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.

 

Yeah I'm on Michelin Energy in the stock size. They're at 45K and still perform as new. Should get at least 70K, maybe more. Pays to have your alignment checked too.

 

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.

 

I have 205/60/15s right now, which are much larger then the factory 175/65/15s

Not a noticable difference in fuel economy.


Tire quality and tire pressure both play a big role in economy

 

I just switched from the stock Dunlops SP Sport 185-55-16 to the Kumho ecsta 4x 205 50 16 and my MPG dropped about 1-3 MPG i believe. I will wait a few more days to confirm my findings.

 

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.

 

you added 2lbs per corner.

 

Thanks 13fit and slowfit13!. I am going to miss those precious MPGS

 

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?

 

2 pounds wont be noticable.


At least not to account for a 3mpg loss

 

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.

 

I'll be looking for a tire with a better
Ride soon, mpg almost always goes down with new tires anyways but I don't want to kill it either

 

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 . +

 

I agree , tyre weight makes a difference. I swoped from 185/55/16 to 185/60/15 and felt a difference in acceleration and economy. The 16 inch was much heavier. Its the weight that makes the difference too. I also swoped over to a honda original 15 inch mag wheel(its lighter compared to the stock 16 inch wheel )

 

The Kumhos are awesome man.I can already tell the braking is amazing. Before I wanted to swap out my pads and rotors but now I think the stock system is good but my tires were the culprit. I was able to get the kumhos for a little cheaper from a friend or else I would of went with the contis. Either way I don't think you can go wrong wit either one of them.


Btw I feel like I am regaining my mpgs after breaking in the tire.

 

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

 

Has anyone tried 195/55/16 on fit sport? There is a lot more options in that size

 

stock base wheels and tires worked great for me

 

Tires have a lot to do with fuel economy. But, not worth replacing to gain a few +/- mpg, unless you travel a ton...

 

But it's certainly worth considering WHEN you have to buy new tires anyway. And we all have to do that, sooner or later.