Overall good tires

[hummingbird]

After appearance of a string of threads with focus on LRR and FE, I checked my Michelins touted by the dealer to be the best among tires targeting FE. To my horror, I found that tread-wear/traction/temp ratings were very pedestrian - 320/A/A. Now whereas the tire will give me quite OK fuel efficiency, it is nothing to brag about on all the UTQG ratings. Now I despair I may end up replacing tires at much earlier than the 100k miles I wanted to achieve (who would want to shell out the moolah earlier than necessary? ).

So now, what tires would be the best when it comes to the UTQG factors as well as FE parameters - the best of both worlds? I would want say ~600+ on the tread-wear, an AA in traction (don't bother about temp) and very good LRR so FE is higher.

[NeilBlanchard]

Hi,

I recently got a TireRack.com catalog in the mail and they actually have a blurb on low rolling resistance, and they list three tires that are low(er) rolling resistance:

Michelin "HydroEdge Green X" (UTQG Rating 800 A B)
Goodyear "Assurance Fuel Max" (UTQG rating 580 A A)
Bridgestone "Ecopia EP100" (UTQG rating 400 A B)

Those Michelins look pretty sweet!

[Unforgiven]

You can get good mileage wear on tires by your driving habits, keeping them properly inflated, rotated, and balanced. Sadly so many folks assume that the UTQG rating is a "gods word it will last like we say it will last". Proper care will make tires outlast the general specifications every time. Have installed tires for years, amongst other things, and time and time again can tell you stories about folks that care for vs folks that do not care for the tires.

As a general guide, go ahead with your stat hunt, 500+ AA and A. Please dont consider a lower grade on temp, as that can be a sinker when it comes to driving longer distances, especially under heavy loads.
Have had good luck with Goodyear Allegra tires, 3 sets worth on different vehicles.
Have decent luck with Mastercraft tires, 2 sets same vehicle.
Looking forward to checking out some Bridgestones in the future.

[hummingbird]

Thanks Neil and Unforgiven for your inputs. Particularly the HydroEdge treadwear @ 800 was amazing! Is that the maximum there is?

I have another aspect to this query - These fancy tires are priced in the range of ~$100, give or take some. Is it better to go in for something a notch lower, but priced significantly less, maybe owing to volumes etc? If we see the energy savings from the tire, which tire would be economical from the overall ownership POV?

I mean there is no point in going for the absolute best, when the tire price is not going to recover your money in good time, but the fancy tire does give statistical pleasure when it comes to FE figures.

There has to be a sweet point where the upfront tire price and added FE benefits together turn out to be the lowest cost over the life of the tire. I myself consume tires pretty miserly, so would like to know others' experiences. So shoot please!

[cfg83]

NeilBlanchard -

Cool find on the Michelin Hydros. I wish they came with 51 PSI ratings. That's what turned me off on the Michelin Energy LX4s. Looking at the tread, I'll bet the Hydros wouldn't suffer from "road wiggle" like mine do.

CarloSW2

[NeilBlanchard]

Hi,

I think this is a new version of the Michelin HydroEdge -- the "Green X" is at the end of the name. A search of TireRack.com for "Michelin HydroEdge Green X" results in a "Coming Soon" notice:

Inside Track Online Spring, 2009

Hopefully, the "Green X' version will have the 51psi sidewall max!

And the Goodyears meet you requirements:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....tnum=055HR6AFM

[Fr3AkAzOiD]

What size tires are you running now and whats the model of Michelin you are running currently?

[NeilBlanchard]

Hi,

I own the Michelin X-Ice snow tires, and they are great they have lower rolling resistance than the Yokohama Avid tires that I use in the other three seasons.

The Michelin HydroEdge Green-X tires are out!

Currently Available Prices and Sizes

They have 44PSI max (on most sizes), and they do have the 195 60 15 size for my xA. And they are rated for 800 treadwear!

They also have the Michelin Energy Saver A/S Green-X (in far fewer sizes, but they do have the size I need):

Currently Available Prices and Sizes