I hate to add to the clutter of tire threads here and I apologize in advance. I have searched extensively throughout the threads and no one has really mentioned anything in regards to this- - The only H-rated Energy Savers in our size are the "regular" energy savers (summer tires), rated at 400 thread and 50,000 mile warranty - The A/S Energy Savers come in only T-rated in our size. My brothers Volt came stock with these tires but his are H-rated (I am assuming because of the tire size difference they have the H-rated here). Now I know T-rated is more than plenty for us but I guess I was just wondering what the general consensus is. I got the Ecopia EP 422 + about a week ago and I'm not that high on them. I live in socal and weather hasn't been an issue the last decade until about this past winter where it was pretty horrid. Regardless, I am in the market for a good performing, comfortable and quite tire. I don't like how these Ecopia's are loud and how they let every imperfection on the road sway the car around. I even went and got an alignment after putting them on. I do like however the high speed stability that they provide.. I've hit 90-95mph for a couple times for a few stretches and the car felt good. But that is just my opinion on them. From just looking at the thread differences in the Michelins, the T-rated Energy Saver A/S look like they are going to be more quite and more comfortable compared to the H-rated ones. Thanks guys, -AW
I'm not sure what you mean by "regular" energy savers. I checked tirebuyer.com and tirerack.com and only see one model of energy saver, wh8ch is T-speed rated in size 195/65R15. Are you possibly referring to the Defender? I prefer an H-fated tire if it's an option because I live in a hot climate and higher speed ratings have extra reinforcements.
i just got the a/s about 2,000 miles ago. quietest tire i have experienced, great ride, very smooth. but can't comment on handling, they are sufficient for maintaing the speed limit, and driving sensibly in the rain.
You want the H-rates tires based on your performance needs. Even if you never approach the max speed of T-rated tires, the advantages of an H-rated tire is graduated. Imagine a BMW versus a Lamborghini. You may never exceed the BMW's 150 mph governor so why buy a Lamborghini that goes 200 mph? Because even at sedate speeds under 70 mph, the Lambo is faster and more stable.
I've been using Michelin Energy Savers for at least 2 years; they're reliable, surprisingly soft at the 41F 39R pressures I normally use. The grip is excellent and they certainly work well as LRR tyres - I once achieved a freak 72.9mpg driving 16 miles to work! As for high speed performance? No complaints. I've travelled at a sustained 95 mph indicated (warp speed), and my Prius handled perfectly - smooth ride! In the rain, they're entirely trust worthy, thoroughly resistant to hydroplaning when accidentally driving through puddles at high speed. Over all, I'm impressed iPhone ?
