Low Rolling Resistance Tires 175/70/13 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

OldSkoolGerman · 09-24-2009, 06:21 PM

First off, just wanted to introduce myself. This is my first post, but I have been 'lurking' and reading about things on this site for a couple weeks. I have a 1986 gas VW Jetta with nearly 400,000 miles that I consistently get 40 mpg driving around town and usually approach 50 mpg on extended highway road trips. Here is my question: I am in need of new tires, and want to purchase a set with a low rolling resistance. I can't seem to find any in my size, which is p175/70/r13. I would like to keep this same size. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Also NTB seems to be having a buy 2 get 2 sale this weekend which I would love to take advantage of so I'd love to find some this weekend. Thank you very much in advance!

Edward

SVOboy · 09-24-2009, 06:25 PM

I doubt you'll have any luck finding LRR tires for 13" wheels, but if you do step up to 14" you'll find quite a few.

Welcome to ecomodder

Ryland · 09-24-2009, 09:59 PM

155/80 R13 are stock tire size on pre-1987.... I think.

OldSkoolGerman · 09-25-2009, 01:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryland

155/80 R13 are stock tire size on pre-1987.... I think.

The 80 series were typically stock on U.S. cars, but most foreign cars like my VW have factory specs of 175/70/13. I want to keep that size so my odometer and speedo read correctly.

I appreciate the input, but I can't seem to find anything that would match that is labelled as LRR.

Piwoslaw · 09-25-2009, 01:41 AM

My Grandma's Opel Corsa C 1.0l was aimed at better FE and had narrower OEM tires than other versions. Their size was 155/80R13, but I don't remember the maker, model, etc., except for 'LowCO2' markings on them. Whether they really are low RR - I don't know.

EDIT: I looked at a tire size calculator and it said that the diameter of 155/80R13 is only 3mm less than 175/70R13, that's 0.5%. Going to thinner tires will definately reduce your FA, but you should check the weight limit on them.

Ryland · 09-25-2009, 01:36 PM

the 155/80 R13 tires are 914 revs per mile, the 175/70 R13 tires are 919 revs per mile... that is really close in the tire world.
when I've switched to narrower tires, even tho they were not LRR tires, I noticed I could cost longer, it felt like my car had power steering even tho it did not and it handled better.

Jammer · 09-25-2009, 05:12 PM

These types of tires are quickly becoming the rage and the governments seem to be pushing for more of them on the road. If you are unable to find low resistance tires of the correct size I would imagine it's only a matter of time and some company will be making them.

OldSkoolGerman · 09-25-2009, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryland

the 155/80 R13 tires are 914 revs per mile, the 175/70 R13 tires are 919 revs per mile... that is really close in the tire world.
when I've switched to narrower tires, even tho they were not LRR tires, I noticed I could cost longer, it felt like my car had power steering even tho it did not and it handled better.

Hmm, I suppose they are very close then. Which site did you use? I used this site and it came out a bit different, but still very close. I will keep you all update on what I go with.

Ryland · 09-26-2009, 03:01 AM

I used Tirerack.com because they are tire that you can buy.

89HF · 01-16-2010, 12:16 AM

check this link for small tire sizes. Tyre Town - Kumho - Powerstar 758 I see the 758 stocked here in the states but it sounds like you might have to order the narrower 13's from Australia.

Also a cool tire size calculator to get a visual and comparisons for different aspect ratios Tire size calculator