New tires affecting MPG?

dorkrock13 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-07-2009, 01:38 PM

Hello fellow Fitfreaks!
I run an 07 VBP MT and have yet to get under 40MPG (although due to winter the last 8 tanks or so have been right on 40).
Had my fit since July...

Anyways, im on 31k miles and its about time to get some new tires, just wondering if you all had any insight on tires to help keep the MPG's high, or maybe even increase?
Or just anything that i should generally know...
Any suggestions?!

Thanks!

Tork · #2 (**permalink**) 01-07-2009, 02:16 PM

sure you can increase MPG 2-6%
Search google 'low rolling resistance tires'.
Consumer reports (which you have to pay the $5 a mo to read reports)
lists the Michelin X (sold at club stores) and the Continental Contac as 2 of the lowest rolling resistance tires.

Also google Michelin Energy Saver and look for the demonstration videos.....very eye opening!

Unfortunately the M Energy saver is Europe only for the moment.

And a wrong tire choice could cost you 1-2 mpg from OEM

Actually I started a similar thread 6 weeks ago after doing several hours of research, and reading enough to become a believer.......either so poorly written, or such a boring topic that nobody was interested LOL
http://www.fitfreak.net/forums/eco-f...-4-me-fit.html

I think that you will see more low rolling resistance tires in the near future

mahout · #3 (**permalink**) 01-07-2009, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dorkrock13

Hello fellow Fitfreaks!
I run an 07 VBP MT and have yet to get under 40MPG (although due to winter the last 8 tanks or so have been right on 40).
Had my fit since July...

Anyways, im on 31k miles and its about time to get some new tires, just wondering if you all had any insight on tires to help keep the MPG's high, or maybe even increase?
Or just anything that i should generally know...
Any suggestions?!

Thanks!

Going from 19/55x15 to 175/65x15 can increase your mpg if you take into account the 6% more miles you drive than the 195's.
The weight of the tire and the diameter are the basic criteria for chosing mpg tires. The brand (or mpg designed) tires add about 1 mpg but lose a lot of cornering power as Prius owners found out) and the tire pressure are important.
The 175/65x15's with 40 psig seem to have the best mpg. If the tire is heavier and taller than 195/55x15's count on less mpg.
Use TireRacks ratings and specs to check diameters, weights, and abilities to compare tires. While you're at it check the dry and wet slalom timesfor indications of performance.
good luck.

Tork · #4 (**permalink**) 01-07-2009, 07:09 PM

A little more to it.
Some real science is coming into play also. High silica content and sidewall design seem to be more and more of the low rolling resistance formula.
Yeah the Older Prius tire the Bridgestone BR381 did lose cornering grip and added a couple feet to e-stops.
But others like the Continentals which were also rated high for low rolling resistance by both Greenseal and Consumer Reports, have known good cornering and stopping abilities. And the Conti's are OEM for BMW and other performance sedans (sort of a performance blessing right there).
Michelin seems to be in transition dropping the Energy MV4 possibly paving the way for North American introduction of the Energy Saver.
If I remember correctly the conti's seem to weigh a pound or 2 less than a comparable sized tire on average, so I agree weight plays a part. (Also I know it for a fact from my 15" SSR wheels I had on my 07 fit)

For my 09, I plan to ad SSR type F 11lb 16" wheels and run the stock dunlops on them until the Energy Savers are available.

dorkrock13 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-08-2009, 12:31 AM

Thanks fellas!
Oddly enough i was just on your thread Tork and watched the vid on rolling resistance...

I'll start doin some research on it, but as for now i got a quote for $250, same size wheel as OEM but a bit bigger diameter cuz it has bigger treads... cant remember all the details, got the call while at work...

Kaotic Lazagna · #6 (**permalink**) 01-08-2009, 02:01 AM

Also, tire weight decreases FE. When I switched from my Yokohama Parada Spec-2's to Falken Ziex 912's (which are much heavier), my gas mileage went down 1-2 mpg. Also, how you drive influences your FE. I'm not sure if the Fit has it, but on my Vios, I use the feature called DFCO. I think most cars now-a-days should have it. When ever I come to a stop sign/light or traffic, I keep it in gear and do some engine braking, downshifting when the fuel kicks back in or if I need more engine braking.