Wider Tires MPG tradeoff.

[maximrick]

hi guys.

i'm looking to get some insight no pun intended on people's experience with wider tires and how significant of a MPG drop off they have seen.

please specify size of upgraded wheels and tires.

[firsthonda]

I just recently, within the last week, installed Yokohama Touring S 195 60 R15's; on stock alloy rims. The loss in MPG I'm noticing so far is around 1 to 1.5 MPG or 2%-3%. This could easily be attributed to cold weather as well. The gain in quietness, traction, handling, responsiveness and comfort has been MONUMENTAL. My Insight feels like a different(bigger)car. If I only knew what a difference it made, I would have done it way sooner.

[TNQR-TOY]

There are two key points to remember when going to bigger tires and wheels when it comes to MPG and the Insight -
1. Try to stay as close as possible to the stock tire and wheel weight. (stock weight is 32lbs combined)
2. Always use LRR tires (Low Rolling Resistance )

I am using a light weight 15 x 7 wheel with 195/60-15 Michelin Hydro-Edge LRR tires and I have no loss of MPG. Even though the Hydro-Edge tires are not marketed as high performance tires these tires are just incredible when it comes to handling and ride.
As FirstHonda said earlier - The Insight becomes a completely different car ( sports car) when you change the tires.
Tnqr-Toy's Dad

[firsthonda]

Originally Posted by TNQR-TOY

2. Always use LRR tires (Low Rolling Resistance )

That's where I strayed. I went with a touring tire for maximum comfort, traction and quietness. I'm glad I did. If I loose 1 or 2 MPG, I don't care. While the skinny Dunlops are designed for maximum fuel efficency, they sacrifice too much in other areas. They are LOUD, handle poorly, have poor traction, let you feel every little bump and wear too quickly.

[Cobb]

Glad it is working out for you. The tire store did a plus 1 on sizing. I have no complaints about the avids in the oem size.


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[InsightOut]

I was running oem 175/65 and making 48mpg on an easy driving tank. I switched to Hankook h727's and get much better traction in all situations but they are 185/60, one centimeter wider and I now average 45-56 mpg when I'm trying.

I wanna invest in a summer tire though, i'm thinking 225/45 R17. Anybody with some input on the matter is much appreciated.

[WFalicoff]

Originally Posted by maximrick

hi guys.

i'm looking to get some insight no pun intended on people's experience with wider tires and how significant of a MPG drop off they have seen.

please specify size of upgraded wheels and tires.

We have seen no reduction in mpg on our 2010 I2 using Nokian WRG2 185/60 R15 tires. We have had this tire now for over 25K miles. Consumer Reports stated this was a low rolling resistance tire and they were right. Also the weight of this tire is exactly the same as the OEM Dunlops. I have stated the other benefits of this tire in other threads. The bottom line it is one of a handful of all season high performance tires that is also snow certified. You also gain higher dry and wet traction over the stock tires and the car drives much more smoothly.

[BJBuffNY]

Anyone tested a 185/65 15 tire on a stock steel Insight LX 2010 model? Not the alloy EX wheels... Still looking for a reference before I order tires come spring.

[firsthonda]

Originally Posted by BJBuffNY

Anyone tested a 185/65 15 tire on a stock steel Insight LX 2010 model? Not the alloy EX wheels... Still looking for a reference before I order tires come spring.

I think 185 65's will throw your speedo off too much. You need to go with a 185 60.

Tire Size Calculator - tire & wheel plus sizing

[BJBuffNY]

I'm curious if 185 will fit properly on the stock steel wheels. I've heard many people have no problems with the premium alloy wheels, but I'm curious if anyone has had any problems with the seal and fit of a 185 on the stock 2010 steel LX wheel specifically.