MPG improved with heavier tires???
Our F150 came with the stock P rated, SR-A Wranglers.
I didn't think they were as bad as most people claim, but if I needed new tires, why not try to eek out some improvement? So I debated going with another P tire or an LT. I ended up going with the Michelin Defender LTX M/S in an E load range.
From all of my research, I was expecting a bit stiffer ride, which I have now experienced and appreciate. I was also expecting to lose roughly 1 mpg due to the heavier tire. I stayed with the same size.
However, after 3-4 weeks, what I'm getting is about a 1-2 mpg increase on my work commute and a 4mpg increase on highway driving. A recent trip from Greenville to Gatlinburg (through the mountains on I40) I returned with a 23.5 mpg average on the truck computer (which is confirmed accurate).
What's going on? Could the quality of tire make that much difference? Less rolling resistance? Is the tire a different diameter and throwing off the computer? Whatever the case, I'll certainly be happy at around 23mpg on highway trips.
BTW, love the tire. Handling and noise are noticeably improved.
I didn't think they were as bad as most people claim, but if I needed new tires, why not try to eek out some improvement? So I debated going with another P tire or an LT. I ended up going with the Michelin Defender LTX M/S in an E load range.
From all of my research, I was expecting a bit stiffer ride, which I have now experienced and appreciate. I was also expecting to lose roughly 1 mpg due to the heavier tire. I stayed with the same size.
However, after 3-4 weeks, what I'm getting is about a 1-2 mpg increase on my work commute and a 4mpg increase on highway driving. A recent trip from Greenville to Gatlinburg (through the mountains on I40) I returned with a 23.5 mpg average on the truck computer (which is confirmed accurate).
What's going on? Could the quality of tire make that much difference? Less rolling resistance? Is the tire a different diameter and throwing off the computer? Whatever the case, I'll certainly be happy at around 23mpg on highway trips.
BTW, love the tire. Handling and noise are noticeably improved.
