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Originally Posted by topcat
What are the relative gains of low rolling resistance (LRR) tyres versus over-inflation of standard tyres?
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I got about 7% out of the Michelin Energy Savers.
I already ran my previous tyres at somewhat higher than placard-pressure and continued that with the Energy Savers.
At 7%, given their long lifetime, and despite the elevated Michelin prices, it's still a good deal over time.
If you want to get them for their fuel efficiency, get the tyres that are best at reduced RR.
Not all tyres labeled as LRR actually are.
Check out the tests by ADAC and the like.
For saving fuel, in 2009/2010 the best were the Energy Saver and the Goodyear Efficientgrip - the newer stuff might do better, but no guarantees.
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i.e. is it really worth the extra cost of LRR tyres,
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Depends on your goal.
If you want to go for cheaper tyres , the lower price of the normal tyre may offset the gain in fuel economy. You'd have to compromise on endurance or grip as well .
At 7% less fuel and long endurance, LRR fit the bill for me.
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or will high PSI in standard tyres do the same thing?
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Partly.
But higher inflation on a LRR tyre will improve the fuel economy as well.
I can't single out the effect of higher pressure on my fuel use as too much has changed simultaneously.
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The thing is, my usual Uniroyal Rainsport 2 tyres are great in every other respect (especially wet stopping) but they are only average on rolling resistance. If I pump them up hard, does that make them as good at rolling as LRR tyres???
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Not likely to happen.
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It looks like LRR tyres are lacking in other (important) areas (like grip!), as always there are many trade-offs going on.
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I've usually been running better, sportier stuff than the Uniroyals.
(think Michelin Pilot series, Conti sportcontact 3, ...)
Going to the Energy Savers was quite a leap of faith, but they've held up well. (Mine are W rated though, yet I only need T.)
If you change your mindset and driving style, good LRR tyres will certainly do, despite their shortcomings / different compromises.
Compared to a sporty tyre, you do lose grip and braking performance, so you should be prepared to compensate for that in your driving.
It's all part of changing the nut behind the wheel
