Low Rolling Resistance replacement tires: Current List

Well, they don't have the regular Energy Savers in stock either, so this was a "special" order of sorts (they won't arrive until Wednesday, all the more reason for me to cancel first thing Monday morning before they ship out). The rep made it sound like he didn't have the A/S as an option in my size. I will give them one more chance on Monday before going with Tire Rack.

 

Tire Buyer doesn't seem to have them available for my size either. The lowest width they offer is 185 and my vehicle calls for 175...so Tire Rack it is if Discount can't play ball (I don't have a Costco membership; I see that America's Tire has the same ownership as Discount).

 

The tires they've had in stock have always been better than what they were replacing, but since I'm new to Prius, this is something I will have to consider when it's time to replace the OEMs.

 

Ditto

 

To my update my saga, Discount Tire *is* able to buy the Energy Saver A/S in my size, but their supplier (Michelin direct apparently) only had one pair available for sale and stated production wouldn't start on these for another 8 to 10 weeks (so March). Not sure I can wait this long (and who knows how accurate this info is) so Tire Rack is looking more and more like the company on which I'm pulling the trigger.

 

I haven't, but I might as well (but only if they will ship to a local installer...do they offer this service?). I probably have nearly 3k miles left of tread, so it's not to the point of being dire, but it's time to get serious about tracking down replacements.

EDIT: Nevermind, I see they do offer installer shipping...I'll get in touch with them on the A/S in my size.

EDIT #2: They have it in their wholesale database but also out of stock. Tire Rack may be my only choice in the short-term.

 

Do tire rack.

 

Going to Walmart in z morning as the tires have arrived.

 

Why don't you like the summer version of the Energy Saver? I have a set in the 205/55R16 size since that size wasn't available in the A/S version & I also run winter tires so no worries. I really like them as they are quiet, fuel efficient & handle very nicely on dry & wet roads.

 

Just got the 20s installed on the back of the 2012 and Sat I will do the back of the 2011. They appear to be the exact OEM tires with all the same numbers and MIJ. Also Walmart mounted and balanced them with a lifetime balance and road hazard for $19 each. I kept the old tires for an emergency.

5 months of driving will tell on the MPG but it seems ok so far.

 

You're installing just two on the back? Haven't been paying attention: why was this? What's on the front?

Good pick btw.

 

Just out of curiosity, has anyone around here tried to mount 185 section tires (185/65-15) on the OEM wheels for the Prius Gen III (normally mounted with 195/65-15) to decrease weight and rolling resistance? Or possibly 195 section on 16" aftermarket wheels (normally paired with 205/55-16)? Or 205 section on 17" wheels (normally rated with 215/45-17)?

185/65-15 may require a speedometer/odometer reprogram as the diameter is ~2.5% smaller than 195/65-15.
195/55-16 may require the same reprogram and could fit on rims 5.5-7" wide
205/50-17 would not require reprogram and could fit on rims 5.5-7.5" wide

For example:
Enkei RPF1 16x7 + 195/55-16 Ecopia EP422 = 31.7 lbs (compared to 34 lbs from the standard 15" OEM and Avid S33D)
and it would not have the negative effect of the wider tread pattern of the 205 section tires that are normally specified on 16" wheels

Or:
Factory 15" + 185/65-15 Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max = 32 lbs
and it would have a slightly smaller tread pattern for less rolling resistance

Or:
Enkei RPF1 17x7.5 + 205/50-17 Pirelli Cinturato All Season Plus = 36.2 lbs (compared to 39.1 lbs for Prius Plus wheel and Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max)

These combinations seem feasible, are they safe though? Just throwing an idea out there, to see if anyone has tried a different tire section than standard.

 

Yep, two on the back for a long term test. The front has OEMs and most of the tread left. 20s and Goodyear MIJs on the fronts. All matched pairs. If after the first rotation my MPG is good I will get 4 more. If it is hosed will look at the top MPG tire in this forum.
BTW the link on the front page doesn't go to the LRR test anymore.
What is the top real world tire in this forum for MPG only.

 

You will like the 20's. Even with psi in the mid 30's you still get excellent fe with comfort. I am not sure on longevity, at this point. Hal

 

Yes, I agree with Harold. With a previous Civic hybrid that we purchased new Bridgestone Insignia SE200_02. This was a special order tire, very likely chosen by Honda for low rolling resistance. When they wore out I replaced with Bridgestone Ecopia EP20. FWIW, the tread pattern of the two tires was identical. Even going from well-worn to brand new, slightly larger outside diameter (being new), mpg didn't skip a beat.

 

Check all four 20's and none of them required weights while the Goodyear's that came off had weights.

 

How about a 185/70R15??? The diameter is very close at 25.0" vs 25.2".
195/65R15 25.0"
185/70R15 25.2"

How about a 195/60R16 or 185/60R16 as they are both around the same diameter.
205/55R16 24.9"
195/60R16 25.2"
185/60R16 24.7"

You are right on with the 205/50R17 tire is perfect.
205/50R17 25.0"
215/45R17 24.6"