Archives

It's about time for new tires for the Prius. Costco has the Michelin MXV4+ and also the MXV4-SV8. The SV8 has a slightly high treadware, 440 vs. 400, larger water channels and more siping. But does anyone know if the RRC is greatly different between the + and the SV8. If there is no difference I would get the SV8 in 195/65-15 H rated which has a max PSI of 51, about 2% greater diameter. Anyone know the answer?

Wayne

Hi Wayne:

___For the exact RRc, it appears size also makes a difference within the same family. I would get a hold of a rep at Michelin to find out the exact differences before laying down that kid of coin myself. Let us know what you find if you do in fact call them.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Well I received a reply from Michelin:

Thank you for your email. We appreciate the opportunity to serve you.

The Michelin Energy MXV4 S8 is the newest tread design of the Michelin
Energy MXV4 family. It has the latest in tire technology, including low
rolling resistance.

The Michelin Energy MXV4 Plus is now discontinued.

We appreciate your business.

If your questions have not been answered to your satisfaction, please call
me at 1-800-847-3435 (toll-free) between 8:30AM and 6:00PM Eastern Time
Monday through Friday.


Sincerely,
Alvin
Michelin North America
Consumer Relations




While no RRC numbers given it does not matter since the SV8 is the new tire.

Wayne

Hi Wayne:

___I am pulling all the strings I have at my fingertips to try and get you an answer. I have been passed around like a used beach ball to a final guy who is an engineer at their proving grounds. He has my contact info so hopefully I will hear back form him sometime today. I have to get some sleep but hopefully I will have something for you by tomorrow? Either way, I will let you know what I find.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Hi Wayne:

___One of the engineers did get back to me a few minutes ago. Her name was Lynn Mann although she said there were no individual RRc’s for a specific tire that she can give because they (Michelin) does not test them! The RRc list we have access too with various sizes and make Michelin’s (and many others as well) was a specific test asked for by the government for the DOT report. Sorry I could not be more helpful :(

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Well it's too bad Michelin is lying! They test all their tires to SAE J2452, have to since a number of automakers want to know those numbers to help determine the final EPA MPG numbers of their vehicles. Also they test to ISO 8767 for european tires for the German "Blue Angel" eco-label program.

Since the California fuel economy tire labeling law was basically derailed by the Rubber Manufacturers Association, I guess every tire manufacturer has been tight lipped about the RRC of their tires.

Wayne

Hi Wayne:

___I cannot say that she is lying or not for a given specific tire but she did refer me to the Rubber Manufacturer’s Association wrt future RRc labeling. Sorry I could not do more to help you :(

___Good Luck

___Wayne