Michelin Energy Saver tires now on my 05 prius

I'd be really interested to know if you notice a difference in mpg. I know that there is a current thread on the type of oem tire showing up on the 2010 Prius, but is there a consensus on here which of those tires is best, or if this tire is superior to them? Here are some specs from the manufacturer on the new Michelin Energy Savers:

http://www.michelinman.com/media/en-US/pdf/esas/energySaverAS_spec_pdf.pdf

- Bill

 

Wow, that ad is really footnoted.

- They compare the rolling resistance of 8% better to the Bridgestone Turanza, which is NOT a LRR tire. They don't compare it to the Bridgestone Ecopia or Goodyear FuelMax, which are LRR tires.
- They compare stopping distance to the Ecopia, not the Turanza.
- They compare treadwear to the Ecopia and FuelMax.

Judging from this ad, I would assume that LRR is comparable or worse than the Ecopia or FuelMax. Otherwise, they wouldn't have changed their comparison tire when comparing rolling resistance.

Does anyone know which of the three (Energy, FuelMax, or Ecopia) would have the lowest rolling resistance?

-->Adam

 

Add to the list Nokian WRg2 which is also an LRR tire with silicates in the tread compound. I have usage data that can compare Nokian WRs to the earlier Michelin MXV4+ "Energy Saving" and The OE Goodyear Integrity Tires. The Nokians noticably beat both in MPGs (by about 4%).


JeffD

 

Jeff, have you seen anything that compared RR of the WR with the i3? I sent emails to Nokian reps and both sources told me that the i3 was the best option for my car considering I didn't have to deal with bad weather.

 

I have no direct experience with other than the WR and WRg2. In your situation the new "H" may also be a good choice.

Jeff

 

You're a lucky prairie dog to not have to deal with ice, snow and slush. That's what has me concerned - how will these new Michelins do in the winter? I may buy a set and find out for myself (and report back, naturally).

 

Thanks Jeff. Guess I'm still stuck assuming they are low rolling resistance. lol

Lewis, all I usually have to deal with is some hard rains in early spring and the occassional trip to Canada to see my friend Hyo Silver and it is usually snowing .

 

I hope you keep us updated with actual mileage info as you go.

 

So how are you doing with the energy savers? I'd be curious to know your experience with freeway driving and how they feel going over road irregularities and if they affect how the car behaves in cross winds. I have Falken 912's and they hurt the mileage and "tramline" often, catching road grooves easily. Thanks

 

We just put 912's on both cars with 35# all around. 195/60s
I notice only about 1mpg less with the first two fill ups and they seem ok on grooved freeways. This is compared to the original integrity tires.
What pressure are you using ?? I'm thinking of going up 3#s on mine to see if it makes any difference.
Any info will be appreciated.
Carl

 

I have not really been an advocate of higher pressure until I bought the Falkens. I think they do seem more stable with more pressure. I have them at 42frt 40 rear. Thats probably worth an mpg or two over the stock pressure. If what I'm experiencing is tramlining then the higher pressure and larger size along with asymetric tread pattern should make it worse. But there are always exceptions like my experience with the Falkens. They will feel a bit rough at this pressure though.

I am installing some touring edition parts and will have to check out the rest of the suspension to make sure I don't have something worn out. I did this once about 50K miles ago so it's overdue.

 

I have used Michelins for over 25 years and had other tires off and on and have always gone back to the Michelins.
Presently both non hybrid cars have MXV4 Energy's and they are quiet, good fuel mileage, ride and wear well. I have them pumped up between four and six over the recommended pressure with NO wear problems at all.

Two issues with them, You must keep the car aligned or you will have expensive wear issues and they are lousy in the snow. Not a tire you want to be driving on in three inches of snow.

 

I just installed ZE-912's before the 4th of July. I'm seeing 2 MPG less on my commute than with the Bridgestone 400's they replaced. However, they are quieter, smoother, have less abrupt turn-in, handle better and stop better. Plus I like the look, if that matters. I'm running 2 pounds over stock recommendation.

Even at only +2 lbs, mine do tramline a bit, but only on rain grooved concrete. I feel no tendancy for them to follow truck ruts in asphalt. I think they're less sensitive to wind, but that's harder to judge.

 

How are the Michelins now that you've had them a bit?