Got new tires! Setting new records!

[Fr3AkAzOiD]

Originally Posted by bestclimb

Why bother to "brake them in" before going to sidewall max? If the tire company felt the thing was safe to x psi just air them up.

Don't have a link available but I have read a few places that there has been discusion about taking a brand new tire and pumping it to sidewall max and possible consequenses of doing so.

This is one of those times in which I would rather be safe then sorry.

[5speed5]

Thanks for reporting this. I'm planning on eventually getting a Cobalt LT XFE sedan some day if I can find one (I've seen them on autotrader.com). It's a sentimental thing. Cobalts are made in Lordstown, OH which is about 20 miles from where I grew up. A few of my friends/relatives work(ed) at that plant.

[eg6_bliss]

Very nice. Good job.

[JSMITH8505]

Congrats!
I've been amazed at the right tire can make such a difference. The 'Green X' series tires from Michelin seem to be all that they claim to be.

I've seen good mileage from mine.

[bdesj]

That`s pretty cool. I take it there isn`t any way to measure or estimate the efficiency of a certain tire other than to watch the actual performance results of a set that`s in use? So owner reviews would be the best way to "shop" for a set? I sure wouldn`t mind trying some. Is there anything special to watch for or be aware of when going with high efficiency tires? Do they tend to have shorter lifespans than others?

Unfortunately, we just replaced the tires all the way around my wife`s car, which is also what we normally drive when we both go anywhere together, so it sees the lion`s share of our combined mileage. My pickup is due for two tires very soon and I`ll seriously consider LRRs, but the savings won`t be much since that vehicle only runs about 5K per year.

[Fr3AkAzOiD]

Tests on Tirerack.com
When Round and Black Becomes Lean and Green


Comparison thread between two LRR tires on yourcobalt.com
LRR Tires for MPG

[bdesj]

Thank you, Zoid. A quick skimming was nice- looking forward to reading them more carefully soon.

[brucepick]

Congrats! Air them up!

I'm jealous. I wanted Michelin Green X tires when I needed a set a couple months ago. Out of stock, back ordered even at Michelin.

I ended up with Kumho eco Solus HM KR 22's. TireRack listed them as LRR but mpg seems about the same as with the previous set of Kumho's that weren't tagged as LRR.

[Fr3AkAzOiD]

I'm really enjoying them.

The fact that they are all season really sealed the deal, a lot of the LRR tires are summer tiers.

I think it's funny when I consider 45 mpg a bad tank.

[Ecobalt]

I want to replace my tires quickly: one just got destroyed by a hole in the road.

My car came with 195/60R15 tires. Were there any problems with the 195/65R15 tires in a bigger diameter? The authority at the Sears Auto Center refused to sell me 65 aspect ratio tires because they were not original equipment.

The wheel wells look plenty big for bigger tires. The tires on the supercharged Cobalts were quite wide, so Chevrolet changed the steering gear and the buyers had less travel and a larger turning radius.

Of course, my incentive for the bigger tire is to get a 3% higher gear and lower engine RPMs, rather like the XFE transmission upgrade of a higher fifth gear to get lower engine RPMs.

The tires I am considering are the Michelin Defender, the Continental PureContact with EcoPlus Technology, and the General Altimax HP. I put those Generals on my wife's Matrix: they have great dry traction. I would buy them even though they are not LRR. The fuel economy is still good.