Time to replace tires, which one?

There always has to be a first in everything Mike.

 

I was out & about _early_ today. Filled up & reset trip_A.
By the time the sun was up I had 32 miles & the dash is showing 60.7mpg.
This was with the AC running, but it was not _hot_ yet.
& I was not trying to set any records. I just noticed the >60mpg on the display.

Of course later in the day the AC is pulling 1.5-2KW & my mileage has fallen to ~56mpg.
So I have no loss of mpg on my Defender tires.

 

Michelin energy saver!!!

 

I had Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 installed on my 2005 Prius 2 years ago. I was happy with them at first - quiet, handled well, better gas mileage. About one year later, I realized that traction on wet or snowy roads was poor. Now, 2 years and 32,000 miles later, I am having to replace the tires because they are worn. One tire is at 2/32 and the other three are at 3/32. I only paid $90 per tire, which is a good price, but the Michelin Primacy I owned before these lasted a good 50% longer, although the gas mileage was 2-3 miles per gallon less. It's all a compromise.

 

The Michelin Energy Saver is on backorder at Discount Tire Direct but if one is in no hurry. Looks like around $313.00 shipped after discounts that are available. But you still have to go through hassle of getting them mounted and that will likely cost at least $80.00...so around $400.00 if you can wait a while.

 

I have used Goodyear OEM on gen 2, the Goodyear Assurance, Bridgestone Ecopias, and the Defenders, and the Defenders are by far the best of the bunch. I only ever squeezed out 45-50k per set of tires prior to these. These Defenders handle better, and will reward equally good MPGs if you drive it appropriately. My record as of late is 54 mpg, 494 miles before I decided to fill up. I don't try to hypermile, I run them at 35 psi all around. I currently have 46k miles on my set and they have 6/32 tread depth remaining. Rotated and balanced every 5k. They handle great in rain and snow, and I very rarely kick in TC. I wish I had known about them sooner, having put a collective 236,000 miles on Priuses over the past 7 years (we average 33k per year).

 

I've had the previous version of the Defender on my old Civic and it was a solid tire for all weather conditions, ride/noise, and of course treadwear for those of us who pile on the miles.
Even if it costs me a few mpgs, Ill probably go that direction when it is time to replace the OEM Ecopias mine has.

 

I think Defenders are a good choice. I like them.

 

If you would like, I can run an experiment this week...I am about to drive ~240 miles to Asheville, NC, and since I am being paid for my time in the car and being reimbursed for mileage ($.56/mile), I am inclined to drive the speed limit. Do you want me to report back on speed limit highway driving on the Defenders at 35 PSI?

 

I get the same with the Defenders @ 42/40 psi the factory 15" Yoko's did on my 2010.

 

I replaced the OEM tires at Costco with the Michelin defenders during one of the sales. Quiet, better traction especially in the rain, and long lasting. So far I have almost 40k on mine and wearing great. Tire rotation and balance is done every 10k at Costco. I would buy them again easily they been great tires.

 

On the highway, with cruise control set to 66 MPH, I was getting 58 mpg. Then I realized my 270 mile trip was going to drive me crazy if I didn't go faster, so I kept it at 78. After a good mountain climb into Asheville, I arrived with 53 mpg. 35 psi all around. I am happy when I get 48 mpg, so seriously, just get the Defenders!

 

That is my thinking.