Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - Finally upgraded to 155/80/13s after several years of reading and lurking here

leoblack9 · 12-05-2022, 11:14 PM

After an unfortunate tire blowout with my old 155/65/14 tires I finally had a chance to apply what I've learned over the years from this forum.

Autopsy report: Huge pothole + 5 year old tire (tons of microcracks in the sidewall). The pictures speaks for itself.

Inevitable event here in Philippines where roads are crap.

I already bought a 13x4.5 steel rim a year ago in anticipation for this upgrade. Tire selection is very limited. Other tire options were GT Radial Champiro Ecos and CST Marquis MR61. I opted for Thunderer since its the freshest tire I could find (DOT 2522) and I didn't have the option of waiting.

Fitted with Thunderer R202 city tires. Made in Thailand.

Installing the new tires. It raised the ground clearance an inch or so.

I picked this style hubcap because its the closest thing to a flat surface that's available in the market. The 90s rounded style also fits the suzuki alto's curves/edges.

Tread pattern

Suspension geometry should still be stock. Its absolutely perplexing why India gets the 155/80/13s as stock with these vehicles while the rest of the world gets the ****tier 155/65/14s. Still same tire width, offset (+45). New tires look absolutely chunky on my car its cute to look at.

Post-upgrade thoughts:

Speedometer is now dead accurate to my phone's GPS speedo
The ride is supple! I thought i was riding a pushcart with my old tires.
Acceleration took a hit. Engine revs happier more with older smaller tires. I was expecting the lesser unsprung weight would offset this.
Fuel economy took a hit (as expected). 1 tankful (35L) on old tires: 440km, new tires: 410km
New tires are of softer compound. Old Acceleras have 400AA treadwear, New Thunderers have 300AB. I expect fuel economy goes up as rolling resistance goes down with wear.
Tires produce a characteristic hum above 60~80km/h. I guess these tires are probably made for low speed city driving. Driving in the wet the tires feel planted. Braking is decent.

12-05-2022, 11:14 PM	#1 (permalink)
leoblack9 tinker Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Philippines Posts: 22 Thanks: 1 Thanked 11 Times in 3 Posts	Finally upgraded to 155/80/13s after several years of reading and lurking here After an unfortunate tire blowout with my old 155/65/14 tires I finally had a chance to apply what I've learned over the years from this forum. Autopsy report: Huge pothole + 5 year old tire (tons of microcracks in the sidewall). The pictures speaks for itself. Inevitable event here in Philippines where roads are crap. I already bought a 13x4.5 steel rim a year ago in anticipation for this upgrade. Tire selection is very limited. Other tire options were GT Radial Champiro Ecos and CST Marquis MR61. I opted for Thunderer since its the freshest tire I could find (DOT 2522) and I didn't have the option of waiting. Fitted with Thunderer R202 city tires. Made in Thailand. Installing the new tires. It raised the ground clearance an inch or so. I picked this style hubcap because its the closest thing to a flat surface that's available in the market. The 90s rounded style also fits the suzuki alto's curves/edges. Tread pattern Suspension geometry should still be stock. Its absolutely perplexing why India gets the 155/80/13s as stock with these vehicles while the rest of the world gets the **tier 155/65/14s. Still same tire width, offset (+45). New tires look absolutely chunky on my car its cute to look at. Post-upgrade thoughts:** Speedometer is now dead accurate to my phone's GPS speedo The ride is supple! I thought i was riding a pushcart with my old tires. Acceleration took a hit. Engine revs happier more with older smaller tires. I was expecting the lesser unsprung weight would offset this. Fuel economy took a hit (as expected). 1 tankful (35L) on old tires: 440km, new tires: 410km New tires are of softer compound. Old Acceleras have 400AA treadwear, New Thunderers have 300AB. I expect fuel economy goes up as rolling resistance goes down with wear. Tires produce a characteristic hum above 60~80km/h. I guess these tires are probably made for low speed city driving. Driving in the wet the tires feel planted. Braking is decent. __________________ ~When you're under there, don't half-ass it. Full-ass it all the way~ Last edited by leoblack9; 12-05-2022 at 11:35 PM..