Need to order new tires

I didn't point this at you.. just in general.

Do not really understand why Michelin would discontinue ES.

Defender seems not to be the direct replacement, and they have higher rolling resistance. More expensive than TrueContact and don't handle as well:

Tire Test Results : Testing Passenger and Standard Touring All-Season Tires: Which Are Truly More Than Just Round and Black?

 

Someone forgot to tell Michelin?

From their website just now. Note Michelin's opinion of the two tires fuel efficiency:



Still, I think you'll be ok with the Defenders, the differences are not that great, and they're great for handling and wear life.

 

If ES are discontinued it makes my choice easier: True Contacts.

Just hope Continental is not ran by ex VW executives.

 

I have been using Nokian tires since trying the original GY Integrity (lousy tires) and then Michelin MXV4+ (much better tires). First their WR then WRg2 (twice) and next will get WRg3. They are great LRR all weather tires that match most winter tires for traction in bad weather. They all lasted about 50k miles each (I have 278k miles on my 2004 Prius).

JeffD

 

I heard the WRG3 roll easier than the 2 version. Did you notice that?

Gotta say I was underwhelmed by WRG2 RR when I used them on a civic hybrid. There was a distinct mpg downturn, compared to our regular EP20's.

 

I've looked into getting eNTYRE 2.0, until read about how long they last in Consumer. They estimated 35,000mi, this is after putting 16,000 on them. I think they are not the best choice if your temperature may get over 70F, YMMV

 

I am still working on wering out my WRg2's (at 32k miles with enough tread for this winter) so I haven't tried WRg3s yet.

My records show that the WRg2s do quite well MPG (about 3% better than the OE GYs and about 1% better than the discontinued Michelin MXV4+ "Energy Savers"), but not quite as well as the old WRs, I expect that some of the newer LRR tires will do better due to progress in building LRR tires, but few of them will beat or even match the WRg2s in ice/snow traction (WRg3s likely the exception).

JeffD

 

That sucks. EP422 Plus are a good option. The Michelin Premier A/S are a notch down in RR, but a good all 'round choice.

 

So looks like Conti TrueContact is the best MPG tire left in Prius size? I will hold on to what is left of energy savers as long as possible. We got 58.5mpg on last trip to Canada, MPG was in low 60s until that rain soaked 700mi dash alone I95 from Maine. Running a/c dehumidifier hurt it a bit.

 

It's a head-scratcher, Michelin always making the Energy Saver A/S available in dribs and drabs, then apparently stopping.

 

Defender no 1 tire consumer reports Nov issue

 

They also report TrueContact #2 and RT-43 #3.

TireRack, which actually tested performance found that Defender is inferior to TrueContact in fuel economy and handling, and Tire Rack survey lists Defender #5, TrueContact #1 and RT-43 #2.

I think Defenders got better score from Consumer Reports because they understated their longevity. CR estimated life expectancy by thread wear over few month 16k interval. What they did not take into consideration that Michelin has a severe problem with sidewall cracking and should be replaced after 2-3 years irregardless of mileage. How do I know? I own them.

 

Note that Tirerack doesn't review all brands of tires. Their reviews exclude Nokian tires which would rank highly for use on our Prii (especially the WRg3).

JeffD

 

I was set on getting eNTYRE 2.0 (where we live we get hit by snowstorms but snow isn't permanent fixture), until I read about CR testing them and discounting for horrible thread wear. Despite the 80k warranty they estimated life expectancy of 35k.

As I suspected the tests were done in Western Texas, so most of that wear is due to tire's inability to take heat. Which would be a problem for me too, perhaps not to the same extend.

WRG3 is a great tire for places where it doesn't get hot in summer and it doesn't get bad to the point where you MUST have a dedicated studded tire. It is a great choice as it works all year around and saves you on buying a second set of wheels.

 

Tire rack bias to only the tires the get big discount make there sales profit higher not a big discount for defender.consumer reports does not sell tires. More accurate review in my opinion.

 

Dry rot is a well known problem with Michelin.
Michelin Recalls 100,000 in North America - Tire Safety Group

 

2-3 year old tires weathered cracking sidewalls? | Tires & Wheels | Bob Is The Oil Guy

Google Michelin sidewall crack dry rot and you will see the full picture.

I really liked Energy Savers for MPG and ok handling, and sidewall cracking wasn't a bit issue for me as I put ~30k a year, so they will be gone by they crack. I did have one sidewall blow on me.

90k out of Defender? unlikely, unless you drive 50k a year or religiously put SPF-50 sunblock on sidewalls, YMMV.

 

FWIW, I live in just about the hottest desert in the US with more sunshine than anywhere else in the country, and I have never had a Michelin dry rot out of four or five sets (currently running Michelins on two of my four vehicles). Of course, like you say, cyclopathic, YMMV. I have heard of the Michelin dry rot problem, but I have not experienced it. Perhaps because my climate is so prone to the problem, my lack of dry rot is a result of protecting against it.

Best defense against dry rot: keep your tires out of the sun. This is by far the most important factor.

Next step against dry rot: apply some sort of UV protectant regularly. 303, PC rot, etc.