Replacement Tires

A simple way to avoid losing MPG is go with the OEM tires at replacement tires. Honda chooses these primarily for good mileage.

What model are your Dunlops? Our '06 came with Bridgestone Insignia Se200. When they get too worn I'll likely replace with the same for summer usage. I think either the Bridgestone Insignia Se200, or your OEM Dunlops would be best choice for mileage. Review them both and compare on TireRack for handling/traction, but unfortunately not much info re Rolling Resistance.

We have Nokian WRG2 on right now, on steel rims, as our "Winter" tires. I think they are responsible for a small downturn in fuel economy, not too bad though.

The Dunlops are the SP31's. The dealer said there are two models which makes it more confusing. They charge for the tires and he said the prices fluctuate with the oil prices and then they want 22.00 for mounting and I have to pay for rotations and balancing going forward. Thats why I want to get them at on of the clubs. I'll have to see if Sams can get the OEM's because they sell the dunlops but that OEM is not listed on their website. The tires were starting to wear and I had them rebalanced and it did not help much. I took them back to the dealer to check the balance again and I had to get the control arms replaced, like the 06 and 07 models with those problems.

I've done all that research. I'm looking for actual applications of replacements. Even on tire rack you can search by vehicle and see most comments. Most people just can't wait to get rid of the OEM tires and replace them for better handling tires. No many mention MPG statistics. But, as you can see on the tirerack review the Dunlop SP31's are not rated very good. I've gotten over 43,000 miles at this point but I was told mostly highway miles will always get more mileage from tires. I guess I'm just heading into a point where most owners have not had to replace tires yet. I'd like to get tires that have a good mileage warranty because of all the miles I am driving. The Michelin's that have the best LRR (Energy MXV4 S8) don't have a mileage warranty but have a 6 years warranty listing. Michelin said 40,000.

John...

Rolling Resistance ratings seem pretty spotty, especially considering the interest in it.

Up to now, at least my take: what seems to go hand-in-hand is low rolling resistance and lackluster traction. As to ditching OEM for something "better": one thing to keep in mind: a major factor in Honda's choice of OEM tires was to achieve good mileage ratings.

You hear a lot of stories of people swapping their OEM's for something better, and then reporting a drop in mileage. Considering the likely improvement in wet/snow traction, it's a trade-off worth considering.

The Nokian WRG2 we've been rolling on for the winter months are actually not too bad for rolling resistance, and if there's possibility of snow in your area they are *way* ahead of our Bridgestone's, escpecially with our's being down to around 5/32" tread depth remaining, they're really bad in snow.

I'll put the Bridgestones back on in a month or so, and I'm sure there'll be some improvement in mileage, but I suspect it won't be a night-and-day difference.

i installed the KR21's last week and have not seen a hit or gain in my mpg. I am running 42F/40R for pressure. can't beat the price either i paid $216.00 for the set of 4 installed. i hated the bridgestone's for all around feel and performance they started to get loud towards the end, i got 34k out of them. the KR21's are quiet, smooth and corner better.

Do you have a 2008 Civic? My dealer in Windsor ON Canada swears my 2008 CIVIC 5 speed manual doesn't have the bad control arms (rear) but I've had the cupping, bad wear problem from day one (now 38,000 miles). After paying myself for 3 alignments (at $99 plys tax each) and buying 1 tire to replace one that was totally worn on 1 side, my dealer now feels that a fair deal is if I buy 2 tires, he buys one, and HONDA Canada will buy the fourth. I get to throw away the tire I had to buy, since it's now not recommended for replacement on the 2008 CIVIC. Nice....they've replaced 1 of 4 tires after my outlay of over $300 over the last year and a half. If you have a 2008 CIVIC, watch for cupping along the edge of your tires....it is caused by rear control arm issues together with improper alignment specs (for the 5 speed manual the service manager says)....specs just changed in Jan 2010 per my dealer. Again, I have a 2008 which is NOT supposed tohave the probelm, but I did very clearly have a wear issue....the other thing that happens when the tire wears and cups, is that you will feel/hear a thrumming or vibration at highway 60+ mph speeds. Sounds like a wheel bearing...

I also have a 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid with severe cupping. The dealer refused to deal with the problem since the car has control arms stamped with a "C". I contacted Honda America and provided with information on the tire rotations and alignments, all as was required for warranty. Honda America says suspension is within specifications, control arms are good, and they will not help with replacing tires AND if I buy new tires and these exhibit the same cupping problem they will not help. Insist that there is no latent defect in car and cause is "driver habits." This excuse was also applied to my questioning why the rotors developed "hot spots" at 30,000 miles and needed replacement (NOT covered under 36K/3 year warranty). My only evidence is 40+ years of driving and NEVER seeing tire cupping OR getting hot spots on rotors. Between the lame "driver habits" excuse for what seem to be Honda design issues and significant TSBs I can't ever see buying a Honda again. Bad product and bad service all the way to the top.

After reviewing many hours worth of LRR information and testing performed by Tire Rack, I must conclude that the whole concept of going green and increasing fuel economy is something that the Big Industries dont desire. My 06 HCH has dunlop SF20 tires, and they perform "ok". When looking for a tire that increases fuel economy as indicated on tire rack, the Michelin Energy A/S supplied about 4% improved fuel economy. The Energy Saver A/S also rated among the top 5 tires rated by consumers on tire rack.
Since Tire Racks surveys do not currently include ratings for fuel efficiency, one must do extensive research to find a tire that meets every potential need. Based on all the reviews and overall tests, manufacturer reputation in regards to recall and reputation, I sought out the Energy Saver A/S as the next potential HCH replacement tire.

The problem. None to be found anywhere. Michelin themselves have the tire on BO and no build date.

One online dealership, discountwheelsandTires.com, sell the tires in my size for 76.00 each plus shipping. So I called them after not getting any response from my email inquiry. Of course they dont have any... and have a few problems with the better buisness bureau.
to view the company-> http://www.la.bbb.org/business-reviews/Automobile-Parts-and-Supplies-Ret...

The next potential candidate tire was the Continental ProContact with EcoPlus technology. But, I heard from a sears rep that the Continental tire company was going through a severe recall of many of their tires separating during normal operation.

So the search continues, Anyone who has some good news about replacement tires for hybrids or knows where the Michelin Energy Saver A/S is in stock, I would really appreciate the information.