Tires Really Do Affect Fuel Economy
#1
Tires Really Do Affect Fuel Economy
Blew through my stock 15 inch tires at 30k miles on my '12 base.
When I went to the tire store to replace them, the guy at America's/Discount Tires suggested Arizonians (Cooper) and upped the size to 185/65-R15s (from the stock 175/65-R15s). I noticed a small drop in fuel economy (2-3 MPG).
I wore out those tires after 45k, so I bought some Goodyears (185/65-R15s also) that were on sale. Turns out, they are the "ComforTread" tires. While the car was incredibly quiet, and smooth over bumps, it destroyed my fuel economy.
I went from 35 MPG on the freeway to 29 MPG instantly. I couldn't get the car to go above 30 MPG no matter how many hills I coasted down in neutral.
Swapped 'em for some low rolling resistance tires (Michelin Energy Savers) and went back to the stock 175/65-R15 size. I'm pretty much back to the MPGs I was seeing with the stock tires. The car is bumpier and noisier again, though. But that's the trade off for good gas mileage, I suppose.
Anyway, wanted to pass along as a head's up. The tires really do affect MPG on this car, more than any other I've ever owned.
When I went to the tire store to replace them, the guy at America's/Discount Tires suggested Arizonians (Cooper) and upped the size to 185/65-R15s (from the stock 175/65-R15s). I noticed a small drop in fuel economy (2-3 MPG).
I wore out those tires after 45k, so I bought some Goodyears (185/65-R15s also) that were on sale. Turns out, they are the "ComforTread" tires. While the car was incredibly quiet, and smooth over bumps, it destroyed my fuel economy.
I went from 35 MPG on the freeway to 29 MPG instantly. I couldn't get the car to go above 30 MPG no matter how many hills I coasted down in neutral.
Swapped 'em for some low rolling resistance tires (Michelin Energy Savers) and went back to the stock 175/65-R15 size. I'm pretty much back to the MPGs I was seeing with the stock tires. The car is bumpier and noisier again, though. But that's the trade off for good gas mileage, I suppose.
Anyway, wanted to pass along as a head's up. The tires really do affect MPG on this car, more than any other I've ever owned.
#3
Tire selections certainly do affect gas milage.
The slight drop in your first replacement set of tires is probably partially due to the 185's being a bit bigger diameter than stock. You aren't getting as much of a drop in actual milage (i.e. distance traveled along the ground), but the larger diameter makes the odometer read a bit too lower than it should and so your milage apparently goes down. Just something to keep in mind when doing these comparisons.
The slight drop in your first replacement set of tires is probably partially due to the 185's being a bit bigger diameter than stock. You aren't getting as much of a drop in actual milage (i.e. distance traveled along the ground), but the larger diameter makes the odometer read a bit too lower than it should and so your milage apparently goes down. Just something to keep in mind when doing these comparisons.
#6
You can adjust the tire psi to help. I usually will run 35psi in a 40psi max rated tire, and sometimes 40psi if the tire can do 50psi max. It does decrease ride quality a little bit(higher psi), but wider tires tend to be more comfortable and can usually deal with a higher psi while still getting good tire life out of them.
#7
you added 2lbs per corner.
#9
Im looking for tires right now as well. It's aggravating because im trying to have my cake and eat it too. I don't want to lose MPG, I want it to handle better, I want a 205/50/16, and the entire wheel/tire setup must be lighter then stock. Looking like Rota slipstreams and Coni DWS's for me.
Time, how do you like those kumhos?
Time, how do you like those kumhos?
#11
I usually notice quite a difference in my 2011 base when I go from the stock 15" wheels with Dunlops Eco tires to my Dunlop ZII 205/50/15s when I autocross my mileage will drop from 38-40 down to 32-35. Some of it adrenaline from autocrossing lol, but running higher pressures on the ZIIs it will go up a bit or when cook the rubber a bit autocrossing lol
At least with my situation you give up economy for grip and comfort. Still find it funny the ZIIs are more comfortable tires lol. The weights of my 2 sets of wheels are about the same. My autocross set (ZIIs w/Kosei K4rs) weigh 30lbs a corner and the stock base set is around 31 a corner.
At least with my situation you give up economy for grip and comfort. Still find it funny the ZIIs are more comfortable tires lol. The weights of my 2 sets of wheels are about the same. My autocross set (ZIIs w/Kosei K4rs) weigh 30lbs a corner and the stock base set is around 31 a corner.
Last edited by rhop; 07-29-2014 at 06:34 PM.
#13
Using Bridgestone Ecopia 422s' on the '11 base FIT for a few years now . Wearing very well . Are a bit louder and ride is a bit pronounced at times with the rough roads ( patching , etc.) . Car handles well , not a speed demon , average driving . Keep them at 32.5 > 34.5 p.s.i. cold . Got them for under $60 each through G.M.. Price match and $100 debit card . Looking at the Energy Savers for the '13 , not sure want to pay $90+ a tire , That's with the $70 discount from Michelin . Might stay with the 422s' for the '13 if the price is right . +
Last edited by Odie; 07-29-2014 at 11:21 PM.
#14
tires and fuel economy
Blew through my stock 15 inch tires at 30k miles on my '12 base.
When I went to the tire store to replace them, the guy at America's/Discount Tires suggested Arizonians (Cooper) and upped the size to 185/65-R15s (from the stock 175/65-R15s). I noticed a small drop in fuel economy (2-3 MPG).
I wore out those tires after 45k, so I bought some Goodyears (185/65-R15s also) that were on sale. Turns out, they are the "ComforTread" tires. While the car was incredibly quiet, and smooth over bumps, it destroyed my fuel economy.
I went from 35 MPG on the freeway to 29 MPG instantly. I couldn't get the car to go above 30 MPG no matter how many hills I coasted down in neutral.
Swapped 'em for some low rolling resistance tires (Michelin Energy Savers) and went back to the stock 175/65-R15 size. I'm pretty much back to the MPGs I was seeing with the stock tires. The car is bumpier and noisier again, though. But that's the trade off for good gas mileage, I suppose.
Anyway, wanted to pass along as a head's up. The tires really do affect MPG on this car, more than any other I've ever owned.
When I went to the tire store to replace them, the guy at America's/Discount Tires suggested Arizonians (Cooper) and upped the size to 185/65-R15s (from the stock 175/65-R15s). I noticed a small drop in fuel economy (2-3 MPG).
I wore out those tires after 45k, so I bought some Goodyears (185/65-R15s also) that were on sale. Turns out, they are the "ComforTread" tires. While the car was incredibly quiet, and smooth over bumps, it destroyed my fuel economy.
I went from 35 MPG on the freeway to 29 MPG instantly. I couldn't get the car to go above 30 MPG no matter how many hills I coasted down in neutral.
Swapped 'em for some low rolling resistance tires (Michelin Energy Savers) and went back to the stock 175/65-R15 size. I'm pretty much back to the MPGs I was seeing with the stock tires. The car is bumpier and noisier again, though. But that's the trade off for good gas mileage, I suppose.
Anyway, wanted to pass along as a head's up. The tires really do affect MPG on this car, more than any other I've ever owned.
Last edited by kumar; 07-30-2014 at 06:15 AM.
#15
Im looking for tires right now as well. It's aggravating because im trying to have my cake and eat it too. I don't want to lose MPG, I want it to handle better, I want a 205/50/16, and the entire wheel/tire setup must be lighter then stock. Looking like Rota slipstreams and Coni DWS's for me.
Time, how do you like those kumhos?
Time, how do you like those kumhos?
Btw I feel like I am regaining my mpgs after breaking in the tire.
#16
I'll confirm that you say soon, moved today from std Dunlop 185-55-r16 to General Tire G-MAX AS-03 205-50-r16, the wheels changed too from STD Honda 2013 Sport 16' to Mugen XJ 16'
Luis
Luis
Last edited by luismycorreo; 07-30-2014 at 11:45 PM.
#20
But it's certainly worth considering WHEN you have to buy new tires anyway. And we all have to do that, sooner or later.