If I search Michelin's site (or Tire Rack) for tires in the 215/45R15 size, the Energy Saver A/S is not an option, doesn't come in that size. Or 205/50R17, the slightly larger od, very close to 195/65R15. Just to explain, we've got the Canadian "Touring" model, that comes with the 17" tires, like the US V, aka 5 model. One new option that is available from Michelin is the new Premier A/S. Anyone heard anything on them? Especially regarding Rolling Resistance, and especially in comparison to LRR leader: Energy Saver A/S. Reading up a bit on the Premier, it seems interesting. One thing it has is tread grooves that widen as the tread wears away, to improve worn traction. Plus good stopping distances.
I would go ahead and get the tires and not put it off. I have many times put off tire replacement and used worn out tires, and then when I finally replace with nice new tires I end up getting rid of the car long before they are worn out. Just my .02
Mendel, You might want to check out the Michelin Primacy MXM4 Excellent LRR tire, comes in 17" size. Have them on the new 2013 I just got. P215/45R17. You might find that will be an alternative for you. They are a little noisier than the Energy Saver A/S but so far they seem to be doing very well in the MPG dept. Since I am still breaking in the new Prius, I can't attest to final MPG, but with the average so far everything looks pretty good to me imo. Haven't had them on wet pavement yet, but the ratings are supposed to be good traction also. Hope this helps you. Ron (dorunron)
I ended up replacing them at 51,000 miles. There was zero drop off in MPG's from the brand new tires compared to my worn out tires. As far as getting rid of the car, I tend to drive my cars for 200,000+ miles, so this is probably the second set of 4 sets total I will put on the car.....
BTDT, on my last car, I put on a new set of Michelins on a Tursday and the following Sat. the wife hit a concrete abutment at the end of a culvert and ripped the bottom of the engine off and totaled the car. Turned out well though, '10 Mazda 5 and the ins paid enough for it that I got the '10 Prius almost doubled my MPG and had money left.
Yeah, you never really know what is going to happen next until it does. But the Michelin Energy Saver A/S is a GREAT tire. I miss the one's I put on our Gen II last year. The Primacy's that I have on our Gen III are doing great, but they are a LOT noisier than the Energy Saver is. I am going to look into seeing whether I can get the right size (17") in the Energy Saver A/S. If so, when I wear out the Primacy's that are brand new, I will get the Energy Saver instead. Ron (dorunron)
Good info on the Primacy vs Energy Saver A/S. What offset are those ACE wheels on your Prius? And where did you get them?
This thread is somewhat old now, so I apologize for reviving it. But I could use a little input, particularly from John1701a, as I'm in Minnesota also and need to survive the sometimes-brutal winters. We are having a hard time deciding between the Continental ProContact Eco Plus and the Energy Saver A/S tires. Our current Hydroedges are completely worn, and we have to replace immediately (like yesterday...). Honestly, we put those one because of John's experiences with them here in MN...and now he's using the Energy Savers. John, if you're around, can you give me a quick update on how those tires fared through this past (nasty) winter? We actually don't drive our Prius a ton in the snow, but just even to know whether or not the tires handle well on wet roads would be good. The ProContacts have very good ratings for traction, and I've read some comments (here) about the ES tires being less stable in terms of handling/traction - so a little more input would be much appreciated! I thought I could just send a PM, but can't figure out how to do it, so if anyone wants to point me in that direction, I can perhaps find my answer without bogging down the forum by reviving old threads (but if anyone has more to share on either of these tires, I would love to hear their thoughts!).
The Energy Savers worked well for me this winter... which was especially nasty... seemed like it would never end. I like the way they handle and the MPG is great. There weren't any issues of any sort on snow or ice. I don't ever venture into deep snow though. So, there's never been any need for anything beyond all-season tires for me. As for rain, we got a ton of that recently and there wasn't any problem with driving through any of that. The only thing I can find to say that some may find unappealing is the road noise when on a cement highway while running tire-pressure at 44/42. That's it. On the "phew!" side, I pulled a bolt out of one of the tires a few days ago. It got pushed into the rubber deep enough to require a tool for removal, but hit a belt inside preventing any leak.
Thank you, John!!! Looks like we might go ahead and put those on... though we did just find an amazing deal on a brand new 2013 Chevy Volt, so we may be adding another vehicle to our family! (And maybe keeping the Prius... too hard to part with that thing!)
I've been very happy with my Energy Savers. I drive over 100 miles round trip every day and find they are very stable tires and provide great mileage. They handle very well on wet roads. While I avoid driving in deep snow, there has been quite a bit of snow and ice this winter but I didn't have any problems.
What timing on reviving this thread. It is time for me to replace the junk OEM on my HyTi and have been looking for a replacement, sadly the Energy Saver doesn't come in the 18" size I need, so am considering the Primacy MXM4. Any thoughts on if it is as good as the ES tires?
When I first replaced my tires on the 2010 Prius, I had first put on the Primacy tires because I couldn't find the Energy Savers. My mileage immediately dropped by 5-8 mpg! I had purchased them at Costco so I had 30 days to return them. within that 30 days, I looked all over for the Energy Savers, and managed to find one set, over 75 miles away from me, and replaced them in the nick of time, after driving the Primacies exactly 1,000 miles. I'm so glad I was able to get the ESs.
I just bought my first set of Energy Savers from Costco last night (after returning the Premiers due to a big his in MPGs). Costco STRONGLY suggested keeping my PSI at 35/33, as per the door panel recommendations. They said higher PSI would void the replacement warranty. I had them set the PSI at 42/40 in the hopes of greater MPGs and they said that any MPG savings would pale in comparison to the cost it would take to replace the tires early due to uneven tread wear from the higher PSI. I'm wondering if I should have them drop the PSI down when I go in to have the lug nuts re-tightened today. My question for you all, with the Energy Savers on your Prius, is what PSI do you keep the tires at, how many miles have you had them, and did you experience uneven wear? Anyone have their warranty voided due to this? TIA for your information!
How would higher PSI void the warranty? They are rated for 44. So, running 44/42 should be a non-issue. That's what I've been doing with mine since I got then last fall.
My understanding is that the warranty follows the recommendation on the panel inside the driver's door, not the range of safe inflation PSI on the tire. How many miles have you put on your ESers? How often do you rotate? Any uneven wear noted from whomever rotated them?
I've been running 44/42 for over a decade now, using tires rated to support that PSI. They wear evenly. It's no big deal.
You're brave to ask them for higher pressures. I just let them do their thing, hop in the car, pull into Chevron, air up. Not too excited about nitrogen fill. Also, always before handing it over to Costco, remove the valve caps, swap them with the dorky green ones, at Chevron.
