General Altimax RT43

[funflyer]

Prius can be funny when changing tires. Some members on "Prius Chat" claim to get the same MPG when changing to a non-LRR tire and some claim to get horrible MPG when doing the same. Hmmm!

I learned that lesson back when I owned my 05 Prius. Went from Goodyear Integrity's which were LRR to a non-LRR Michelin X radial and the Michelins increased the MPG by 2-3. When it came time to replace those, they no longer made the X-radial for the big-box club stores so they recommended the Defender which is green-x (LRR equivalent) and those dropped my MPG's by about 7.

As for the RT43, I read lots of positive when it comes to gas mileage compared to several LRR tires. I don't think they'll be anything like the Michelin Energy Savers I have now, but as long as I don't take too big a hit on MPGs I'll be happy. I should have the RT43s on by next week if Discount gets my new wheels. I'll be sure to report back on the Generals once I get some miles on them.

 

[duck__dodgers]

The RT43 has intrigued me for years. I get the impression that if Costco ever sold a "Kirkland Tire," it would be the RT 43

if anyone wants to research another tire, look up the Hankook Kinergy 737.

Is it the best tire? no.

Is it the best tire for the dollar IF you live outside the snow belt and drive Miss Daisy in the back? (or the driver is Miss Daisy) Quite possibly. ymmv.

And it's made/assembled in Tennessee.

https://www.hankooktire.com/us/passenger-cars/hankook-kinergy-pt-h737.html

 

[odie]

I ordered a set of RT43's, along with some new wheels for the Prius last week. I've never used anything but Michelin ES so I'm hoping I don't take a big hit on MPGs, but we'll see when I get them next week.

Should be very little change in gas mileage . Better Than Average rolling resistance at C.R.. Have to agree to that . H-rated is used on the car and a few others over the years . Keep track of gas mileage on all vehicles present and past for comparison , etc..

 

[CharBaby]

We currently have the RT43 on the Civic in my signature and the fuel economy is holding at ~37ish mpg. It's just the Civic LX w/1.8L & CVT. The RT43 are doing as well(MPG) as the OE Firestone Affinity Touring [FUEL FIGHTER] and the RT43 are waaaaaaaaaaaaay better in the foul weather, ride & handle very well and though not as quiet as the OE, the RT43 aren't loud either.

 

[funflyer]

We currently have the RT43 on the Civic in my signature and the fuel economy is holding at ~37ish mpg. It's just the Civic LX w/1.8L & CVT. The RT43 are doing as well(MPG) as the OE Firestone Affinity Touring [FUEL FIGHTER] and the RT43 are waaaaaaaaaaaaay better in the foul weather, ride & handle very well and though not as quiet as the OE, the RT43 aren't loud either.

Sounds promising. Looking at the 15 Civics on fuelly I see 37 is darn near the top, with only a few exceeding.

 

[PandaBear]

That's not funny at all.

LRR only means the tire has better RR compared to other tires with the same wear and traction characteristics. It does NOT mean Low Rolling Resistance!

So LRR tire might have good RR values or they might not! (This is an example of something that is very poorly named - like jumbo shrimp!)

Oh shrimp.

I was puzzled when I first shop for shrimp after I move out of my parents' basement, I was wondering why they call them jumbo when they are clearly medium, when extra large is really large and when colossal is really the extra large. Don't get me started on eggs when large is really medium and medium is really small, when grade A is really just OK and when grade AA means it is OK but we want you to pay more.

BTW I haven't seen a real jumbo shrimp since my trip to Thailand in 2009.

 

[CharBaby]

Sounds promising. Looking at the 15 Civics on fuelly I see 37 is darn near the top, with only a few exceeding.

Well, it is summer here and the car currently sees mostly expressway driving of ~30 miles one way. On a straight hiwy trip using a full tank, it can go over 40 mpg and around town ONLY type of driving(stop/go) it can easily be in the lower 30s. AC used only as needed.

 

[ZebRuaj]

Funny this came up. Just ordered the RT43's for the Sienna.

Cooper CS5s were always my go to, but with the recent sale of Cooper, wanted to try something different.

 

[funflyer]

Finally got my wheels and RT43s, but can't install them until the lug nuts arrive tomorrow.

 

[odie]

^

 

[levi]

^

That's ketchup, not tires.

 

[Kira]

"I was puzzled.... jumbo.. they are clearly medium, extra large is really large..... colossal is really the extra large...... eggs when large is really medium and medium is really small, when grade A is really just OK and when grade AA means it is OK but we want you to pay more."

Trade names are inherently dishonest. # of shrimp per pound CLEANED or RAW? Eggs have a weight scale but I don't think said grading method is defined or required to be standardized by law. I don't see citrus and cantaloupe sizing on the crates like I used to.

It's the old, "Take what we give you", business model.

Maybe the shrimp you had in Thailand were langoustine?

 

[ZebRuaj]

Got em!

 

[funflyer]

Well I finally received some lug nuts after having to order a second set and installed the new tires/wheels. Yes the USPS failed me yet again. Got a few days of running around, and my first impression of the Generals is positive. These are definitely a smooth, comfortable and quiet riding tire. Handling is better than expected, for a Prius that is, but not quite as good as the Michelin Energy's they replaced. For average driving, not too many people would ever notice the difference. Hasn't been raining for two days, so I can't comment on the wet traction/handling yet.

As for mileage, these are meeting my expectations for the 150 or so miles driven so far. I drive the same(ish) route several times per week and from what I could tell so far, the RT43's should come within 3-4 MPGs of the Michelins. Looking back through Fuelly, I see the Michelins improved by several MPGs within the first year, so I'm hoping the RT43's do the same. I'll report back when I've run through several tanks to get a good average.

 

[CKN]

Well I finally received some lug nuts after having to order a second set and installed the new tires/wheels. Yes the USPS failed me yet again. Got a few days of running around, and my first impression of the Generals is positive. These are definitely a smooth, comfortable and quiet riding tire. Handling is better than expected, for a Prius that is, but not quite as good as the Michelin Energy's they replaced. For average driving, not too many people would ever notice the difference. Hasn't been raining for two days, so I can't comment on the wet traction/handling yet.

As for mileage, these are meeting my expectations for the 150 or so miles driven so far. I drive the same(ish) route several times per week and from what I could tell so far, the RT43's should come within 3-4 MPGs of the Michelins. Looking back through Fuelly, I see the Michelins improved by several MPGs within the first year, so I'm hoping the RT43's do the same. I'll report back when I've run through several tanks to get a good average.

They won't. I own a set.

 

[funflyer]

They won't. I own a set.

I suppose it depends on the vehicle and how much one pays attention. Here's what I read on Tire-Rack on the subject.

New, Full-Treaded Tires Generate More Rolling Resistance Than Shallow-Treaded, Worn Tires​

Tire rolling resistance gradually drops by about 20% during the life of a tire as the tread wears from its original molded depth to worn out. This can be attributed to the reduction in tread mass and rubber squirm, as well as subtle hardening of the tread compound during years of service and exposure to the elements.

While this gradual reduction in tire rolling resistance and minor increase in fuel economy may be too subtle to register during the tire's life on a tank-by-tank basis, the virtually instantaneous switch from worn tires to new tires (even if they are the same brand, type and size) will typically result in an increase in rolling resistance of about 20%. Since the automotive industry estimates a 10% increase in tire rolling resistance will result in a 1% to 2% decrease in vehicle fuel economy, drivers should expect to experience a potential 2% to 4% decrease in mpg.

 

[Silver]

Running a set of RT43s on our Grand Caravan. No complaints - great value in a tire

How may miles on that GC with the 5w30?

 

[CKN]

I suppose it depends on the vehicle and how much one pays attention. Here's what I read on Tire-Rack on the subject.

New, Full-Treaded Tires Generate More Rolling Resistance Than Shallow-Treaded, Worn Tires​

Tire rolling resistance gradually drops by about 20% during the life of a tire as the tread wears from its original molded depth to worn out. This can be attributed to the reduction in tread mass and rubber squirm, as well as subtle hardening of the tread compound during years of service and exposure to the elements.

While this gradual reduction in tire rolling resistance and minor increase in fuel economy may be too subtle to register during the tire's life on a tank-by-tank basis, the virtually instantaneous switch from worn tires to new tires (even if they are the same brand, type and size) will typically result in an increase in rolling resistance of about 20%. Since the automotive industry estimates a 10% increase in tire rolling resistance will result in a 1% to 2% decrease in vehicle fuel economy, drivers should expect to experience a potential 2% to 4% decrease in mpg.

Key words....

 

[odie]

The H start at 10/32s' . Give 'em a chance and will likely see increase of M.P.G..s' .

 

[CKN]

The H start at 10/32s' . Give 'em a chance and will likely see increase of M.P.G..s' .

Not enough to make a blip in your retirement fund.