It's been a couple of weeks since the new tires (185/60/14 Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S) went on and I wanted to give everyone an update.

• Mileage - First week was tough as I had one morning commute that took 2 1/2 hours vs. the normal 55 minutes coupled with several evening commutes in torrential downpours and a/c running. First week I only managed to squeak by in the low 50's with the tires at 44 psi. Down about 3 mpg from normal. Second week has been much better with tires at 48 psi and no a/c. I'm averaging 56 so far with a 58 on this morning's drive in. Essentially, no change from where I was with the Bridgestones although I am driving a few mph slower staying between 62 and 65 mph most of the time. So, lower mph and higher psi equals almost the same mpg! <

• Ride and Handling - I can't say enough about this subject, but I'll try to restrain myself. These tires are worlds apart from the RE92s. The ride is significantly better. Even at 48 psi! The handling is fantastic and I have no problems with tramlining in ruts on the highway. Off ramps are a joy as this car just sails through like a go-cart. Don't let me forget, QUIET! These tires are so much quieter than the stock Bridgestones, it's hard to believe that I'm running a wider tire with more rubber on the road.<

• Bottom line - If you are looking for an excellent compromise between high mpg and comfortable ride with great handling then I would heartliy recommend you give these michelins a try. If you are willing to air up a bit past max and slow down a smidge, my experience is that you'll come very close to maintaining your current mpg. YMMV. If you have the need for speed and are willing to sacrifice a few mpg to the ride and handling gods, then give these a shot. If however, you are happy with your Bridgestones and the thought of losing even one mpg gives you anxiety, then pass on these tires. <

• On a side note, the Wet Okoles are fantastic, the GOGRN vanity plate is on order and I'm toying with the idea of putting some silver/grey ghost flames on the side of my little silver spacebug! Also, I'm waiting on a reply from Rostra for a local installer and price quote on cruise control installation and the design work has started overseas on the prototype armrest!<

 

How many miles did the original tires have?

 

They had around 21k on them.

 

I ordered Goodyear Assurance tires for my new '05 Prius. The new tires were waiting at the dealer when the car arrived. The dealer made the switch. I sold the OEMs on e-bay. I think its a shame to put a marginal tire like the Goodyear Integrity or Bridgestone Potenza on a new Prius. The Assurance offers great handling in all weather, comfort and good rolling resistance. Its probably just a personal hangup with me and tires. I just have problems with so-so tires on a great car. I ordered the Assurance through TireRack and had them delivered directly to the dealer.

 

Great post! I just put this exact tire on - 185/60/14 Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S - based partly on this post as well, of course, other research. The noise reduction is so very welcome and profound. From very noisy at highway speeds to actually quiet. Interesting how the car has low wind noise - I can hear that now, or not hear it ....

The handling improvement is also great. Except for too much body lean, the car is a little sports car now. It drives beautifully.

Honda made a mistake by putting those original tires on. They made the car a weird drive and uncomfortably noisy. Took a bit of a kook to buy one, like me, and you. But with these new tires, the car is just great.

Yes, mileage is off. Not sure how much - 5 to 10 percent. And its lost its acceleration snap. It still accelerates just fine for any normal driving needs. But its not as good/fun as it used to be. Hmmm, I could try running the CVC in S mode....

Anyway, thanks for the recommendation.

 

Thanks for the informaton and keep us posted on the arm rest progress.

 

on my 02 insight, at 55k miles, I upsized to 175x65x14, ran 5k with an 8-10% reduction in mpg. this corrected the odometer somewhat. after 5k, I replaced the RE92s and fuel mileage went back up. I now have 98,500 miles on the original RE92s, and have new replacement waiting to go on as soon as I break 100,000k on them. I got 85,000 on the front pads and over six years have gotten 68-92mpg with median of 72 mpg. anything bigger changes the gear ratio to much, but once up and going it might help. look at the specs. RE92s come with 7/32 tread (not 11/32) weight is 3 lbs less per tire. after switching twice, I have deceided to stick with the RE92s for another 100k (?).

I have my own tire mounting machine and electronic wheel balancer and I keep meticulous records on all 12 automobiles that I own.

CAPT Campbell

 

My 2000 Insight is still on the original tires and My LMPG is hovering around 75mpg so I can't complain. However, I noticed another 2000 Insight was for sale near my office and it has aftermarket tires so I could not resist the chance to compare the difference.

I test drove this vehicle and was amazed at how soft and quiet the ride was compared to mine. However, the MPG was drastically reduced. I could only manage high 50s on the same road that my car could easily pull 60-70mpg. My car with 60psi rides rough and has much more interior noise but I am not willing to give up my MPG for more comfort. I would have been interested to increase the psi from 35 to 45 or 50 on this car to see a better comparison but I did not have time and I'm not sure the owner would have appreciated it.

 

I as well keep psi @ 50, I tried 60 for a few months, road noise was worse, back to 50 and have stayed there for several years.

as for maintenence, only oil and filter, not air filter as yet, but went through 3 headlight replacements.?? 3cents/mile running costs over 6 years is not bad,