New Tires; Worse Gas Mileage. Anyone Else Get This?

[MakinDoForNow]

i recently replaced the factory continentals with different continentals and noticed this. i assumed it was due to the difference in weight from a worn out tire to one that was molded to a full 12/32" tread.

It's not just the worn outness. For instance on my 2022 lariat with the OEM Michelin primacy the after market replacement comes with 0.5 or 1.0 32" more tread which rated for 10 or 15k more miles. Probably with different compound. Weight of the aftermarket replacement primacy is about 3 lbs heavier before any tread wear also. Different tires have different rolling resistance due to tread pattern and compound. Also ambient temp humidity and wind direction and speed can make different mpg. I also have a 2022 XLT which after a recall seems to be getting about - mpg better but no way to tell if it was recall or not but I believe at least half was.

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[Howard]

Has the weather changed since getting the tires--summer, hotter--lower mileage. Has your travel changed since getting the tires--more higher speed highway travel, construction resulting in more congestion or detours? Doesn't take much to cause a 6% change in mpg.

 

[CajunMick]

I’ve always posted on other forums, RV and Ford diesel, I hate buying tires. Especially for the RV, they seem to lose belts, or pop.

It disturbs me when get new vehicles cannot find the OEM tires or like kind anywhere if need to replace. Mfr put tires on the vehicles for a reason, I’m sure. Whether it’s ride, mileage or price.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

I recently went from the (for some reason unevenly) worn Scorpions on FX4 rims to steel take-offs with stock Continental tires and went up a couple mpg. More tread on the "new" ones, and they ride nicely, too. IMO

Based on experience thus far, I would have no complaints sticking with this model of Contis for the life of the vehicle! I probably will look for similar when it's time to replace.

Expect big weight difference in FX4 rims and lighter weight steel rims. Look at the new continental True Contact 70-80k milage with heat activated polymer compound tread. When my Michelin primacy I am considering these since they were $30/tire cheaper when I was checking. Anyway they appear to be worth considering and were $175/ tire at discount when I was looking. The lariat has load range 100 225/60/18 Michelin primacy. If you want heavier load range you would have to step up to the 235/60/18 conti true contact which have 29.1" diameter plus 3-4 lbs heavier and are a ot $30/tire more $.

 

[JOENO123]

I just installed new wheels/tires. I replaced stock18”x7” wheels with 18”x8.5” and stock 225/60/18 tires with 235/60/18. The stock tires only have 1000 miles on them so not worn down. My new setup is 4 lbs. lighter at each corner so I expected to maybe break even on MPG with the weight savings but slightly wider tires. Nope, I am running about 5 MPG less after a week. The hybrid system also seems “reluctant” to engage, at least compared to before I did the swap.
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[JOENO123]

I just installed new wheels/tires. I replaced stock18”x7” wheels with 18”x8.5” and stock 225/60/18 tires with 235/60/18. The stock tires only have 1000 miles on them so not worn down. My new setup is 4 lbs. lighter at each corner so I expected to maybe break even on MPG with the weight savings but slightly wider tires. Nope, I am running about 5 MPG less after a week. The hybrid system also seems “reluctant” to engage, at least compared to before I did the swap.

[/QUOTE]
Also, tires are about 1/2” taller and at 60 mph I’m actually going 61. I know this plays a role as well.

 

[surfstar]

I'm a cheap, penny pincher... but would never throw off-brand tires on my vehicles.
Cost per mile is not much more when you get a quality, lasting tire.

Walmart cheap crap is fine if you're selling or turning in your lease.

 

[bluesteel]

Expect big weight difference in FX4 rims and lighter weight steel rims. Look at the new continental True Contact 70-80k milage with heat activated polymer compound tread. When my Michelin primacy I am considering these since they were $30/tire cheaper when I was checking. Anyway they appear to be worth considering and were $175/ tire at discount when I was looking. The lariat has load range 100 225/60/18 Michelin primacy. If you want heavier load range you would have to step up to the 235/60/18 conti true contact which have 29.1" diameter plus 3-4 lbs heavier and are a ot $30/tire more $.

Thanks, I can probably get another season out of these (outside of winter) but will keep in mind!

 

[Sykotyk]

Softer tires grip the road better and reduce free rolling. Which lowers mpg. Cheap tires are softer rubber and wear faster.

 

[Scott Asheville]

My mileage went up very slightly with new Michelin Defender 2 tires. But those cost me $950 installed (after a $100 military rebate from Quick Lane). Still, I got a better ride, observably better performance (especially at speed in corners), and from all reviews - vastly better tread life.

 

[Lane]

I'm a cheap, penny pincher... but would never throw off-brand tires on my vehicles.
Cost per mile is not much more when you get a quality, lasting tire.

I'm very cost-conscious as well and I agree completely.

I've gotten in the habit of buying slightly used tires off eBay. Consumer Reports ratings gives me an idea of the best name-brand tire for my needs (I chose one that was ECO with low rolling resistance, high treadwear rating, and good in the snow). I then do some searching on eBay for the size of that specific model tire that I want. The better sellers are obvious when looking at their feedback - and their listings will confirm whether the listed tire has been repaired at all and where, provide the manufacture date code (so you know how old the tire is), and provide measurements of its tread depth. I've bought several almost-new sets of tires this way with great results, often right around half the new price, delivered.

For my Mav, I replaced the stock tires with Continental CrossContact LX2 in 235/50R19. This set was $962 at Wal-Mart and I got the set off eBay for about $400 total shipped for all four. Well worth the effort of going this route, IMO. Just mentioning it here as another option for those who want to stretch the dollar.

Speaking of stretching... also bought salvage yard wheels for these tires, repaired and powdercoated them... pics & info are in my build thread (in this specific post) if you want more details.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

I'm very cost-conscious as well and I agree completely.

I've gotten in the habit of buying slightly used tires off eBay. Consumer Reports ratings gives me an idea of the best name-brand tire for my needs (I chose one that was ECO with low rolling resistance, high treadwear rating, and good in the snow). I then do some searching on eBay for the size of that specific model tire that I want. The better sellers are obvious when looking at their feedback - they'll confirm whether the listed tire has been repaired at all and where, provide the manufacture date code (so you know how old the tire is), and provide measurements of its tread depth. I've bought several almost-new sets of tires this way with great results, often right around half the new price, delivered.

For my Mav, I replaced the stock tires with Continental CrossContact LX2 in 235/50R19. This set was $962 at Wal-Mart and I got the set off eBay for about $400 total shipped for all four. Well worth the effort of going this route, IMO. Just mentioning it here as another option for those who want to stretch the dollar.

Speaking of stretching... also bought salvage yard wheels for these tires, repaired and powdercoated them... pics & info are in my build thread (in this specific post) if you want more details.

A possible option for some is UTIRES.COM (free shipping). Can get "single use" tires also. Show remaining tread per tire. I have not purchased from them but my brother-in-law has several times. I did quick look and found this just now.

 

[ClemsonU88]

Has the weather changed since getting the tires--summer, hotter--lower mileage. Has your travel changed since getting the tires--more higher speed highway travel, construction resulting in more congestion or detours? Doesn't take much to cause a 6% change in mpg.

No changes in the weather or type of travel. In fact, I noticed the change on the way home from Wal-Mart.

 

[ClemsonU88]

I just installed new wheels/tires. I replaced stock18”x7” wheels with 18”x8.5” and stock 225/60/18 tires with 235/60/18. The stock tires only have 1000 miles on them so not worn down. My new setup is 4 lbs. lighter at each corner so I expected to maybe break even on MPG with the weight savings but slightly wider tires. Nope, I am running about 5 MPG less after a week. The hybrid system also seems “reluctant” to engage, at least compared to before I did the swap.

[/QUOTE]
What you described about the hybrid system being reluctant to kick in describes mine to a T too. It used to be if I was going 31 mph and gave it a little gas and let off, it would go to electric mode. Now I have to be going 33 or 34 mph to do that.

 

[ClemsonU88]

I'm a cheap, penny pincher... but would never throw off-brand tires on my vehicles.
Cost per mile is not much more when you get a quality, lasting tire.

Walmart cheap crap is fine if you're selling or turning in your lease.

I guess I have you beat in the penny pinching department, because I've put on scores of off-brand tires for the sake of money. The cost per mile may not be much more for good tires, but unfortunately I have to pay for all the miles up front...and that's significant.

But seriously, I would have put better tires on if I was keeping it; but I have a MY25 Maverick on order, so I'm planning to sell this one in the December/January time frame.

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