quieter tires (with same or better MPG)?
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 39
From: Fl
Re: quieter tires (with same or better MPG)?
It is the speed rating of the tire. In this case "V" is good for 149 MPH. Yeah right in a Hybrid
Here are the rest of the ratings:
M 81 mph 130 km/h
N 87 mph 140km/h Temporary Spare Tires
P 93 mph 150 km/h
Q 99 mph 160 km/h Studless & Studdable Winter Tires
R 106 mph 170 km/h H.D. Light Truck Tires
S 112 mph 180 km/h Family Sedans & Vans
T 118 mph 190 km/h Family Sedans & Vans
U 124 mph 200 km/h
H 130 mph 210 km/h Sport Sedans & Coupes
V 149 mph 240 km/h Sport Sedans, Coupes & Sports Cars
Here are the rest of the ratings:
M 81 mph 130 km/h
N 87 mph 140km/h Temporary Spare Tires
P 93 mph 150 km/h
Q 99 mph 160 km/h Studless & Studdable Winter Tires
R 106 mph 170 km/h H.D. Light Truck Tires
S 112 mph 180 km/h Family Sedans & Vans
T 118 mph 190 km/h Family Sedans & Vans
U 124 mph 200 km/h
H 130 mph 210 km/h Sport Sedans & Coupes
V 149 mph 240 km/h Sport Sedans, Coupes & Sports Cars
Ridiculously Active Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 661
From: Tucson, AZ
Re: quieter tires (with same or better MPG)?
I just purchased a new set of Kumho Ecsta LX Platinum tires after getting 44,000 on the original Michelins. The Kumho tires are much smoother and quieter. They are getting the same mpg at a much lower cost. They are v-rated and have a 600 rating compared to the 440 rating of the Michelins.
Ridiculously Active Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,312
From: Southern New Mexico
Re: quieter tires (with same or better MPG)?
I just looked up that tire on www.tirerack.com/ By tire size 215/60/16
I see this one has a 51psi max tire pressure. Kumo also offers a Solus KR21 tire that also seems popular but shows 44 psi max pressure. Their are some reviews on both of these tires on the rack site.
I see this one has a 51psi max tire pressure. Kumo also offers a Solus KR21 tire that also seems popular but shows 44 psi max pressure. Their are some reviews on both of these tires on the rack site.
Ridiculously Active Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 661
From: Tucson, AZ
Re: quieter tires (with same or better MPG)?
I just looked up that tire on www.tirerack.com/ By tire size 215/60/16
I see this one has a 51psi max tire pressure. Kumo also offers a Solus KR21 tire that also seems popular but shows 44 psi max pressure. Their are some reviews on both of these tires on the rack site.
I see this one has a 51psi max tire pressure. Kumo also offers a Solus KR21 tire that also seems popular but shows 44 psi max pressure. Their are some reviews on both of these tires on the rack site.
Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8
Re: quieter tires (with same or better MPG)?
[quote=jbollt;184495]Carlton, would you be able to give us an updated report on your Kumho Ecsta LX Platinum tires please? I have 40,000 miles on my Michelins and it looks like I will need tires in the next 4,000 or 5,000 miles also. I am considering buying these tires as well. Please advise on mpg changes, if any, road noise, and road feel. Most new tires are quieter than the worn-out ones that are replaced, so that may be hard to analyze. Thanks
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 45
From: Los Angeles, CA
Re: quieter tires (with same or better MPG)?
Thanks for the feedback.
Just to clarify, I'm looking for a quieter tire that returns the same or better MPG. However long tread wear is not a priority (of course, it would be nice).
I drive about 4000 miles per year, so even a tire with below average tread wear is okay. The car is used for short errands, and for occasional side trips (200 - 300 miles each way) -- and it's on these trips (mainly on the freeway) that a quieter tire would be welcome.
My reasons for wanting the same or better MPG are mainly environmental (vs. economical). Even so, with rising gas prices, I think the total cost to own will be lower than for a gas Camry.
P.S. Other than this tire noise issue (which is not really bad, I just want it to be quieter), the car is excellent.
Just to clarify, I'm looking for a quieter tire that returns the same or better MPG. However long tread wear is not a priority (of course, it would be nice).
I drive about 4000 miles per year, so even a tire with below average tread wear is okay. The car is used for short errands, and for occasional side trips (200 - 300 miles each way) -- and it's on these trips (mainly on the freeway) that a quieter tire would be welcome.
My reasons for wanting the same or better MPG are mainly environmental (vs. economical). Even so, with rising gas prices, I think the total cost to own will be lower than for a gas Camry.
P.S. Other than this tire noise issue (which is not really bad, I just want it to be quieter), the car is excellent.
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 24
From: Valparaiso, Indiana
Re: quieter tires (with same or better MPG)?
I have 38K on the original Bridgestones, and they are into the wear indicators. I guess I'm lucky to get that many miles out of them. I have them pumped to 40psi and have been getting aroung 40mpg during the warmer months here in Indiana.
I just ordered a set of Kumho Ecsta LX Platinum tires. Should be in Monday or Tuesday for installation. Waiting to see if it improves MPG. Good reports on that tire on the Tire Rack and other web sites. They were over $150 less than the Michelins I was looking at . I will update when I get some miles on the new tires.
I just ordered a set of Kumho Ecsta LX Platinum tires. Should be in Monday or Tuesday for installation. Waiting to see if it improves MPG. Good reports on that tire on the Tire Rack and other web sites. They were over $150 less than the Michelins I was looking at
. I will update when I get some miles on the new tires.
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 24
From: Valparaiso, Indiana
Re: quieter tires (with same or better MPG)?
Had the tires installed yesterday. Less than $480 installed for the set. I had them inflated to 40psi like the Bridgestones. The first thing I noticed is that the car started easier in EV mode and the lack of "road noise" from the Bridgestones. I'm headed on a road trip this week/weekend and will see if the tires are as quiet on the road and if the MPG increases as well.
