 8, 2012
  5. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    No doubt! LOL

    I just may buy a set and sell all of my other stuff. I still have $350 worth of GenII headlights and retrofitting stuff I should sell!
     
    #5 F8L, Jun 8, 2012
  6. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    Or you can just buy a set of Defenders and be the guinea pig.
     
    #6 The Critic, Jun 8, 2012
  7. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    I'm tired of being the guinea pig! I have a feeling the Defenders are going to be like my Ascends. Great tires and a killer value but less efficient the the ES A/S.

    If I can get 51mpg or better tomorrow morning on my commute then I'm not going to sweat it. If it is less then I'm going to sell them and purchase a set of ES A/S. :p
     
    #7 F8L, Jun 8, 2012
  8. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Hmm

    I think my car is teasing me. My commute (uphill) this morning was 51.3mpg. That is 3mpg less than the Energy Saver A/S in the same exact conditions/weather. It's so tempting.....
     
    #8 F8L, Jun 8, 2012
  9. wick1ert

    wick1ert Senior Member

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    Justin, just sell the 17"s and get a set of the ES A/S tires. You won't be happy until you do it :). You know you wanna....*dangles the ES A/S in front of you* LOL
     
    #9 wick1ert, Jun 8, 2012
  10. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Dude, you're so mean! lol

    If I could sell my extra headlights and the 17s I'll be totally in the clear for new tires AND Italy!
     
    #10 F8L, Jun 8, 2012
  11. wick1ert

    wick1ert Senior Member

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    Italy?!?!? Aww man, I wanna go! After Hawaii last year and the extra expenses this year so far, I might be using a free flight from an Uncle to go visit my other one in Seattle for my vacation.

    Put em on ebay/craigslist, I'm sure they'll sell out there.
     
    #11 wick1ert, Jun 8, 2012
  12. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    He will probably get 50% of the cost if he is lucky.


    iPhone ?
     
    #12 The Critic, Jun 8, 2012
  13. Codyroo

    Codyroo Senior Member

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    EEP!

    GaryD1 - What did you do to get this email from Michelin? Were you ordering tires directly from them? I was planning on having Costco order me a set of Energy Saver A/S tires, now I'm wondering if they will be able to do it.
     
    #13 Codyroo, Jun 8, 2012
  14. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    Just got off the phone with Michelin. The phone rep could not confirm this info with her system. I suspect that someone may know something that is not being sent to everyone a Michelin.

    I think a few more phone/e-mail inquiries by more priuschat members is a good idea.


    iPhone ?
     
    #14 The Critic, Jun 8, 2012
  15. sLick415

    sLick415 Member

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    How much do you think I can get for my set of Avid S33Ds with 1k mile? Im thinkin of switching them out before its too late. Would I be saving much in the long run?
     
    #15 sLick415, Jun 8, 2012
  16. retired4999

    retired4999 Prius driver since 2005

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    I don't remember where I read it, but about four weeks ago I read that the Defender tires are suppose to be great tires for mileage. Here's keeping my fingers crossed they are right.
     
    #16 retired4999, Jun 8, 2012
    GaryD1 likes this.
  17. Erikon

    Erikon Active Member

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    I have to hope the Defender is just a marketing name change, considering how popular the Energy Savers are!
     
    #17 Erikon, Jun 9, 2012
  18. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    The Defender is a completely different tire. It is also only rated an 8 (out of 10) for fuel economy by Michelin. The Energy Saver A/S is rated a 10. The Defender is rated higher for tire life (10), handling (10), braking (10) but comfort is lower (9). IMO it seems much like the AVID Ascend and Hydroedge which trades a little fuel economy for better performance and longevity. It should be a fantastic tire, especially if it is quieter than the Ascend.

    Michelin Defender with 90,000 mile warranty
    DEFENDER | Michelin Tires

    Michelin Energy Saver A/S with 65,000 mile warranty
    Energy Saver A/S | Michelin Tires
     
    #18 F8L, Jun 9, 2012
    retired4999 likes this.
  19. alfon

    alfon Senior Member

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    I can not confirm this but I believe the Nokian entyre is
    probably as fuel efficient as the Energy Saver from Michelin.

    On Youtube there is a demonstration where the Entyre was
    placed on a 2010 Prius and the vehicle rolled much further than
    the other tires.

    I am sure someone in this forum may have installed the
    Entyre on their Prius, if so I hope they read this and
    can advise us on its fuel efficiency....
     
    #19 alfon, Jun 9, 2012
  20. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    The problem with the enTYRE is limited distribution sources and outrageous price ($126/ea.) because no rebates are available so even if it is great for fuel efficiency the cost per mile is likely no better than the other options.
     
    #20 F8L, Jun 9, 2012
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