I'm thinking the same thing with Continental DWS when I have to replace my stockers. Of course, mine's an automatic, so I'm thinking exactly the opposite of Dustin regarding lowering rpms. My automatics rpms hover around 2,500 at 70mph, so it wouldn't bother me a bit if they went up a little, although I think it will be a neglible difference.

 

This thread is Epic. Kudos to all involved.

With some basic knowledge of physics and how your car works, you should know roughly how your car will be affected when you go with a tire size that is not "OH MY GOD PERFECT"

Seriously fascinating info for a non-engineering major though. Thanks for the read

 

Really? Whats with the tow hitch and ball mount for then?

 

Im looking at the 205/55/16 Michelin defender tires for my 2011 fit sport automatic on the stock rims. Your about the only I've come across to actually try this tire, its 3 years later, over the long term did you continue to be happy with your choice? Did the mpg hold out? As the car got older and the suspension wore did you encounter any rubbing? We line up pretty well on our goals with this, I don't care about the speedo being off 3 or 4 miles an hour, and I don't drive the car like its a race car either (cause its not) looking for a smoother ride, and better tire life- and I'm not interested in the 205-50 tire if the 205/55 isn't a good option then I'll go with the Michelin premier a/s in the original size

 

I don't have that tire (went with Yokohama and now Firestone), but I went with the 195/55 size since the 205's are heavier. I think MPG may suffer some. Hope you get an answer.

 

Geeze.... I had forgotten about this cluster of a thread. I hate you all, fitfreaks.

Mileage is about the same, I'm no longer as diligent at recoding it, the cars info center reads 33-36 mpg depending. I've learned my car hates summers. Before I stopped diligently recording it, I was certain it had improved. My z score was 1.73 according to my old Google doc, for any statz nerds reading this.

No rubbing observed. If it could rub, it would have by now. The tread life is quite good, I just had the probably 5th+ flat repaired by discount in May, and the kid remarked "wow those things are lasting you well huh?" or something to that regard. The tires have about 55,000 on them and measured 6/32" and 7/32" at 53k ish on them (last oil change). The tires have some cracking on the edge of the treads. Not sure why. I live in Phoenix, possibly the sun, the car bakes outside while nicer cars sit in my garage.

They're quiet ish... Not sure if louder or quieter than factory, in my Fit the wind noise is louder than tire.

And le sigh... The fit has a tow hitch because I use it for an external bicycle rack. I used to put a ball there when I'm not carrying a bicycle because it acts as protection from slow bumps from other people, mostly dumb drivers... like the type you'd see being a lotboy at Westminister Toyota... But I've gotten lazy and no longer do that. Towing with a fit is silly, I have a Rubicon for that.

 

Thank you for replying, I think I'm going to pull the trigger on the defenders, Michelin is at or near the top in terms of treadlife-