New Tires for 2005 Escape = Poor Gas Mileage?

We must make several assumptions here. First - your put on the same sized
Michelins as your Continentals. Second - the Michelins are inflated to the
same pressure as the original tires. Lastly - your driving style and type of
driving hasn't changed. If all of these are the same (not similar mind you
but the same) then it is probably due to the fact that Michelins are noted
for having very flexible sidewalls, giving the tires a softer, quieter ride.
The softer tires may give more rolling resistance and account for your
(miniscule) increase in fuel consumption.

DaveD

I exchanged the Conti's that were on my '02 for a set of Firestone
Destination LE's at about 20K miles and also noticed a slight decrease (19.0
to 18.5), but since I could at least stop and start on sand or wet roads, I
considered it a good trade-off. The Continentals were the worst tires I have
ever driven on, and I've owned cars since '62. They had absolutely no
traction whatsoever, even in the best of weather conditions.

I'm sorry the Escape has been a disappointment to you. I have almost 70K
miles on mine, and the only thing I've changed were the leaky rear shocks at
50K, and the soft-metal front rotors at 25K miles. I still get 18.0-18.5MPG
on 90% in-town driving and 23 on the highway. I find it comfortable and
relatively smooth riding (for a mid-size SUV), and has more than enough
power to avoid idiots that are trying to ram me (LOL!).
--
SC Tom

Which Michelin tire did you buy?  I'm getting ready to replace my Mariner
tires this fall.

(We love our Mariner by the way...)

Derek

M wrote:

size/pressure the same?  P/LT ??

You bought a car that gets only 17.5MPG, and all of a sudden you are
concerned about gas mileage?

Of course he is! A decrease of only 1mpg makes a significant change in the
cost per mile. Besides that, how does the fact that he bought a vehicle that
gets only 17.5mpg figure into this situation? I suppose if he had purchased
a vehicle that got 25mpg, a 2mpg decrease wouldn't be a concern? Totally
illogical.
DaveD

Dave D wrote:

I think what Z is saying is why would someone buy a 17MPGer and worry
about fuel economy in general.

someone who was worried about fuel economy would buy a toyota corolla.

Perhaps this someone wanted the specific vehicle he purchased for a specific
reason and although he was concerned about the fuel consumption it was not
the primary factor in selecting the vehicle. Think maybe???? My truck gets
around 14mpg and I am fine with that. If the fuel consumption increased to
10 or 12mpg I would be concerned! I really think what Z was saying was
nothing more than a wise ass remark. All too common from many in this
group...
DaveD