Need to replace the tires on my 2010 Prius. Discount Tire is pushing the Michelin Defender. I see that people in other climates took big mpg hits with Defender. What's working well in Arizona? Thanks.
I still have my stock tires, but next time I need tires I am going go with the Michelin Energy Saver A/S.
I just bought tires today in Los Angeles. Michelin energy Saver A/S $492.76 out-the-door and I will get a $70.00 rebate I just filled out online. American Tire Depot. These tires should give a 2 mpg boost amounting to $200 savings over 50,000 miles compared to Goodyear FuelMax. From what I see these are the most fuel efficient tires on the market and in regular cars will amount to free tires in fuel savings.
Talked to Costco tire salesman today. He says to go with the Energy Saver A/S. His experience is that the Defender will ruin my gas mileage.
You might look into the Michelin MXM4. Designed for hybrids. First used on my Lexus 200CT. Now on my '13 Prius V. Available at Discount Tires in Phx and Scottsdale. Great ride and balance, low noise, terrific low road resistance. Out the door at $248.
The MXM4 doesn't come in a 195/65/15 and it is not a very efficient tire even if it did. It is a fantastic tire in all other respects.
If you live in the Phoenix area like I do then you know that twisty roads and cornering performance simply aren't much of a concern around here. From what I've read the Defender handles better and performs better than the Energy Saver in virtually every way, except for MPG. And the MPG difference is significant from what I've read. So, given the lack of twisty country roads for 99% of my driving I'm leaning towards the Energy Savers for my next set. But then, my OE Goodyear Assurance tires should be good for years to come.
I have MXM4'S on my Prius and Energy Saver A/S on my SUV. Both are excellent tires. Energy Savers gave me 4 mpg better on my SUV than regular tires. Mike Mobile on my SGH-i717
Good choice You will be very happy with them. I run them at rated sidewall pressure and tire wear is perfect. They also hook up excellent on dry rain snow or ice. Very pleased with them Mike Mobile on my SGH-i717
Just curious were you happy with the tires that came on the car originally? If so just get em again. My car came with Yokohama Avid. Getting good mileage and they are quiet. So Cal no snow, some rain, mostly dry and warm similar but not identical to AZ. Will most likely get the same tire thus I know what I'm getting albeit that is a good 2 + years away.
The AVID S33D is a pretty horrid tire compared to the Energy Saver A/S or even the OEM Bridgestone Ecopia EP20. They are loud and rough riding and MPG isn't as good as the Energy Saver nor do they last as long. Add in the fact that they are expensive and it just doesn't make sense to purchase them again.
Is there a good Pirelli out there for the Prius? It would have to be the Low Roll Resistance (LRR). I've had good luck with Pirelli on my other cars. Looks like they don't make LRR tires. Low rolling resistance tire - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
I now have Pirelli Sotto Zero winter tires on my Prius, but in a couple of weeks I will replace them with Hankook K115 tires. I still have the OEM Toyo's with the OEM alloys (with only 6K mi on them) but I keep them for spares. I always had premium brands, but the K115's have a B label for fuel economy and wet weather handling.....that's hard to find....and they have a nice price tag.....
