2004 Honda Civic Non Hybrid CVT - Help with Tires!
 

I've been getting about 48mpg when I drive carefully. When I bought the car it had Sumitomo Touring LST tires on it. They're starting to wear out and will need replaced asap.

Manufacturer recommended tire size is: P185/70R14 87S at 30psi cold (35 warm).

I tried to posts links, but I'm a new member and it's not allowing it.

I want the highest mpg tires available while sticking as close to manufacturer specs as possible and keeping the odometer/speedometer accurate.

I've looked at the following:
Replacing with the Same ($58/ea) - 17lbs
Michelen Defender T+H ($104/ea) - 17lbs
Michelen Defender (Discontinued $100/ea) - 19lbs
Hankook Optimo H724 ($59/ea) - 15lbs


Which of these looks best from the MPG standpoint, as well as being gentle on my CVT, and what is going to give me the best value? I don't want a tire that's going to pop randomly, so quality may be important. I cannot find any LRR rated tires in the P185/70R14 class.

Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated!

I have the same Civic you have, except that mine is the EX with teh 195/65R15 tires, slightly taller and wider than yours. I'm going with the Hankook Optimo 724s (which are only $37.77 each on Amazon with free shipping btw). They're 185/75/14, which is the same height as my current tires but narrower. They would be the same width as your current tires but taller, yielding better fuel economy. They aren't low rolling resistance tires, but being all season I won't have to spend extra cash on a set of winter tires/rims.

I've used the Michelin Defenders, and they're great tires. They last a loooong time, are lightweight for their size class (if not the lightest) and have excellent rolling resistance. However, I can only really compare them to Bridgestone Potenza RE92's, and anecdotal evidence from other Insight owners who've used different tires.

Thanks for the feedback. I’m assuming you used the regular defender and not the t+h. It looks like the new one is going to be less efficient.

I’m also dying to find someone else with the exact same cvt model I have lol

Agreed - looks like the new ones probably have slightly more rolling resistance, in exchange for longer tread life and probably improved grip in some circumstances.

Every shop I've hit so far says that tires don't make a big enough difference to consider. :/ I asked for the regular defenders and they won't do them because they're clearance. Time to ask another shop.

Goodyear Assurance $85 general tire Altimax $73 both 16 lbs. I have the Goodyear’s and they have improved my mpg. General tire also rated good at tire rack.

What kind of car do you have them on?

Willing to go down to 65, then I'd go Nokian WRG3 or G4, especially if snow/ice ever comes into play. G3 directions are about $65 each, G4's about $75 on ebay.

Have G3's on 3 of my cars, couldn't tell if they saved any gas but claim LRR. Will be buying 8 more before winter hits.