[Bogner47]

So, I know its only a matter of time before someone (not me) does a scientific test to see how much difference it makes between same-sized low-rolling-resistance and traditional tires. I'm curious, both from an MPG and a comfort/treadlife/performance perspective what the difference is changing from the (US) OEM Michelin MXM4 to something else-- maybe a little sportier?

 

[Matt_RN]

Please! i'm about to upgrade my wheels to 19". Probably not going with non-rolling resistance tires LOL. We'll see how that goes. The wheels will probably be heavier too, since they're 3 piece wheels.

 

[Bogner47]

Nope, I want scientific: has to be OEM tire/wheel size to compare only the effect of the rubber. that much extra weight is going to impact handling, acceleration, and MPG on its own. I learned that with the miata-- the less torque you have, the more you notice unsprung weight at the corners. I've almost thought about going to 16" because of that: as long as you realize that the 19" is a cosmetic improvement, and that the low profile just increases harshness and NOT actual grip.

 

[Matt_RN]

Of course. Going to 19s will definitely be purely cosmetic. Lol. At a much heavier weight, I wonder what my drop in mpg will be.

 

[Matt_RN]

I can't wait to see the results of this scientific experiment. Will you be conductinf this yourself?

I wonder if there will be a significant drop in mpg. The low rolling resistance tires are less grippy, right? So you would see a difference especially when rolling downhill, right?

 

[jimmyc13]

I wondered this too, though think you'll probably find similar results to the #'s mentioned in these articles (3%-5% difference in MPG):

Low-Resistance Tires | Hybrid Cars

Tire Tech Information - Tire Rolling Resistance Part 1: Understanding Corporate Average Fuel Economy

 

[ct4mn]

My brother-in-law's sister have a 2009 Prius and she brought cheaper tires and noticed a drop in 2mpg overall. Putting on wider and larger rims will probably decrease mpg. I would recommend buying a light alloy rims and lowering the car would help maintain the good mpg on the CT.