Lightflyer1
Top Post Dawg
Just put a set of Michelin Defenders on the Beetle. Very nice!
Many owners will report lower FE with new tires, if all/most other factors are similar.For what it is worth, I got 90k miles out of my original Bridgestone ecopia 422 plus. I now have Michelin defender. I have better traction but somewhat lost 10% fuel efficiency (average went from 55 to 50 mpg). Not a good deal since they are not that much better, and about the same price.
You are correct about new tires being less FE and my mileage has improved a little bit after 35000 miles on the new tires. But still, it is way worse than the Ecopia, even when the Ecopia were new.Many owners will report lower FE with new tires, if all/most other factors are similar.
Newer tires, if all else is equal, are heavier- and that weight is at the corners, reducing FE. New tires are taller, which decreases the reported mileage in your odometer (reducing calculated FE). Newer tires have more rolling resistance than older tires, often even compared to non LRR tires. "Old" tires, (especially ones that are well worn and about to be replaced) are often at their peak for higher observed FE. Worn out tires are lighter, "shorter," and have (generally) the lowest rolling resistance of their lifespan. This makes the swap to new tires more dramatic in observed FE.
Of course, if you replace heavy, wide, sport tires with lighter, narrower, LRR tires, the new ones will usually show improved FE.
A search will reveal lots more good info....including this same post in an old thread.
When I switched to the Ecopias on my JSW, I saw about a 10% boost in FE. This was based on 5000 miles before and after the new tires. I assume this was the LLR properties of the tire. I'm on my second set of those with about 60k out of the first set. Based on my experience, I'm not surprised that you saw a drop in FE switching away from them.For what it is worth, I got 90k miles out of my original Bridgestone ecopia 422 plus.
I now have Michelin defender. I have better traction but somewhat lost 10% fuel efficiency (average went from 55 to 50 mpg). Not a good deal since they are not that much better, and about the same price.
I'm glad you confirm my findings. Those Ecopias are certainly fuel savers. I guess low rolling resistance is not just marketing after all. It would be nice if someone could compare them with Michelin Energy Saver tires.When I switched to the Ecopias on my JSW, I saw about a 10% boost in FE. This was based on 5000 miles before and after the new tires. I assume this was the LLR properties of the tire. I'm on my second set of those with about 60k out of the first set. Based on my experience, I'm not surprised that you saw a drop in FE switching away from them.
Finally drove these in the wet, and having the limited slip turned up all the way, got to experience progressive breakaway for the first time. Very impressive and controllable. The size also leaves room for chains.Michelin CrossClimate+ 225/45/18
Costco.
Wish they had the SUV version. 225/50/18.
I use TireRacks tools to compare and rank all brands. Where is this Michelin tool?I've always been happy with Michelin tires.
I just go to their web site to look up the recommended ones and compare the ratings for traction, temp, and thread wear.
https://www.michelinman.com/I use Tire Racks tools to compare and rank all brands. Where is this Michelin tool?