just replaced the factory tires on our Camry with Michellen "Energy" tires from Costco. Our mileage seems to have dropped ever since. What are folks experience with these tires and what inflation pressures are people running? I know that many Prius owners use more pressure then Toyo reccomended.
New tires will always cause a hit in fuel economy. Remember, your previous numbers were on old tires that were likely well worn, and thus had a lower rolling resistance than when they were new. Higher pressures will also reduce the rolling resistance, and I have mine set to sidewall max.
" Could you post the full, kosher name of the tire? Michelin makes several tires with the word "energy". I'm guessing it's "Energy Saver A/S", is that it? Also, how how long is "ever since", a month, a year? If it's just the last tank or two, it could be new tires, seasonal vagaries, trip type.
They are the Energy Saver A/S and Costco installed them with 39.5 psi according to my gauge. I kept the original set of tires at Toyota's spec which is 35 psi. Tomorrow I will up the pressure to 41. It has only been a few hundred miles, but the difference in mileage is noticeable on each trip since the car displays it when you shut off the engine. The cars averages was running 40.3 since 1/1/15 and since buying the new tires it's dropped to 40.1. To be fair, we live in the PNW and our temperatures are dropping and that will impact the mileage. The tires are quite and have better traction in the rain.
Err, did you go from a 195 tire to a 185 tire, that would effect things, yes, the michelin will get possibly 1 mpg less after break in but the safety and security as you find are worth it.
I think you're fine. The difference in mpg is very small, your sample is only a few 100 miles, the tires are very new, and as you said the weather's getting colder/wetter.
They are the correct size, it's an oddball on the 2012 model. I wI'll increase the pressure to 42. I gues the other thing is that new tires would have slightly larger circumference, which would make the cars computer believe that it is traveling a shorter distance dropping its calculation of speed, mileage and economy. I don't know how small that effect would be. We have spun out on wet roads with the old tires, no evidence of that with these tires. Last year we averaged 39.9 over 12 months, it will interesting to see how we finish this year and the next. Considering its size we are very pleased with the mileage.
I raised the pressure to 42 and I definitely feel bumps in the road more. Reflecting on this I think it was unwise of me to jump to conclusions. Two variables that impact mileage, air temperature and tires, changed at the same time. I will have to reevaluate in Spring! Thanks for all the help.
Plus denser air and thicker oil on startup. Among the variables, everything gets worse for fuel efficiency in the winter.
That much of a drop in fuel mileage is not worth worrying about. I would bet its the lower temps. i average about 43 with stop and go short trips around town and about 46 at 75 to 85 mph on highway. I keep tire pressure at Toyota specs for smother ride and less wear and tear on suspension. I leave it in normal mode and drive it like i would any other car.
My 2013 Camry Hybrid came with Michelins. Just replaced them after 49k miles avg 39.6 mpg. I replaced them with some Cooper non LRR I got for $180 a set from Discount Tire Direct. My mpg is now around 36 to 37mpg. That difference is noticeable... iPhone ?
but starting november 5th, no summers in the average. check back in on october 31, 2017. and you can lower the pressures if the ride is too harsh.
