Topic: Low Rolling Resistance Tires?

[sailor723]

http://www.motoringtv.com/test-drive-s11562#/Episode_22_-_2012_Hyundai_Accent/

I was watching the MotoringTV review of the new Accent and noticed how they gave a "con" to these tires for having poor grip and contributing to early understeer on this car.

I 've never driven a car with these tires (that I know of) and was wondering how bad are they? Is it enough to be a safety issue? Shoud you negotiate their replacement if you were buying this car?

[airbalancer]

http://www.motoringtv.com/test-drive-s11562#/Episode_22_-_2012_Hyundai_Accent/

I was watching the MotoringTV review of the new Accent and noticed how they gave a "con" to these tires for having poor grip and contributing to early understeer on this car.

I 've never driven a car with these tires (that I know of) and was wondering how bad are they? Is it enough to be a safety issue? Shoud you negotiate their replacement if you were buying this car?

we have lrrt on the Prius , and have no problem with them
I  think the only time it could be problem if you are an swerver driver who keeps getting in trouble

these tires are probably better then anything that was on the market 10 years

[capriracer]

You have to be very careful.  There isn't a standard definition for "Low Rolling Resistance".  

First, there is a technology triangle involving Traction, Treadwear, and Rolling Resistance.  To get great values in one area, there has be a sacrifice in the other areas.  So any tire with a HUGE UTQG Treadwear rating will NOT have a low rolling resistance value.  The same applies to traction.

So when the term "LRR" is used, it usually means "LOW" compared to comparable tires - meaning tires with the similar UTQG ratings.

But in the case of the link, they are using the term to mean "Low" compared to ALL tires.  It is common for vehicle manufacturers to specify "Low" rolling resistance tires (in the absolute sense), and every so often, that will result in tires with poor grip.  This is particularly true for Asian manufacurers.

Is it a safety issue?  Well, the Feds require a minimum stopping distance, but nowadays, tires have so much grip, it is easily attainable.  So it's relative.

[sailor723]

I was thinking more of how these tires could compromise handling in an emergency avoidance situation or perhaps cornering in wet conditions. I think good performing tires with well above minimum tread are one of the most overlooked ways to improve road safety.

[safristi]

Often they use Lemon oils and somesuch additives......it's important to smell good as ya slide into the other cars...... ...jesting but just another "fad" to meet Obamas CAFE wishes...................EEPA...EEPA    at the YMCA.......dance baby dance to the tune of the master........

[EV Dan]

@OP: If you look at CR's all season tire ratings, you will notice no direct correlation between LRR, handling, snow traction and tread life of the tested tires. All that really maters is tire make and how much their manufacturer has invested into their development. If anything, I'd pay more for e.g. Michelin's LRR tires.

[safristi]

SHOW US YER RECEIPTS...."if anything!!!" as U say...........