Choosing Low Rolling Resistance Tires

[JMac]

Hey all,

I could use some help in choosing my new tires. I was just checking out TireRack's site to get some specs and general info. I just specified a search for LRR tires in my size (185/65-R14). If any of you have suggestions as to what to get, or other tires not listed here, please speak up.

I've tried to list all of the specs which I think are relevant to rolling resistance and here's what I've got:

Kumho ecowing All Season KH30
Weight: 16lbs
Inflation: 44psi
Tread Width: 5.2”
Revs per Mile: 884
Price: $69 US

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Kumho eco Solus HM KR22
Weight: 18lbs
Inflation: 44psi
Tread Width: 6.3”
Revs per Mile: 892
Price: $68 US

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Pirelli P6 Four Seasons ($72 version)
Weight: 19lbs
Inflation: 44psi
Tread Width: (not given)
Revs per Mile: 892
Price: $72 US

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Pirelli P6 Four Seasons ($61 version)
Weight: 17lbs
Inflation: 44psi
Tread Width: (not given)
Revs per Mile: 892
Price: $61 US

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Bridgestone B381
Weight: 16lbs
Inflation: 44psi
Tread Width: 5.4”
Revs per Mile: 886
Price: $114 US

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Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max
Weight: 16lbs
Inflation: 51psi
Tread Width: 6”
Revs per Mile: 891
Price: $87 US

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Michelin HydroEdge with Green X
Weight: 18lbs
Inflation: 44psi
Tread Width: 5.8”
Revs per Mile: 893
Price: $94 US

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So, which tires would you all buy if you were looking to get the best gas mileage? Any other suggestions?

JMac

[PaleMelanesian]

Here's a little something to help you. Not all are in the test, but some of them are.
When Round and Black Becomes Lean and Green

Consider the B381 was the OEM tire for the first generation Civic Hybrid. I hear they're noisy, though.

I have the GY FuelMax tires on my van. They're excellent - smooth, quiet, great traction, and a nice bump in mpg - about 5% vs the oem michelins.

[PaleMelanesian]

another discussion:
RE-92's are amazing! (Bridgestone Potenza RE-92 LRR tires on Honda Insight)

[JMac]

I have read the Potenza discussion, and the Lean and Green testing is interesting, however very few of those tires are available in my size.

Bridgestone does make Ecopia EP100s in a 175/65-14 size (instead of 185/65-14. I'm not opposed to a slight change in size, and I do have an UltraGauge now that I can calibrate to accurately give me mpg and what not, but I'm just not sure about it.

I kind of like the Kumho ecowing KH30s. Looks like they have the thinnest patch for road contact, as well as a decent price. B381s are outrageously priced these days. Locally, Firestone wants $118/tire (no rebates or deals), and TireBarn wants $134 per tire without any rebates or deals.

Thoughts? Other tires anyone?
JMac

[Daox]

I know its a fair amount more per tire, but I've really heard/read good things about the fuel max tires.

[beatr911]

I'm in a similar boat, ready to replace tires on wifeys Odyssey. Though I need a different size, my research led me to the GoodYear Fuel Max tires.

Good user driving reports, good mileage increases, good price, and made in the USA. If you were in competition for the absolute highest mpg the Bridgestones would probably be it, but daily life is more complex than a single focus.

[brucey]

I've had the fuel max tires for 20k miles now, and have no issues. It's the only tire I've ever bought that I'll likely buy again. Price was right and I could get them locally.

[kir_kenix]

Michelin HydroEdge with Green X, followed by the goodyear

LRR tires seem to have minimal traction and poor clean out (from my experience anyway). Your info says you live in the midwest, and I can bet at some point you will have to do some driving in the slush/snow. I have never bought tires specifically to save fuel, but I would still want them to get me around in the conditions. YMMV, but for my money I would go with what is most likely to get me out of my driveway.

[suspectnumber961]

I'd go with a lighter tire...and one that gets decent wet/light snow traction.

[JMac]

Thanks for all the input, everyone. I've narrowed it down to these three, and I'm leaning towards the Kumho KH30s. Although they are the cheapest, they seem to have good reviews (based on only three reviews on tirerack). My main concern is the tread width. At 5.2", it's very thin, but it still has an A rating in wet traction. Thoughts? Anybody know any dirt on the Kumho brand and wanna talk me out of it?

The goodyears, I've heard, can have trouble in the rain, but I would assume that would be dependent upon the tire size, and weight on the tire. I was reading reviews from various cars.

The Bridgestones are terribly expensive for an old tire which is discontinued. Also, the tire that set that LRR benchmark was a slightly different size than I'm looking at, (It's a 185/70/14 vs my stock specs of 185/65/14). Actually the slightly oversized tire is a bit cheaper. What do ya'll think, would that be good to go for the cheaper, slightly taller sidewall B381? Has anyone seen some numbers regarding fuel efficiency gained from moving one notch up on the aspect ratio?

I appreciate your input. Thanks!
JMac

Kumho ecowing All Season KH30
Weight: 16lbs
Inflation: 44psi
Tread Width: 5.2”
Revs per Mile: 884
Price: $69 US

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Bridgestone B381
Weight: 16lbs
Inflation: 44psi
Tread Width: 5.4”
Revs per Mile: 886
Price: $114 US

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Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max
Weight: 16lbs
Inflation: 51psi
Tread Width: 6”
Revs per Mile: 891
Price: $87 US

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