I just bought my 2008 Prius Touring. It has General Altimax HP tires. I'm thinking of replacing them to maximize the MPGs. Here's the tires I'm debating between. Any insight on which will be the best for MPG and longevity would be much appreciated. Michelin Harmony Michelin Energy Saver Continental ProContact Eco
I would go with Good-Year Assurance Fuel Max but that is not what you asked for , so Michelin Energy Savers hands down. Availability may be a problem with 185/ 65/15r . Hal
Michelin Harmony - I don't think this is a LLR tire Michelin Energy Saver - a good option - but impossible to find Continental ProContact Eco - my choice since cost is low - but I can't find them localy You have the 16 inch wheels? Then your choice is limited in the 195x16 size - some users go to 205x16 as there are more tires in this size.
I'd keep your current tires on until they wear out since that is the most economical thing to do. From the choices you listed I would go with the Continentals. At this point I would likely choose them over the Fuel Max tires. There are just too many bad reports once they hit higher miles.
Thanks for the feedback, people. I ended up going with the Energy Saver A/S. Found a set online. Took a couple days of searching, but finally found a place that had 4 in stock. Fingers-crossed, I'll have them in a week or two. Really hope they make a difference in the MPG's.
Excellent Jacob. BTW. Please post here any details that you find in terms of changes in fuel consumption. First hand experience is always really useful.
So. It turns out the Energy tires were out of stock. I have to decide if I buy the Harmony tires, or wait till next Spring for the Energy tires. The question is - are the Harmony going to get worse MPG than the Energy tires? Is it worth the wait?
What size are the Altimax HPs and rims? The rims are all that matter for buying new but if you want to know how the gas mileage will change the size of the Altimax HP matters as well for making a reasonably accurate prediciton. You'll have different choices in 15, 16, and 17" tires.
Considering your location you may want to check out the wet weather capabilities of each tire. The fuel max tires often get criticized for that, Continentals do well and I'm not sure about the Harmonys. If your current tire is low on tread then I would suggest replacing them before winter hits.
Doh! I found the same thing when looking for those elusive Energy Savers. Frustrating to say the least. Just last week I installed the Continentals on my 2006. I have to tell you - for the price they really are great tires (so far, at least!) They feel far more precise and confident even in just regular driving. And they're quieter. I can't yet report on any long-term effects, however.
Switched from Bridgestones to Michelin Harmony and am seeing a big increase in mpgs. I'm looking forward to testing the 80K tread life guarantee! Michelin Promise package is great. I told the wife to call Michelin if she gets a flat and they will come change it for free. Just found an ethenol free gas station nearby ... and experience has shown that ethenol free gas really pushes our mpgs way up!!! Ethanol sucks!!!!!
I switched from factory Yokohama Avid tires,195x65x15 on our 2010 Prius at about 10,000 miles. I than purchased Michelin Energy Saver Tires, 195x65x15, at Costco. I noticed a 2-3 mpg improvement over the Yoko factory tires even though they were well broken in with 10,000 miles. I now have over 53,000 miles on the Energy Savery tires and expect to get at leat another 15,000 miles on them. They seem to roll forever and were quieter than the Yoko Avid tires. alfon
+1. I love the Mich Savers, they gave at least +3MPG but they will be not any better then OEM Avids in winter. Would not matter if you have dedicated winter set. Perhaps Nokian eNTYRE would be a good choice for you if you stay with one set good luck
