I suspect this is an area where a REAL national energy policy could make a small but worthwhile difference in our oil consumption. If tire rolling resistance was federally mandated to be tested and displayed on all tires (similar to the energy ratings for all appliances) then some consumers would use that data to make a more informed decision and reduce their fuel consumption.
I agree that lower RR can often equal lower grip or higher cost, but if the tire makers don't have anybody focusing on that data, then they aren't going to put money into the research to develop tires that can do all those things to an acceptable level. This is one of the very few areas where I think our federal government needs to get more involved. Max -----Original Message----- From: mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of ernest breakfield Sent: Monday, October 19, 2009 3:18 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] SD Tires -- Michelin X ??? although i've had good luck in most instances with Michelin on several different vehicles (including Xs and XZXs), the set i put on our 300D several years back tracked and followed road irregularities so badly that the tire shop swapped them out for a set of comparable-level Pirellis. (sorry, i don't have the model number/name of those Michelins handy right now, but they were a rebranded model specifically labeled for one of the major tire chain stores.) much to my surprise, those Pirellis have lasted almost 60K miles so far. WRT to rolling resistance; there was a sidebar in the AAA magazine recently that mentioned one of the subscription consumer organizations (Consumer Reports, IIRC) was the only group actually doing standardized rolling resistance testing. in my experience to date, tires that had lower rolling resistance typically also had poorer traction and/or ride performance. if that's changed for the better (and only fair testing would show that) and assuming that those tires are not suffering in any other area of performance, one has to ask oneself how much one is likely to save in fuel by using those tires to determine if any additional cost it worth it. personally, i'm most interested in a tires grip and reliability, with ride and availability of support following close behind. wear and rolling resistance fall far behind in the list of primary considerations. cheers! e Dillon, Meade M CIV SPAWARSYSCEN-ATLANTIC, 53310 wrote: > A few years ago when I was tire shopping, the lacking bit of > information was tire rolling resistance. I think that there can be as > much as a 10% fuel economy hit with some tires, but good luck trying > to figure out which ones. Michelin is one of the few companies that > does provide some info, and they seem to have relatively low rolling > resistance, but personally I think they are an over-priced tire for > the rest of the performance numbers. I've bought Continental tires > for both my wagon and Wife's Infiniti and I'm quite happy with them. > I've also had Bridgestone Turanza tires on Wife's car and they were > not so great. I calculate a 10% loss in fuel economy vs. the > Michelins I replaces, they were a bit noisy, but great wear and grip. > > Max > > -----Original Message----- > From: mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com > [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of Mitch Haley > Sent: Monday, October 19, 2009 2:35 PM > To: Mercedes Discussion List > Subject: Re: [MBZ] SD Tires -- Michelin X ??? > > > I used to like the Michelin X and XZX about 25 years ago. Don't know > much about the tires that would wear that name today, other than they > don't seem to be available at the Tire Rack. It looks like all the > Michelin have a $70/4 rebate now. Harmony and Hydroedge seem to be > well liked all season tires: > http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/surveydisplay.jsp?type=AS > > The new X look nothing like the X from the 80s and 90s. (one would > hope there would be some advances in tread design since then) > http://www.michelinman.com/tires/passenger-car-minivan/x-radial-dt/ _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
