Changing Tyre Sizes & Brands

[jf_cole]

Im not 100% happy with the narrow tyres on my Insight and want to venture from the 165's to a 175 tyre.

Has anyone done this and what would you recommend?

175/65/14 is a slightly taller tyre (13mm), so taller gearing, slightly better ride.

175/60/14 is a fraction smaller than stock.

Then i cant decide whether I want a nice sporty tyre like a Toyo Proxes or keep with a fuel saver.

I mainly use the car to commute and its highway, but now and then its fun to push it and have a safety net.

[Hitech]

Expect 2-3 MPG loss

[retepsnikrep]

Originally Posted by Hitech

Expect 2-3 MPG loss

And the rest

I find even when pushing on the rock hard 55psi Bridgestones stick to the road pretty well.

OK not up to a trackday or rallying so I understand, but for road use?

[jf_cole]

Originally Posted by retepsnikrep

And the rest

I find even when pushing on the rock hard 55psi Bridgestones stick to the road pretty well.

OK not up to a trackday or rallying so I understand, but for road use?

Was expecting 5mpg loss or so which is acceptable. Grip is fine in corners, but wet weather I would prefer a bit more and for wet weather ( & greasy road) braking I would prefer a bit more contact patch.

[aisbell]

Originally Posted by jf_cole

Im not 100% happy with the narrow tyres on my Insight and want to venture from the 165's to a 175 tyre.

Have you considered the Michelin Energy Saver? It is available in the OEM size of 165/65R-14. It has been designed for low rolling resistance as well as decent traction. It may not be as light as the OEM Bridgestone, so it might not be quite as fuel-efficient, but it might offer improved traction while maintaining the same overall gear ratio. These aren't yet available in the U.S., but I plan to consider them when I replace my OEM tires in Sweden.

[jf_cole]

Originally Posted by aisbell

Have you considered the Michelin Energy Saver? It is available in the OEM size of 165/65R-14. It has been designed for low rolling resistance as well as decent traction. It may not be as light as the OEM Bridgestone, so it might not be quite as fuel-efficient, but it might offer improved traction while maintaining the same overall gear ratio. These aren't yet available in the U.S., but I plan to consider them when I replace my OEM tires in Sweden.

Decided to go for the 175/65/14 Michelin Energy Saver. Need the eco saver tyres as im planning a long trip next year for charity and need to do it on one tank of petrol.

[retepsnikrep]

Please update us as to the performance and mpg etc of these later.

[jf_cole]

I've just put in an order for Michelin Energy Savers 175/65/14's.

Not only will they be slightly wider and taller, they out perform the B391 Bridgestone in all areas of grip, comfort, longevity and according to the manufacturer its 20% less rolling resistance than a normal tyre.

I should have them on by next week and will know another 2 weeks or so after that how much its going to affect the MPG. Im hoping to go up 2-3 psi and only loose maybe 5mpg overall, but the benefit of extra margains come winter will stand to it I hope.

[aisbell]

Originally Posted by jf_cole

I've just put in an order for Michelin Energy Savers 175/65/14's.

Not only will they be slightly wider and taller, they out perform the B391 Bridgestone in all areas of grip, comfort, longevity and according to the manufacturer its 20% less rolling resistance than a normal tyre.

Why did you decide to buy tires larger than the OEM size? Were tires in the OEM size of 165/65R14 unavailable?

[jf_cole]

I wanted them slightly wider to deal with wet weather braking. The car doesnt fair well in wet weather and I really dont have confidence in it.

Got the tyres fitted today, the car feels slightly less "nippy", but there is WAY more grip, especially in the wet (there are some flooded roads around at the moment). Will let you guys know how I get on over the next few days and weeks.