I got new tires over the weekend. Same model I had before: Goodyear TripleTread. Just before I got them changed, I was getting 450-500 miles a tank. Now, I'm midway through the first new tank of gas and I haven't even hit 200 miles.

Is it typical for new tires to reduce gas mileage? Is there some kind of break-in period?

If anyone cares, the Tripletread tires have been very good for me. I did get 85k miles out of them. Being in Florida, I was most concerned about the water performance and they behaved quite well in downpours.

 

are you running the same pressure?

The tread of the new tires is softer and probably causes more rolling resistance than your old set. Also the larger O.D. of the new tires could effecting your gas milage.

 

I don't check the tire pressure with any regularity, so I can't say.

I will give consideration to the softer rubber. It's a great feeling driving on new tires because they stick so well. It would have to come at a price.

I guess the greater tire diameter could be making my odometer understate the mileage I was getting out a tank. Wouldn't that suck, to think that my changed driving habits had such a big effect when it was just my tires wearing out.

 

check your pressure. that's especially important since the temperature is dropping this time of year.

 

They could also be heavier then your old set.

 

The pressure will have the greatest impact on your mileage, although weight and diameter will also affect it (to a much smaller degree).

On my 04 TSX, running them at 32/30 as suggested by the sticker in the door gave me awful mileage on the stock tires - running at 36 all around worked great with the OEM Michelins. The max press. listed on the sidewalls of my current Kumho Ecstas is 55psi. I've found that pressures of 40/36 give the best balance of performance and economy. With my old Falken Ziex set, it was 38/36.

YMMV (no pun intended!)

 

Your loss of mileage is probably due to pressure. Make sure you check and boost the pressure. Also are the GY tires directional? Check to make sure they are mounted correctly.

However tires do have a breaking in period of a around 500 miles. During this period the observed deviation is usually on traction and handling. This is due to the fact that your old tire were bald(er) and had lower thread depth which made it respond better. The new tire has deeper thread so that will cause delayed response. Moreover the new tire is also curing which causes it to bleed off the excess lubricant used in building the tire. This is typically worn off within 500 miles.

 

I first read "New tires suck ass"


That's what I thought about my new tires.
As far as gas though, it doesn't seem improbable. 'Stickier' tires, heavier possibly, idk.

 

Follow-up: Tire pressure was/is fine. After first tank, mileage has pretty much returned to previous levels after about three tanks.

It was either just a break-in period, or I was too throttle-happy from having brand-new traction. Or maybe even just bad gas.