Low Rolling Resistance replacement tires: Current List

I just noticed that the Cooper GFE are rated Better Than Average for wet braking as are the Ecopia EP422 . Sorry 'bout that .

 

Yeah, the OEMs on the 2004 were in really bad shape after 35K miles (as in, I should probably have replaced them a thousand miles earlier, but such is the life of a grad student). They were pretty awful. That mileage drop is comparable to what I experienced with the HydroEdge (I think it was about 2-4mpg).

Out of curiosity (from reading your posts above), what are you not loving about the Primacy?

F8L, looks like the PureContact (which I like the sound of) is not available in 185. The Continental ProContact is, but I get the impression it's not as good in wet weather...am I right?

 

I am now driving over 100 miles a day to and from work. With my OEMs, I was getting about 52 mpg on the display for the round trip. I've only made the 100-mile commute once so far with the Primacy but that day my mileage dropped to 44.

They might need a little breaking in time, as F8L has said. I feel that they are very heavy when going uphill and need more energy - and I have a lot of hills - especially at slower speeds, even at a very shallow gradient. Today, for example, I went about 15 miles, about 70% highway, and was showing 45 mpg on the display. On the way back, however, I got caught in heavy traffic. It wasn't stop and start, but drifting along very very slowly, slightly uphill (it didn't even look like it was going uphill but I assume it must have been because I had to keep applying the gas). The needle on the mpg gauge was way down. The mpg on the display dropped down from 45 to about 39, and then ended up about 41 by the time I got back home.

 

Thanks for posting the link, F8L.

I'd only consider trading them for the Energy Savers, not the Defenders. But the ES don't seem to be available.

 

My prius i bought which is the V so i have the 17in tires on now. Which are the Kumho Ecsta AST on it and i have to replace them because the sidewall has been compromised. IM debating between the Continental Pure contact with ecoplus and the bridgestone ecopia EP422. The Pure contacts are cheaper so i was thinking them.
Any other tires in 205/50/17 you'd recommond

 

ok i am at a dellima. Should i just replace the 2 bad tires of my kumho ecsta and deal with them to save money or see if i can get something for the 2 good tires that are not bad on the Prius and replace all 4 with something good?

 

im not seeing the rebate right now on them. Might have to wait. I know i have to do something soon since the 2 right side tires the sidewall has been compromised they said. I just hate spending $500 on 4 new tires when i have to also replace the lower control arm which is over $500.

 

Where are they on special? Thanks F8L for all your help

 

We dont have either discounttire or Americas tire around here.

 

WIll do.

 

Tire Buyer has some coupons out there. Google TireBuyer coupons. The Adidas Store gift card isn't great but OK for some, I guess. Fatwallet rebates usually don't work at Tirerack or Tirebuyer.

 

You should also check out local Toyota dealers. Many of them run "Buy 3 tires, get the fourth one free" specials!

 

First, I'd like to say that F8L has done the Prius community a tremendous service by posting and updating this thread, along with all the other contributors. Tons of excellent information, resulting in too many choices, leading to "Ow, my brain hurts, which tire is the best for me?" In the end, it was worthwhile reading. Thanks, everyone.

After getting 52,744 miles (!) on my OEM Yokohama Avid S33D tires, it was time to make a decision and get new tires today. I've been trying to decide between the Michelin Energy Saver A/S, Michelin Defender, Bridgestone Ecopia Ep422, and Continental ProContact w/Eco Plus. I decided to get the Defenders. I realize I might take a hit (slight, I hope) on my MPG, but I think that the improved overall handling, especially on wet roads and light snow, along with the 90K tread life warranty and $70 rebate, sealed the deal for me. I will keep everyone updated with their performance as I pile on the miles.

As an "Oh, by the way", after they (I am not going to mention the tire center) balanced and mounted the tires, I noticed they had installed the Michelin Primacy MXV4's by mistake. Luckily my car was still up on the rack, and it only took another 20 minutes to swap them out. No harm, no foul. An honest mistake (I hope) by the (probably) lowest paid employee in the shop.

 

Keep us posted regarding the performance of your Defenders! I'm curious to know what mpg you get.

I still have the Primacies on my car and I will most likely stay with them. My last two 100-mile, very hilly, round trips are averaging around 49 mpg at speeds between 62-72 mph, so it's not too bad. I changed my air filters and had an oil change over the weekend so maybe that helped improve FE. I believe my tire pressure is at the recommended 35/33 and I haven't tried adjusting it yet. Maybe raising the pressure could increase my FE by a couple of mpg.