Low Rolling Resistance replacement tires: Current List

Thanks for the prompt reply. Well, after reading more reviews of the Destiny, I have ruled them out. I am torn between the A/S and the Ecopias. The Michelin A/S sounds like a good choice for the brand name, but they will still be more expensive than the Bridgestones and it doesn't sound like they offer better traction, a softer ride or significantly better MPG. I'm leaning towards the Ecopias, unless you think the A/S offer as good or better traction and a softer ride?

 

followup: I spoke with the DT tire rep and he agrees that the Energy Saver A/S would be a better tire. Apparently there are different Energy Saver tire options, one priced at $118 and the other at $112, with the lower priced one being the one for my car. With the $70 discount on the $112 tire, they are essentially the same price as the Escopias.

So, given your recommendation and the DT rep's saying the Michelin's would have better traction and MPG, and a soft ride... I decided to go with them. If anything, there's a 30 day replacement warranty.

Thanks again for the help!

 

I did read your reviews & found them extremely thorough and helpful! The Energy Saver A/S does sound like the better option for me over the Ecopia. Thanks for helping me push past the second-guessing. I do tend to take corners at 10-15mph faster over the posted yellow suggested speed signs... so going from the Avid TRZs to the A/S will probably take some adjustment to the handling. But, the improved gas mileage will definitely more than make up for it. I'm excited to get them in two days.

 

You do realize that summer tires are much much better at wet traction than All Seasons. There are plenty of reasons to buy all season still (treadwear, efficiency, trips to the snow belt), but rain is certainly not one of them. All of the best rain tires I have had were Max Performance Summer Tires.

 

I appologize, I wasn't trying to make a blanket statement that every Summer tire will beat every A/S tire, but on average there is a huge difference in wet traction capabilities. Summer tires are designed for one thing going fast wet and dry, and A/S tires are jacks of all trades masters of none. They compromise everywhere to get a good balance of usability. I know there are some A/S that will beat some summer tires at their own game. The second best winter tires I have ever had were A/S Conti DSW's, and they are also relatively energy efficient and outperform many summer tires in the dry. The best winter tires I ever had Dunlop D3's? were better in the summer than my stock A/S potenzas they replaced. I understand it is all relative, but leaving summer tires out of the mix based on the assumption they are inferior in the wet is just plain wrong. In my case the real reason to leave out summer tires is the treadwear and MPG hit you will take especially in a Hybrid.

 

EcoDad I cannot agree with you last sentence. The Bridgestone Ecopia 001s is a "summer tyre" and has the lowest RR of any tyre on the market in other words the very best MPG by a minimum of +2.5%. It also has the best wet traction rating. I cannot as yet give any wear rating as it is too new, but have no doubt it will be at leased as good as it's contemporary's.

John (Britprius)

 

This thread should be stickied, it has a ton of valuable info

Thanks a lot, F8L

 

Since there so many anal people on this site ( like me)-I will throw this out. On my 2013 Prius II, the OEM tires areGoodyear Assurance Fuel Max Made in Japan. They have a different rating 540 vs 580 and the max pounds are 44 versus I think 50 pounds for US made. since Goodyear Japan is made by Sumitomo- HoW would they compare? ALso different speed rating (S). So what is it, any ideas/ THANKS

Read more: http://priuschat.com/threads/low-rolling-resistance-replacement-tires-current-list.92778/page-29#ixzz2Pn9u8uf5

 

Thanks- But it only shows the US made fuel max version, I am questioning the OEM Japan Made, a different tire.

 

Bridgestone Ecopia EP 422 can be purchased under $60 each . A few weeks ago we bought 4 for the '08 Yaris . These are 185/60-15 . Got them through a G.M. dealer which has $100 off select tires and $50 off other brands . Go here ,
GM Certified Service Rebates

and here for details http://mycertifiedservicerebates.com/pdf/GHH.pdf . 4 have to be purchased and installed through a G.M. dealer . The dealer we went to matched the price of another local major car dealer and included free mount and balance . They're very quiet and do well in rain . Set them to 37 p.s.i.. We also have them on a '11 HONDA Fit which were purchased the same way last spring . FIRESTONE / BRIDGESTONE dealers also have $70 off when using their card and an additional $70 off throught BRIDGESTONE . So they can be under $75 each with the 2 discounts . Go here , $70 Reward Card on Select Bridgestone Tires | Firestone Complete Auto Care and hereRethink Green with Bridgestone .

 

The FIT has 175/65-15s' .

 

I have a 2007 touring edition with 16" wheels. The Michelin ESAS tires seem to be the favorite here, but my factory original size is 195/55x16 and the closest size I have been able to find locally is P205/65R16 in the ESAS for about $5 per tire more than the EP422 or the YK580. I'm not sure if this size difference is too much or if the added rubber from the larger size would counter the fuel efficiency advantage they have over the other options. My other options are the Bridgestone EP422 or Yokohama YK580 in the OEM size. I'm looking for the best balance of traction, fuel economy and tread life. I can get the Michelin Energy Savers that aren't the AS version in the correct size, but they are $50 to $70 more expensive than the EP422's or the YK580's. The tread pattern on the YK580's looks like they would handle better than the EP422's. Tread life seems to be equivalent by factory rating. I'm not sure how they compare as far as fuel efficiency and other factors like road noise. From what I've read the EP422's seem to be the next best thing to the Michelins, but I haven't seen many comments about the YK580's. The EP422's and the YK580's are priced identical. What are the pro's and con's of each of my options?

 

Unfortunately, I can't wait. I am hearing some belt separation from one of my front tires so going to need to replace them soon.

 

I regret buying the Michelins for my 2009 touring. Please go with factory OEMs/MIJ from Tire Rack if they still have them.

 

Fully agree! Just got through mounting 205/55/16 422 Ecopia. This is the 400 UTOG model not 480. It has a tread width of 6.6 as opposed to 6.8 for the 480 tire and 89H verses 91H. This is the same tread width as the OEM 15" Yokohama. I didn't want to take too much of a contact patch hit. America's Tire would only inflate to 35 lbs. Think it could use a pound or more added.

I ran 15" Assurance and OEM Yokohama previous to this 16" tire.

Impressions: Definite comfortable tire, tracks well and straight in 16". Quieter than Assurance or Yokohama OEM. Very good adherence in dry (hasn't rained in OR since purchase) although there is an initial surprise of the feeling like the sidewall is flexing too much (89H?). I do realize that this is a design for Bridgestone LRR's to rebound/flex. This would not bug people that corner more moderately I think but most will notice it. I have become used to it after less than 30 miles and it is not bad. Hard to explain. Tires are gripping but feels just a bit mushy. I have heard it is OK in rain, light snow and ice but I have a set of 17" Michelin XIce that I will mount for the "storm of the century".
I would have gone with the Continental Pure Contact LRR but I did want a softer ride for my back, wife and if I eventually lowered with TRD springs. There is addition to the drop of from 65 to 55 aspect ratio.
I like this tire a lot so far and it comes in the size I needed (which Michelin ESAS did not). Overall very pleased.