[hawk2100n]

I finally decided to get some new tires for the car. The steel rims were bent pretty severely and creating an annoying vibration at certain speeds. About 10 mph and the car would bounce for lack of a better word, 40 or so mph would be another harmonic and 75 mph-85 mph would be a shake that would cause the steering wheel and trunk lid to rattle.

I bought a set of wheels from an 04 Honda Civic Hybrid. These wheels aren't praised for their light weight however they are aluminum, were in good shape and a fair price. I shopped around and eventually decided on Michelin Defender tires at 175-65R14. These are one of the highest rated tires on the Tire Rack and have an excellent 90,000 mile warranty. They are also advertised as low rolling resistance. I installed the tires at 189,000 miles and would like to keep the car to 300,000 miles so these will put me well on my way to that. Michelin seems to have sales on their tires quarterly so I waited for this one to come around, $70 off via rebate or at the register at some stores, and I got them. Really happy to have the new tires, no more vibrations and a slightly quiter ride. Visually the car is much better looking now too.

Fuel economy numbers are TBD. New tires typically have to be broken in before their rolling resistance gets to where it should be. I am also fighting a bad master cylinder that has been loosing pressure and causing the brakes to drag when my foot is off the pedal. New parts on order so hopefully that will be sorted out this week. I'll wait a couple of tanks to see if the new wheels make any noticable difference in my numbers.