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I have a 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid with the original Continental Eco Trac tires. It's time to replace them, so I through I'd ask: What's the highest quality tire that will help get the most gas mileage? At only 20K miles, the Continentals seem to have worn through to quickly.

I have a related question for the topic. When slecting a tire should I want more rev per mile or less to max mpg potential, Conti is I believe is rated at 721 rev per mile? Or should I trade off for a higher rated wear tire instead of worrying about rev per mile to achieve better mpg? Inflation would be set at max per sidewall.

Hi everyone... new poster here. I've been reading a while and learning a lot.

mikeinta: I have about 16k on the same tires as yours on my 06 MMH, and they look like they are wearing evenly and have plenty of life left on them. I hope it's not a case of accelerated wear over time. I would have no problem purchasing another set of the same tires if they're available. I currently run 40/35 psi on them, but will likely bump that up to 44 to see if it makes any appreciable FE difference.

lone ranger: The same thoughts about tire size (and width) had occurred to me. My opinion (which has no weight :-) ) is that for a vehicle with fixed gearing and final ratios, a larger tire would give some extra headroom at highway cruising with lower rpms, however, for the FEH/MMH with eCVT, I don't think there is any pressing need to lower the engine rpm at highway speeds, especially with the limited power we have available with the 2.3l engine and electric boost. I would trust the Ford engineers to have made a balanced choice on our behalf. A narrower tire of the same type (and with similar load rating) may have better rolling resistance, though. What do you think?

cheers,
Bill

Hi All:

___Changing tire sizes will not add to your FE unless they are lighter. The sizing is for the speedo and handling design so if there is no reason to go over or under, don’t!

___About the FEH … Some 09 info was released the other day (check the News forum) and apparently, Ford has included a low RRc Michelin with the upgraded model. If you can wait, I would grab whatever they are shod with as that is a guarantee of low RR. I just hope they are the same size as the 05 – 08's?

___Good Luck

___Wayne

The previous owner of my truck put on tires and rims from an Explorer - larger rims and tire diameter than original. The end result being that the odometer is off by over 10% - and the speedo is off too but not by as much. I'd try to stick to the same size tire and look for ones with low RR as Wayne is suggesting. The only benefit to the taller tires is that it makes the effective gear ratio taller, yielding less engine revs per mile, but it really makes a slow vehicle even SLOWER... just for grins the other day I did a 0-60 run. Heh I should make this a contest to see who can get the closest to the time?

Uh... 26s?

___I didn’t even consider the gear ratio of a taller tire. Yes, there would be a good reason for them along with the negatives posted previously …

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Hmmmm, wouldn't lower rpm translate to less gas used or would it be nominal? I don't travel much over 65 on the interstate and on the expressway in the city I keep it between 50 and 60, while using PG whenever I can.

I've considered a lighter tire and a narrower width to lessen RR while keeping the same OEM height. I figure a harder compound tire would lessen my RR coupled with increased tire pressure also. I've seen tires that weigh as little as 28# and over 32#. Any weight taken off that is not absolutely needed I figure to be a plus that the car doesn't have to haul. Now if I can find rims half the wgt of the OEM I'd be on a diet. That's about all I'd skin off the FEH, tire and rim weight.

Yep - I'd check out the Michelin's!! :)

Hi All:

___Changing tire sizes will not add to your FE unless they are lighter. The sizing is for the speedo and handling design so if there is no reason to go over or under, don’t!

___About the FEH … Some 09 info was released the other day (check the News forum) and apparently, Ford has included a low RRc Michelin with the upgraded model. If you can wait, I would grab whatever they are shod with as that is a guarantee of low RR. I just hope they are the same size as the 05 – 08's?

___Good Luck

___Wayne

I was hoping a low RR Michelin would be available when it's time to replace my Eco-Plus tires on my '05 FEH. They have 44,000 miles on them now and have plenty of tread left to wait for the new Michelin low RR tires. Here's what one article says about the new Michelin for the '09 FEH/MMH:

"* A new 16-inch Michelin tire design offers improved rolling resistance that contributes to fuel efficiency, while also bringing improvements in quiet operation, steering and handling, and stopping distance."

With all the improvements on the '09 FEH/MMH, it may be time for me to upgrade to the '09. After driving the '08 MMH, I'm sure now it can out perform my '05 with the same air pressure in the tires and getting use to the new changes.

GaryG

Hi Gary:

___I am not sure if you saw this here or not yet but it may help …

2009 Ford Escape Hybrid/Mercury Mariner Hybrid features and upgrades revealed (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8466)

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Hi Gary:

___I am not sure if you saw this here or not yet but it may help …

2009 Ford Escape Hybrid/Mercury Mariner Hybrid features and upgrades revealed (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8466)

___Good Luck

___Wayne

I've seen a few articles during my research on any planned improvements on the HV battery. I've heard a few people say that regen in "L" has been reduced in the '07's and I now can confirm that in the '08. It takes longer to go EV using "L" in the '08 which through off my timing a bit, but the milder regen most likely puts the same amount charge with a FS in "L". My '05 has a very hard and fast FS in "L" which may have an advantage for quick FS without going EV when not planned.

GaryG

I'm in the same boat, needing to get new tires for our '06 FEH. Any word on if the new Michelin tires have been released yet? If so, what is the part number?

Thanks!
Daniel Smith
Ft. Worth, TX

I'm in the same boat, needing to get new tires for our '06 FEH. Any word on if the new Michelin tires have been released yet? If so, what is the part number?

Thanks!
Daniel Smith
Ft. Worth, TX

Ford had Michelin make the Latitude Tour tires special with LRR materials. The Michelin site I looked at doesn't list the size or cost for the Escape Latitude LRR tires, so these tires will most likely be only available through Ford Dealers. Ford sold the Eco-Plus at a fair price in my opinion, but these Michelin Latitudes could be very pricey even from Ford. I plan to replace my original Eco-Plus tires (now with 48,000 miles) with these tires when they need replacing.
http://www.1010tires.com/tire.asp?tirebrand=Michelin&tiremodel=Latitude+Tour+HP

These tires should be available very soon, so check with your Ford Dealer.

GaryG

Hi Gary:

___If there is a fly in the ointment, it is the Michelin’s … The Accord’s OEM Michelin Energy replacements are pushing into the $140 a piece range and I can almost bet you will not find a great price like the Conti-Trak Eco’s that were on the FEH and regular Conti’s on the Ranger :ccry:

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Hi All:

___Although this was linked earlier, here it is again for those that are interested in the Michelin Latitude’s …

New tire helps roll better FE for the 2009 FEH and MMH

The 2009 Ford Escape and 2009 Mercury Mariner are rolling out a new set of tires for improved fuel economy.

These two fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly SUVs boast a projected 1 mpg fuel economy improvement for both four- and six-cylinder models, thanks in part to a new set of 16-inch Michelin Latitude Tour low-rolling-resistance tires.

Ford and Michelin collaborated to optimize the tires’ mold design and implement a new-generation tread stock for the new Latitude Tour tire. Low-rolling-resistance tires are part of a multifaceted Ford approach to improving fuel economy. Other initiatives include the introduction of energy-efficient, six-speed automatic transmissions and more fuel efficient engine technologies.

The P235/70R16 tires are standard for all Escape and Mariner models, including hybrids.

In addition to improved fuel economy, the new tire is quieter, and Ford engineers say it delivers more precise handling, responsive steering and helps shorten braking distances. Escape and Mariner drivers also will notice reduced road noise and tire wear as well as better performance in wet and snow conditions.

And a little something extra ...

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/550/09_FEH_NAVI-HEV_Screen.jpg
2009 FEH/MMH NAVI/HEV Info screen

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Thanks to all for the pointers!!