Choosing Low Rolling Resistance Tires

[brucepick]

My '97 Civic takes the same size as yours.

Next time I get "summer" tires I want the Michelin Hydro-Edge, or whatever model Michelin has at the time. In my mind, Michelin is THE pioneer in LRR tires. If the Michelin's aren't available (I just checked TireRack, they don't show up for me!!), I'd go with the Goodyears. 51 psi is much better than 44, in my view.

I'm now driving on Kumho eco Solus HM KR22. Got them about a year ago, but I used Michelin X-Ice 2's in winter. I drive about 600 miles a week so my tires get a workout.

Anyway, I think my current Kumho's are starting to sound uneven. This set replaced an earlier set of Kumho's that was not LRR. They died of belt separation before the tread wore out. I suspect the same is happening on these.

44 psi just isn't my idea of proper tire pressure. I'd much rather have a tire rated at 51 or higher.

I ran the Michelin X-Ice 2's this past winter and I was very impressed. They only lost about 1-2 mpg fuel economy vs. the Kumho eco solus. AND they did better on winter ice than I ever expected from a non-studded tire. I've driven in the Northeast ever since I was a teenager and I've been on plenty ice and nasty slush. Those Michelins are excellent.

[F8L]

I've had excellent results with the Nokian i3 and the Yokohama dB Super E-Spec (uses 80% less petroleum during manufacturing). Both were oem Prius sized at 185/65/15. Both tires were great for predictable handling, low noise and LRR. The dB's are wearing down faster than the Nokians and I'm a bit worried about hydroplaning but so far they work well in straight downpour events.

I recently installed Michelin Primacy MXM4 215/45/17 tires on my 17" wheels and despite always taking about a 6mpg hit when I put the 17s on, I really like this tire. It rolls well, is very quiet, handles well for a LRR luxury car tire, and has a high treadwear rating of 500. Michelin also offers a $70 rebate on their tires which is nice.

The next 15" tires I am considering are the Energy Saver A/S (when production begins again) and the Continental Contiprocontact ecoplus. I study tire tests quite a bit and these two always perform well.