56k, New Tires Anyone?
 

It's about that time for new tires on my 05 HAH. The Honda dealer gave me a quote of $800 (gasp!!) for new set of OEM Michelin's. I have been a faithful patron of a large local tire chain (Belle Tire). Stopped in there and they gave me a similar quote for the Michelin's. ($792 out the door, 860 with warranty) Then he tells me about a comparable Goodyear tire, the Goodyear Assurance tire. It is a directional tire rated for 85K miles and comes with the road hazard warranty, which was not included with the Michelin's. These 4 tires come at a cost of $543 out the door. I'm worried about it affecting mileage. A wise man might say, since the hybrid won't pay for it self in mileage alone, the smart money spent would be on the cheaper tires. However, most of the pride I get out of this HAH is when I tell people I get an average of 32 mpg while enjoying 255 hp at my whim.

Has anyone put something other than OEM tires on their HAH? If so, what kind of tires were they and how has it affected mileage?


FYI, A neighbor friend of mine has a Prius. He recently had to get new tires put on. He had replaced his tires with OEM Goodyear replacements. Unfortunately for him he has noticed a 10 mpg average drop in mileage. He ran it out for 4 gas tanks just to be sure and took them back to the tire shop. I told him to double check the tire inflation pressure because that would make a big difference. No word yet from him. But the Tire shop said they would fudge the numbers and put a new set on. Needless to say, I have doubts about Goodyear tires on hybrids.

Re: 56k, New Tires Anyone?
 

I bought tires for my prius which are not rated Low Rolling Resistance. They are warranted for a period of 65K miles and cost about 50 bucks a piece.

To make a long story short. IF I run the tires at the same air pressure, I do see a hit in mpgs BUT the max pressure on these is like 55psi and when I bring the pressure up to 49-50 in each, I get the same or better MPGs as the stock tires.

I too had concerns and fears but that was 10k miles ago and the tires look and handle great.

Many folks, by the time they had close to 20K miles on the originals were already shopping for new tires because they kept them inflated to what toyota recommends. The folks that inflate the tires to near max were able to get 50K plus out of the same set.

I feel your stress, I was there and survived.

You were able to get plenty of miles out of yours. I only have under 30k miles on my 05 hah so I have a long ways to go yet.

Best of luck
Tony

Re: 56k, New Tires Anyone?
 

I have not replaced the original tires on my HAH, 24k miles to date and reasonable wear.

I suggest ignoring the mileage warranty rating listed by the manufacturer. IMHO this number is mainly but not always a marketing gimmick. Rather, compare the DOT mileage index when selecting tires. Higher DOT index numbers indicate that the tire will last longer and probably also provide better fuel economy.

Re: 56k, New Tires Anyone?
 

My HAH was delivered in January 2005. I have 50k miles on it, and I really disliked the OE tires. I just replaced them with Yokohama ASVAN S.4. tires, and I love them. Mileage seems to be about equal, but response and smooth ride are highly improved. Total price delivered from Tire Rack was $513.22, and mounting/balancing locally through a Tire Rack partner cost me about $50. Tire Rack delivers the tires to your chosen installer.

Re: 56k, New Tires Anyone?
 

Not sure which Michelins they quoted you for, but the MXV4 Energy were upgraded to the MXV4 Primacy this year and I put a set on my SAAB 9-5. They are awesome tires - very quiet, ride well, and stick well. If you are going to spend big money I would recommend them highly. They are also warranted for 60K miles with a treadwear rating of 620 vs the old 440.

Re: 56k, New Tires Anyone?
 

I have a 2003 HCH with el-cheapo tires installed. My fuel economy dropped from 45 to 42. On the other hand, I saved several hundred dollars on the tires, so I can live with it.

Re: 56k, New Tires Anyone?
 

I installed Goodyear Regatta tires on my 05 HAH after OEMs wore out at 56,000 miles. Max air presure is 44psi on Reggatta tires. I run with 40psi and lost 7 miles mpg. Typical mixed driving with OEMs was 35-40mpg. Now 29 to 33mpg. I did not like going under the 30mpg. Went back to Goodyear store and they would accept tires back and mount energy tires. Goodyear tires cost $425.00 with all the fixings, Michelins = $850.00 so I am grin and bearing it with the Goodyear tires.

Re: 56k, New Tires Anyone?
 

Thanks for all the advice. I ended up going with the Goodyear Assurance Tripletred tires. I just couldn't justify dropping over 800 for a set of Michelin's. The tire guy said that you are paying for the name, but I never thought of Michelin's as the Nike of the tire world. Anyway I've got about 400 miles on the new tires. I've filled them to 41 psi after about 1/2 a tank of gas. I just took a long road trip of all freeway for about 100 miles on a toped off tank of gas. I saw almost 37 mpg at one point. However, when I changed directions and was fighting the wind it dropped to 34 mpg. If I factor in the cold and wind, I believe when summer rolls around these tires will not affect my gas mileage.

Re: 56k, New Tires Anyone?
 

If going strictly by cost, with a 3 mpg hit over 56k, it would have a cost impact of aprox 268 dollars over time...
gas tank 17.1
Mileage w old tires 45
Mileage w new tires 42
Difference 3
Miles per tank old tires 765
Miles per tank old tires 714
Number of tanks to 56k Old tires 73.20261438
Cost of fuel over time @ $3 per gallon Old Tires 3755.294118
Number of tanks to 56k New tires 78.43137255
Cost of fuel over time @ $3 per gallon New Tires 4023.529412
Fuel Cost difference over time 268.2352941
Bill

Re: 56k, New Tires Anyone?
 

I found info on incoming all-new tires from Yokohama. The model will be available this summer and its model is "dB Super E-spec".
They even claim its new design will not compromise grip vs LRR.
Any thoughts?
I also received the last issue of Tirerack magazine and they emphasize a few new LRR tires too.
1) Michelin HydroEdge Green X All-season
2) Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max All-season
3) Bridgestone Ecopia EP100 Grand Touring Summer

Re: 56k, New Tires Anyone?
 

Bumpity bump.....

Time for my wife's 2005 HAH to get new tires and because of budget constraints (and who doesn't have those these days?) I'm thinking about the General Altimax HP tire because they seem to be a good value with good reviews on TireRack. I haven't been crazy about the original Michelins it came with - I found their wet and snow capabilities to be lacking.... and I don't mind trading a few mpg's for hopefully added grip in inclement weather. At $75 more per tire than the Altimax, they're not an option.

OK, here's my question - the Altimax HP comes in both H and V speed ratings but the treadlife warranty on the H rated ones have an extra 15,000 miles. They guy I talk to at TireRack didn't think going to a H rated tire was even going to be noticeable, so he suggested I go with that one if the extra treadlife is important to me. I know the HAH came with V rated tires, so am I committed to remain with V rated tires?

Any thoughts here on the speed rating issue, the General Altitmax HPs, or suggestions/experiences about other tire selections? I always like input from others before making a decision. Thanks, guys.

Re: 56k, New Tires Anyone?
 

Always drive below the speed rating of your tires and it'll never be an issue. :)

But seriously, V rated tires are for speeds up to 149 MPH and H rated are for speeds up to 130 MPH. Since you'll probably regularly only see 70-75 MPH, maybe even 90 MPH if you dare... going with an H rated tire you'll still be within your tire's safety margins.

Re: 56k, New Tires Anyone?
 

Thanks, bar10dah, for the reply. Much appreciated.


I kind of figured the H speed rated tire would easily fall within the safety margin given my less than spirited driving style. What I was wondering was if the handling characteristics of the HAH would change by going to a H rated tire from the original V rated tire? But like the Tire Rack guy told me - I probably will not notice a difference.

Re: 56k, New Tires Anyone?
 

Here is the deal: I work at Sears Auto in CT since I got laid off from my full time job in January. I also have an 07 HAH.

1. If you got 56K miles off a set of MXV4's with a "V" speed rating, you should congratulate yourself as they are a soft, low rolling resistance tire warranted for only 25K miles (50K in the H-speed rated version.)

2. The GY Assurance Tripletread you bought is a great tire, however, its a hard tire and somewhat noisier than the MXV's. Not sure what impact it will have on mileage but I would expect you would sacrifice some. Additionally, I did not notice what part of the country you live in, but, its a rain (5th or 6th generation of the old AquaTreds) and especially a snow tire (directional and top rated by Consumer Reports on snow). I have a set on my wife's PT and they work great here in New England.

3. I have 14K miles on my 07 HAH and I will replace the MXV's with Primacy's or the Michellin Exalto AS when the time comes (another tire I own on my old '92 Accord.) Soft riding and great handling on the Exalto and usually at a better price than the Primacy's (occasionally they go on sale at Sears as a Buy 3 Get One Free along with a rebate to cover install costs - so check the adds.)

4. Someone mentioned the Prius. Most Prius's that come in to the store for tires seem to have Dunlop SP40's on them OEM. Lately though, some newer models are coming in with GY Integrity (Junk). No one has ever said a nice thing about the Dunlops. Matter of fact, the tread design reminds me of bicycle tires. That said, I usually put them in a set of Exalto's or Michellin Weatherwise (80K tires). No one has ever come back and complained about mileage.

5. H Rated Tires: Unless you are a spirited driver and a fanatic about handling, you will not notice a difference between an H and a V rated tire. Usually the H rated version can cost significantly less and also normally carries a higher speed rating.

6. Someone mentioned the HydroEdge. I am not sure if they make them in a size for the HAH. Also, I don't see how they can be any good in the snow. Thats what customers have reported back to me, and, what Consumer Reports states as well.

7. I have always been a Goodyear guy, however I really like these MXV's and the Exalto's on my older car. Additionally, my take is the 80K mile claim of Goodyear on the TripleTreads is bogus. I see it every day when customers come in to replace them, and, on my wife's PT I don't think I will get more than 55K-60K (note, I am finicky about alignments, rotations and pressures.)

8. Keep inflating your tires to 40+ psi. I love it when I can sell more tires for my commission checks. Just a little humor here guys / gals. IMO the additional mpg (especially at the lower 2.50 a gallon now) is not worth the harder ride and premature wear.


Tom

Re: 56k, New Tires Anyone?
 

second time trying to post here ..... hope this isnt duplicate.

I have an 05 with 83K miles on it.

STILL ON THE ORIGINAL TIRES folks. Was just at the dealer for maintenance and they didnt tell me to replace them but the ARE ready now.

Still on the original front brakes. Rear last 80K+.

The only problems: that pesky active noise cancellation unit and now my instrument cluster is a bit loose. Otherwise, dig this car A LOT.

haul a$$
save gas

thats what I'm sayin

Re: 56k, New Tires Anyone?
 

My advice is to go to Ebates.com (4% off), then at that site, select "Tire Rack.com" (least expensive tires out there and save on tax), then get Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus tires (the Plus is important) 225/55/R16's...you will pay a lot less for these PREMIUM
tires, but you will do better on dry and wet, and they will last longer,
so the overall cost will be about the same, but for much better performance. Inflate to 38.:angel:

Re: 56k, New Tires Anyone?
 

I just put a set of the V rated Altimax Hp on our '05 HAH. I suggest running them at 35psi. I like the handling but I don't have enough miles on them yet to know what gas mileage I can expect to get with them. One thing that impressed me is that General is now owned by Continental, and I read somewhere on the internet that Continental is committed to resurrecting the General brand in the US as a premium brand. And the tires were made by our friends to the south in Brazil BTW :).

Re: 56k, New Tires Anyone?
 

Anyone changed the WHEELS on their HAH to something sportier? Anyone know the wight of the HAH oem rim? There are some nice lightweight aftermarkets out there...maybe considering going 17"s with a 45-50 series tire.

Re: 56k, New Tires Anyone?
 

My best recommendation: Go to eBates.com....register....(then you'll get 4% off)....then from there go to Tire Rack.com..(cheapest prices anywhere)..then get Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus (the Plus is important). They don't come in original factory size.
..have to go to a slightly wider profile R16.. tire....can call Tire Rack for assistance.....These tires are more expensive by 1 1/2, but will last twice as long....excellent in dry and wet. You won't regret it..Outperforms everything else!

Re: 56k, New Tires Anyone?
 

235x55x16 is our OEm size almost exactly...

And anyone read anything about the new yokohama Orange oil tires? Advan something?

Re: 56k, New Tires Anyone?
 

I also bought a set of the Michelins the OEM suggested and paid around $800. They are a good tire though and my 05 HAH has over 120k on it. Most of my mileage is highway and I bought it used. The only thing I hate about them is they require a lot of air which makes the ride feel hard. Was told they will last a long time. For that price they better.

Re: 56k, New Tires Anyone?
 

I have Yokohama Advan S2's on the rear of my Honda Accord Hybrid.
Wouldn't buy them again. Overhyped! Suffered much on dry cornering,
which I miss the most, being an aggressive driver (dry is 95% of the time)
not too bad in wet, but lasted only 30,000 on the front.
Wheels? I went with OEM stock 16" Honda Accord (non-hybrid) sport alloy wheels which are online - I got mine through an import auto dealer. A tire shop had to grind down the outer edge of the front brake calipers to make them fit, but it was actually a fairly minor modification. (The front brakes are
Acura brakes and are wide, grinding down the shell didn't hurt anything....

Re: 56k, New Tires Anyone?
 

I went with the H rated Altimax HP and I've had them on the car since June. One tire developed a small bubble on the sidewall (akin to a doorbell button). I was anticipating a nightmare getting either General or the retail shop I purchased the tire from (Town Fair Tire in CT) to replace the tire but to my surprise it was relatively painless. I showed Town Fair the bubble, they called General, and Town Fair received immediate permission to replace the tire. I only ended up paying sales tax.

As for the tires (other than the bubble - but things happen) I'm satisfied. The price was reasonable compared to some other tires, the performance is more than acceptable (I don't have any experience with them in the snow but I anticipate they'll be fine). The sidewalls do seem kind of soft and running extra psi seems to be necessary (I go with 35 psi as well). They are a bit noisier than the Michelins that were originally on the HAH - but for the price I have no gripes.