New tires: MPG way down

[ReDBaRoN]

Hello,

Based on the great information on this site, I replaced my original Goodyear Integrity tires with Michelin LTX M/S2. Same size as originals: 235/70R16.

My MPG has gone down 2-3 MPG. Driving habits have not changed. Tire pressure same as before, specifically what's documented on the door jamb (32 psi all around).

Is this expected with these tires (I hope not). If not, should these be maintained at a different psi than the originals (and thus different from what the door jam says?).

Thanks for any advise you can give.

[bblueser]

The mileage drop is probably due to the new LTX M/S's 11/32" tread depth vs. the 3/32" or so depth of the worn out Goodyears they replaced. The thicker tread has more "squish" to it, which adds to the rolling resistance.

I experienced the same thing on my '09 when I replaced the GYs with Michelin Latitude Tours.

I bet the mpg will improve as the Michelin tread depth diminishes.

[ReDBaRoN]

Originally Posted by bblueser

The mileage drop is probably due to the new LTX M/S's 11/32" tread depth vs. the 3/32" or so depth of the worn out Goodyears they replaced. The thicker tread has more "squish" to it, which adds to the rolling resistance.

I experienced the same thing on my '09 when I replaced the GYs with Michelin Latitude Tours.

I bet the mpg will improve as the Michelin tread depth diminishes.

Makes sense, the other ones were certainly worn out. Do you think increasing the tire pressure would help with this?

[humanoid]

It might, I'd bump it up to 35 PSI.

[whizmo]

+3 psi over the doorjamb is the compromise I use too, to get a little better mileage and handling at the slight expense of ride quality.

As an aside, while I've never been that pleased with the LTX M/S on my Pilot from a noise or ride standpoint, they are pretty amazing tires in the snow and wear like iron. I have 65K on my set and they look like they're easily good for another 40K or so.

- Mark

[xGS]

Even when new, the Michelin tire is several pounds heavier than the Goodyear.

If mpg is your top priority, you should have gotten the Bridgestone Dueler H/L 422 Ecopia.

[deanq]

I am looking at the Bridgestone Ecopias very seriously. Has anyone had them and had good luck with them? I am also looking at the Dunlop Signature CS tires - good reviews on tirerack from Pilot owners. I haven't seen any reviews from Pilot owners on the Ecopias.

[RonnieJ]

I've got the Bridgestone Dueler H/L 422 Ecopia. I like them. Still get about 20-21 on hwy, and 16-17 in town. Not much of a difference than the other tires. They are quiet and wear well. Got them at Costco when they had the Bridgestone rebates. I've got 20K on them so far and they look good, very even wear.

[deanq]

Have you driven the Ecopias in the snow? How is wet traction?

[RonnieJ]

Wet traction is good, and snow is ok. I was able to drive in the snow/ice in the Northeast during the holidays and they seemed fine. Normal for all season tires.

[BigWhite]

I recommend sticking with the Michelin if you are planning on keeping the car for a long time, you'll get your Monies worth, if not then go with cheaper ones.


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[deanq]

I am told the XLT Radial 2 Michelin that Sam's/Costoco/BJ/s has is the same as the LTX M/S2 tires. They carry both at Sam's/Costco and they look pretty much the same except the XLT Radial 2 is cheaper in price.

[rocky]

The GY only good point is its lower rolling resistance.



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[ltp646]

Originally Posted by deanq

I am told the XLT Radial 2 Michelin that Sam's/Costoco/BJ/s has is the same as the LTX M/S2 tires. They carry both at Sam's/Costco and they look pretty much the same except the XLT Radial 2 is cheaper in price.

I had the XLT Radial 2 in my pick up (gone) and LTX MS2 in the Pilot. The XLT treads seemed a little bigger. They are both good in term of traction in wet and snow conditions. I couldn't compare the ride comfort because pick up truck ride differently than the Pilot. You could save a few bucks with the XLT but the ride may not be as smooth in the Pilot as the LTX.

[silvergga]

New tires with full tread typically will have worse mpg than worn tires with not much tread left. To me, tires' main purpose is to keep me safe and alive. mpg is just another parameter of cost to run a car. What is the per mile cost to run your tires? Will they actually last until the manufacturer's warranty? If not, how much does it cost to install another set? Do the tires ride safe until 2/32" or do they ride unsafe at 4/32" and force you to replace them pre-maturely, thus increasing the per mile cost?