New Michelin Energy Savers

[scootr06]

After wearing through 2 sets of OEM Bridgestones in 43,000 miles, I decided to try a new avenue. Just installed a set of Michelin Energy Savers - 165/65R14's. It was like trading a Rickshaw for my Fathers Oldsmobile! Substantially better across the board: quietness, ride, handling, xross-wind sensitivity...the whole gamut. They were hard to get, not that many sets in FL. And - of course, a tad expensive. The OEM Potenza treadware was 260, these Michs are 480.
I also opted for the Nitrogen fill at 38 lbs front, 35 lbs rear - per factory recommendations.Mileage seems to be about the same for the mostly around-town driving (~48 mpg) I do.Would highly recommend these tires if you're looking for a change.
Scootr06
2006 Silver CVT #365

[Eli]

They will pull my RE92s from my cold, dead hands.

Not willing to sacrifice even 4% fuel economy, which is the minimum reported from moving to the Michelin tire. Typically 4-6%. Which is definitely an improvement over the 8-12% that you can see with other tires, but still.. it's a step backwards to me.

[AbCaRed00]

For a good all round tire, no pun intended, I'll be seriously considering all alternatives in the future. Tire technology is ever increasing, extremely competitive, and handling and economy for me is also big consideration. Thanks for the report, I'd been wondering about them. Love my M' X-Ice for the winter and fwiw in the day WS-50 Blizzaks too which was the spec tire for local ice racing.
Availability of the RE92s here makes it an easier decision: I was all excited when I saw 'Sears' sold the re92's ..but that was only online and plus shipping, brokerage, gov't duty, and the tire wear index didn't add up. Too much tread left on my Michelins to reasonably consider replacements: I'd like to save the gas, but the opportunity cost of importing Bridgestones was too high at the present time. I'll have to crank up the pressure and drive a bit better to offset the rotational mass penalty.

[RedJellyBean]

I'm willing to bet that CVTs have less to lose by trying other tires, it's the manual trans cars that need every tiny little advantage they can get in order to attain and maintain that holy grail of lean burn that remains ever elusive on our byways.

[bciesq]

Are the Michelins available in a summer tire? I'd trade a few MPGs for better safety in the wet Fla summer.

[russellc]

Originally Posted by bciesq

Are the Michelins available in a summer tire? I'd trade a few MPGs for better safety in the wet Fla summer.

Those are summer tires that he is using, unlike the Bridgestone Potenza RE92, which is an all-season tire.



Sent from my Autoguide iPad app

[bamamarc-77]

i have 2 practically new michelin energy savers 165 65 r14's, only on my insight for less than 2 weeks about a month ago when i bought them new as i couldnt wait for a pair of re92's. used about 300 miles.if you're interested, i'll sell them cheap!

[boogetyboogety]

Originally Posted by scootr06

...Potenza treadware was 260, these Michs are 480.
I also opted for the Nitrogen fill at 38 lbs front, 35 lbs rear - per factory recommendations.
Mileage seems to be about the same for the mostly around-town driving (~48 mpg) I do.
Would highly recommend these tires if you're looking for a change.
Scootr06
2006 Silver CVT #365

So you doubled your tire expense... interested to hear about your long-term all-around mileage, now that you have strayed from the OEM Bridgestones.

Do pump up your tires for best mileage, as we've known here for eons... the factory recs are not optimal for best mileage. Would be interesting to see what your mileage improvement (or penalty) would be with 50# at every corner.

I always laugh at the nitrogen-filled tires scam (although, truth be told, I've always run 78% N myself, and continue to get excellent service from my tires)... there sure are a lot of simple-minded tire sellers out there stealing buyers' hard-earned money...

[Willie Williford]

bciesq:
What tire pressure are you running. I've driven through the rain squalls in Fla. many times and have seen cars ahead of me "hydraplane" and spin out. The LRR was steady and true. I run 50+ psi in the tires. The narrow tire and high pressure will allow the tire to make better contact with the road through the water on the road. Don't try to over correct the "wiggle", lock your steering straight ahead and you will feel a sudden de-accelleration. (From experience)

HTH
Willie

[scootr06]

BoogetyBoogety...Thx for the reminder re tire pressures. I occassionally ran the old Potenzas higher than 50lbs on each corner, sometimes 60-65. Will keep a close eye on the initial tread ware on these new Michs, and revisit dealer for a nitrogent top-off to 50 if things warrant. Sofar mileage seems same at the lower pressures? I never used the nitro fill before in my life, so figured at $20 for the 4 I'd give it a shot.