Wheel change makes massive difference in fuel consumption

[MikeInWimbledon]

Perhaps Michelin Energy Saver tyres really do save some energy?

Could the clue be in the name?

Can we explain the saving by a combination of the tyre profile, tyre composition, wheel weight and design?

 

[CaptainChaos]

Could the clue be in the name?

Can we explain the saving by a combination of the tyre profile, tyre composition, wheel weight and design?

Certainly sounds reasonable to me. The original ones will be easier to clean as well!

 

[garycat]

Could the clue be in the name?

Can we explain the saving by a combination of the tyre profile, tyre composition, wheel weight and design?

Well I'll soon be changing to Goodyear Efficientgrip Performance as I prefer Goodyear and they are quieter, so I'll see if that makes a difference.

 

[190]

Could the clue be in the name?

Can we explain the saving by a combination of the tyre profile, tyre composition, wheel weight and design?

Low rolling resistance tyres will help in overall use but the aerodynamic effects will dominate at high speed. While all relatively small contributions, wider tyres have a four fold negative effect: frontal area increases, the drag coefficient worsens, overall weight increases and the rotational inertia increases. The aerodynamic wheel design is an unknown. Mb just say it's more efficient. I'm still surprised that it all adds up to as much saving as has been shown.

 

[Wolfie1]

I wonder how much less grip a low friction tyre has to a standard tyre

 

[190]

You would expect some compromises in an energy saving tyre otherwise all tyres would perform the same in terms of rolling resistance. And yet the Michelins while not bang up to date seem to do very well in tyre comparison tests. Though not a fast driver I notice no lack of grip with them.

 

[kid-jensen]

I've noticed a marginal reduction in MPG when going from 255/55/19 to 285/50/18.
Everything else is upsides, and I'd never go back.

 

[CaptainChaos]

You would expect some compromises in an energy saving tyre otherwise all tyres would perform the same in terms of rolling resistance. And yet the Michelins while not bang up to date seem to do very well in tyre comparison tests. Though not a fast driver I notice no lack of grip with them.

I had those Michelins on my last car and thought them very good indeed.
Low wear rate, good grip, reasonable price. Terrible in snow though!