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Low Rolling Resistance replacement tires: Current List

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Fuel Economy' started by F8L, Apr 17, 2011.

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  1. Ohio Steve

    Ohio Steve Junior Member

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    Well, I'm a little confused... I thought I was just looking for any 195/65R15, but now that I look at the Michelin and Costco sites, they don't show the Primacy MXV4 as available for the Prius even though it looks like it's available as a 195/65R15. Any ideas why this might be?
     
    #421 Ohio Steve, Sep 25, 2012
  2. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    I deleted post.
     
    #422 frodoz737, Sep 25, 2012
  3. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    The MXV4 is in a different tire category so the Michelin ratings for fuel economy do not cross categories. Compare rating in the same category only. The MXV4 is a great tire but you will lose 3-4mpg with it compared to the OE tire. The Energy Saver A/S is indeed available, just not at Costco. Try Americas Tire Company. They price match. I also have a set for sale in the classifieds section.
     
    #423 F8L, Sep 25, 2012
  4. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    If you went from worn tires to a brand new tire and didn't notice a mpg drop then you're doing great. Had you replaced your tires with the same exact model you would have noticed a mpg drop. Worn tires have very low rolling resistance compared to new tires. :)
     
    #424 F8L, Sep 25, 2012
  5. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

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    I'm a ways away from needing new tires but what kind of difference (in MPG's) will I see going to Defenders vs. my originals (fuel max) over the life of the tires. Would I take a bit of a hit with the Defenders or would it be about the same?
     
    #425 markabele, Sep 25, 2012
  6. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    I would expect a 2mpg hit. Maybe even 3 given the way you drive. I would seriously consider finding a set of the Energy Saver A/S. You'll like them much better! You'll gain about 2mpg over your OE tire. The only drawback to them is low tread depth for deep snow traction.
     
    #426 F8L, Sep 25, 2012
  7. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

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    Know anyone that has a set to sell? ;)
     
    #427 markabele, Sep 25, 2012
  8. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    LOL I was not trying to sell you mine. :p I just really believe in this tire. However....... ;)
     
    #428 F8L, Sep 25, 2012
  9. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

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    :)

    Do you think the Energy Savers will still be around when I need tires? I'm at 11k-ish now. And probably drive about 22k (give or take a few thousand) a year.
     
    #429 markabele, Sep 25, 2012
  10. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    They should be. Michelin keeps telling me they are not getting rid of them AND the CMax hybrid comes equipped with them as the OE tire.

    I think we need to write them a collective letter from Prius Chat telling them to expand their size selection and to continue building them!
     
    #430 F8L, Sep 25, 2012
  11. TsKarma

    TsKarma Junior Member

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    Do you mean the Primacy MXM4 as oppose to MXV4, which are the older models?

    MXV4 does not have the "Green X" on many tire sizes when compared to MXM4, so that might be the reason. See link (click on "sizes" tab for Green X):
    Michelin Primacy MXV4

    Not sure how others feel, but, IMO, America's Tire has pretty good prices (they match prices as well) and services. I plan on getting my new set (MXM4 17") there unless a better deal emerges in the next 48 hours.
     
    #431 TsKarma, Sep 25, 2012
  12. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    America's Tire does have good prices. Tire Rack.com's are better initially but with shipping prices they come out to the same as America's Tire. Because they price match it's kind of a moot point anyway. I'd rather have a store front I can go to to complain if needed. :)

    Check your local dealership to see if they are running the buy 3 tires get 1 for $1 deal. That could potentially save a bunch of cash on the more expensive tires, especially in the larger sizes like 215/45/17.
     
    #432 F8L, Sep 25, 2012
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  13. a priori

    a priori Canonus Curiosus

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    Our local dealership runs an annual tire sale for the month of October. The buy 3 get one free deal (without requiring other services) is a pretty good one.
     
    #433 a priori, Sep 25, 2012
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  14. TsKarma

    TsKarma Junior Member

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    Those are very good points, and I just found one dealer that is indeed offering that promotion till the 3oth!
    Never mind, they are quoting $198 per tire (yikes) and 760 OTD (out the door). Costco is saying $780ish after the $70 rebate.
    BTW, what do you think of price $730 OTD - $70 mail in rebate for MXM4 (215/45/17) at my local America's Tires? Assuming that the $70 rebate is still valid (another nearby America's Tire store said that the Michelin rebates expired last weekend for them) and that I get it back in mail, four MXM4's will cost me $660.
     
    #434 TsKarma, Sep 25, 2012
  15. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Make sure you are being quoted for the V rated tire and not the W rated tire. The W is more expensive.

    I just had another set of MXM4s installed today and now I'm not so sure it was such a good idea. The ride did not change drastically like I thought it would. It seems my butt meter is out of calibration with regards to 17" tires. The ride is a little better but now my car sports an ugly wheel well gap that the 205/50/17 PureContacts used to cover. Ahh well. I have good tires either way. :) Now to get some lowering springs.....
     
    #435 F8L, Sep 25, 2012
  16. TsKarma

    TsKarma Junior Member

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    LOL. Seriously though. What tire pressure are you using for the front and back tires? Is the psi going to matter much? I am getting a mixed signal on that as I will not be at the max psi nor the min 33psi per the door panel (thinking about using 40/39 psi, thoughts?).
    Also, it sounds like you are getting lower springs, but are the existing ones the OEM springs, etc? I still have the OEM, so just wanted to make sure I will be comparing apples to apples.

    Regarding the V vs W, yes, everything mentioned in my previous post above is V rated...except for the dealer that I just contacted earlier. D'oh. The rep answering the phone did not ask (neither did I). I will followup and verify.
     
    #436 TsKarma, Sep 25, 2012
  17. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    I am running 33/?psi right now in the MXM4 because that is how the tire center set them. I have only driven the car about 10miles this way but used my usual test route so I could get a feel for them at low speed, corners, and highway. I was using 36/34psi (cold) in the PureContacts. Anything higher was kind of rough. With my old MXM4 tires I ran 44/42psi but liked the ride better at 38/36psi. I will probably go with the later on this set. I couldn't remember if 17s required a 2psi differential or 1psi.

    I am on the OEM springs in the 2012. I will end up lowering the car because I hate wheel we'll gap. See my thread in the modifications forum for pictures without springs using both tire sizes.
     
    #437 F8L, Sep 25, 2012
  18. a priori

    a priori Canonus Curiosus

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    OK. What are you trying to do to me now, F8L?:eek:

    Am I going to have to wait this out or do you have any early observations comparing the PureContacts and the MXM4s?
     
    #438 a priori, Sep 25, 2012
  19. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    I was thinking about you as I drove around comparing the new tires. LOL

    I still feel the MXM4 is a great tire and you cannot go wrong. I am more concerned with my wheel well gap is all. Since you have been running this size tire since you bought the car the MXM4 will not change that. I was just hoping I could run the taller tire and not have to lower the car or I could lower it to reduce the gap BUT the taller tire would add .20" more height to increase ground clearance after lowering.

    I'm going to drive around a bunch tomorrow then report back! My preliminary option is this. If you are ok with the wheel well gap from the factory (model FIve) then stick with the 215/45/17 MXM4. If you are trying to reduce wheel we'll gap and or increase ground clearance then go with a 205/50/17.

    I'll report back tomorrow after more testing. LOL
     
    #439 F8L, Sep 25, 2012
  20. a priori

    a priori Canonus Curiosus

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    Thanks, F8L. I'm very interested in the following issues:
    1. Road noise;
    2. Fuel Economy;
    3. All Weather Control; and
    4. General Road Feel and Handling
    (Probably in that order, also.)
     
    #440 a priori, Sep 25, 2012
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