Do Low Cost "Made in China" Tires (215/45/17)Really Impact MPG?

And it wasnt too long ago when General tires were considered cheap junk and laughed at by people who "knew" tires.

 

Perhaps a long time ago (General was acquired by Continental in the 80's). Or maybe more recently by people who 'thought' they knew tires.

General has been making good stuff at low prices for quite a while now.

 

How much does it cost you in time for someone to take the car in to get new tires? What if that happens 2-3 times over their lifespan because of problems with the tires or even just because they only last 20k or so? Good tires would have paid back in numerous ways here.

 

Not to mention flats, loss of control on slippery surfaces, and poor mileage.

 

My point exactly.

 

Prius taxi's are a hard sell if the taxi company buys the car but the drivers pay for gas. The person buying a gas hog is not the one penalized.

If your sales rep has to pay for his own gas, but you have to pay for tires, you never need worry that he is getting poor MPG. If you are paying for gas, you will 'feel' the tires every gas invoice.

 

if you didn't notice the change from 15's to 17's, you probably won't notice these either. all the best!

 

I had Michelin Defenders on my 2011 Prius Two that I just recently traded for a 2014 Avalon Hybrid XLE Touring. The Defenders handled great, comfortable and very quiet ride. The Avalon has Michelin Grand Touring Primacy MXV4. Same for it, good handling, quiet and comfortable ride. Practically no road noise with either tire. I would go with the Defenders for the Prius. The Defenders also have a 90,000 mile tread wear warranty. I use nothing but Michelins on my cars.

 

"Made in China" is not necessarily low quality. The Chinese factories can build to any quality specifications that the customer wants. A number of competitors to American-made knives and tools are made in China and have compatible specs. A lot of premium-quality products come out of China, but not always at premium prices.

Unfortunately the business plan is often just to make the cheapest product that will sell. That's why we so many cheap, low quality items, and people are buying them.

Using price as a measure of quality isn't always the best methodology.

 

lol, you mean make low quality products and just issue paperwork to the specifications the customer expects.

 

Not really. Judging everything from China by the same mark, just isn't accurate.

 

I read a while back that China uses inferior glues for tire production
Causing premature separation. Personally I would not risk my family's well being. Most Chinese products are JUNK. Who is conducting quality control? Just my opinion.

Greg,
Just curious , what product do you own that is made in China, that isn't low quality?

 

My collection of Gerber tools for one example. Are you suggesting all things from China are of inferior quality? Do you own an iPhone or an iPad?

 

Greg,
Haven't heard of gerber tools, I will have to research. My statement is most products. Yes China does make inferior products, they are called disposable. Yes I do own Apple products. When Michelin tires are made in China and sold in US, I will stop buying them. just saying.

 

It is all not only low quality. It is all junk.

 

Thanks Okinawa for the back up. I would like to stay on topic. Guess I opened a can of worms with my statement.

 

Well said.

 

Sorry, these are sweeping generalizations I just can't agree with.

 

Hey Prius 5,

Good luck with them and stay safe. What brand did you get?