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Release date 06/01/2010
YONKERS, NY — Consumer Reports’ tests of two all-season, low-rolling resistance tires—the Michelin Energy Saver A/S and the Cooper GFE—revealed that they not only save gas, but also deliver good stopping and handling capabilities. In the past, consumers had to weigh a trade-off between a tire’s fuel efficiency and its overall performance.
For years, automakers have specified fuel-saving tires as original equipment to help improve a vehicle’s fuel economy numbers. Tires with lower “rolling resistance”—the amount of force that it takes to push a tire down a road—are more fuel efficient than others. But replacement tires aren’t limited to an automaker’s requirements, and attributes such as all-season grip and tread life are big selling points with consumers. In the past, consumers had to weigh a trade-off between low rolling resistance and other performance attributes—such as good dry- and wet-weather grip for stopping and cornering.
More recently, tire manufacturers have been achieving a better balance between rolling resistance and all-weather grip. To see how far the manufacturers had come, CR tested two all-season models that are being marketed for their claimed fuel efficiency.
Both the Michelin Energy Saver A/S and Cooper GFE fared well in Consumer Reports’ tests but the Michelin was exceptional. It not only had the lowest rolling resistance of any all-season tire that CR has tested in recent years, it also scored “Very Good” in dry and wet braking.
The Cooper GFE’s rolling resistance was not as low as the Michelin’s, but it performed well in tests of hydroplaning resistance and emergency handling and was rated “Good” for both snow traction and ice braking.
Rolling resistance accounts for about 4 percent of a vehicle’s fuel use in city driving and about 7 percent on the highway, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Replacing high-rolling resistance tires can result in as much as $100 in annual fuel savings—and potentially hundreds of dollars over the life of the tire.
CR’s tire engineers cautioned consumers not to buy a tire based solely on its fuel-saving capabilities. “Short term savings are relatively small. But most consumers will likely see long-term fuel savings over the life of a tire,’ said Gene Petersen, a senior engineer for Consumer Reports who oversees its tire test program. “No matter what tire your car is rolling on, it’s critical to maintain proper inflation.”
Consumer Reports advises buyers to choose a tire based on your personal driving style and the road conditions that you are likely to encounter—and use rolling resistance ratings as a tie-breaker. Buyers in northern climates may prefer a tire that delivers great traction on wet or snowy roads, for example, while those in warmer climates may put more emphasis on dry braking or ride comfort scores.
For comparison purposes, Consumer Reports examined how the two newly-tested tires stacked up against 23 other models T-rated tires previously rated by CR. In that ratings chart, the Michelin Energy Saver A/S ranked second overall behind the Michelin HydroEdge. The Cooper GFE ranked 11th overall.
Consumer Reports’ overall score for tires emphasizes safety-related tests including braking, handling, and resistance to hydroplaning. CR also evaluates rolling resistance, ride comfort, noise, snow traction, ice braking and tread life.
Full tests and ratings for all-season tires appear in the July issue of Consumer Reports, which goes on sale June 1. The reports are also available to subscribers of www.ConsumerReports.org. Updated daily, ConsumerReports.org is the go-to site for the latest auto reviews, product news, blogs on breaking news and car buying information.
With more than 7 million print and online subscribers, Consumer Reports is one of the most trusted sources for information and advice on consumer products and services. It conducts the most comprehensive auto-test program of any U.S. publication or Web site and owns and operates a 327-acre Auto Test Center in Connecticut. The organization’s auto experts have decades of experience in driving, testing, and reporting on cars. To subscribe, consumers can call 1-800-234-1645 or visit www.ConsumerReports.org.
Consumer Reports is a nonprofit membership organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. For 80 years, CR has provided evidence-based product testing and ratings, rigorous research, hard-hitting investigative journalism, public education, and steadfast policy action on behalf of consumers’ interests. Unconstrained by advertising or other commercial influences, CR has exposed landmark public health and safety issues and strives to be a catalyst for pro-consumer changes in the marketplace. From championing responsible auto safety standards, to winning food and water protections, to enhancing healthcare quality, to fighting back against predatory lenders in the financial markets, Consumer Reports has always been on the front lines, raising the voices of consumers.
© 2010 Consumer Reports. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to work side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports® magazine, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our prior written permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent unauthorized commercial use of its content and trademarks.
Consumer Reports is a nonprofit membership organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. For 80 years, CR has provided evidence-based product testing and ratings, rigorous research, hard-hitting investigative journalism, public education, and steadfast policy action on behalf of consumers’ interests. Unconstrained by advertising or other commercial influences, CR has exposed landmark public health and safety issues and strives to be a catalyst for pro-consumer changes in the marketplace. From championing responsible auto safety standards, to winning food and water protections, to enhancing healthcare quality, to fighting back against predatory lenders in the financial markets, Consumer Reports has always been on the front lines, raising the voices of consumers.
© 2010 Consumer Reports. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to work side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports® magazine, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our prior written permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent unauthorized commercial use of its content and trademarks.