Ordered Michelin AS energy saver tires

Coast down tests can be surprisingly repeatable, but you have to minimize the variables, like use of the same car, so unless your willing to buy several sets of tires and have them all mounted and dismounted etc. we are stuck with relying on whatever tests there are out there. Tire Rack, I trust. Other sources maybe not so much.
I was astonished with the apparent accuracy the Glider was able to achieve with his tire pressure tests, I wouldn't have thought that level of accuracy possible until he did it.

 

I'll be waiting, because when it comes replacement time, I'm going with the highest mileage tires out there, even if they come at a premium price. I'm of the opinion that several small improvements added together have an appreciable effect. I was surprised to see an almost 4 MPG difference between worst to best tires.

 

She is reading PriusChat behind your back!

 

The question is... how do the Michelin compare in cost with the OEM Yoko or other tires? A gain of 2-3 MPG would only worth it if the cost of the different tires were very similar.

 

Well, regardless of the cost, there is also the personal satisfaction of seeing the MPG numbers increase with new tires… I would, myself, get excited by that.

I really think gas prices are poisoned to stay low (bellow 3 or a little over even during summer) for quite some time. The economy is supposedly keeping prices down now but what really drives gas prices is demand. There is a whole new momentum for increased overall FE in the US market; the Prius is selling like water in the desert, almost every car maker is launching a hybrid in 2010 (Hyundai Elantra for instance), EV cars are being announced and will become a reality soon (Nissan Leaf for instance), car makers are introducing smaller and more efficient European or South American models to the US market (Ford Fiesta for instance), the current administration set new MPG goals for car makers, etc... All of which is going to drive demand really lower in the next several years and keep gas prices down.

 

Interesting!

Besides the gas mileage improvements, were there any other differences (i.e.) noise, handling, etc?

 

Thanks for the feedback -- besides good mileage, noise is my main concern and at least they're not any noisier!

If she's like my wife who never notices anything, then that's saying a lot!

 

Strongly disagree. Keep in mind the emerging petrol hungry economies in the world that will drive demand for some time, especially as their economies recover.

 

I believe you will find increased wet traction as well (when it eventually starts raining again in our parts . You have made a wise investment that will likely pay dividends well beyond MPG.

 

Are the Michelin Energy Saver AS tires available in 17 inch for the Prius V?

 

I purchased a set of 4 Michelin Energy Savers 185/65R15 86T set today from COSTCO. They cost me $526.00 (including, CA Tax, lifetime tire rotation + Road Hazard). Until Oct. 25 they are discounting all Michelin & GY tires $70 if you buy a set of 4.