[JRRF]

So the Volt comes with un-sticky high-mpg tires. What impact on range might their be to putting on some better tires that might improve feel, handling, and braking? Has anyone tried this yet and gotten any data?

(Sorry if this has been discussed / beaten to death before)

 

[jcanoe]

It is still being discussed on this forum: http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?284490-Most-comfortable-tires-for-Gen-2-in-2017

There is ample evidence that mileage will be 5 - 10% lower with non low rolling resistance (LRR) tires than with the OEM Michelin EnergySaver A/S tires used on the 2016/2017 Volt. The OEM Michelin tires have lower rolling resistance at the cost of grip and handling. The Michelin tires will easily slip on wet pavement if you are not careful with the application of the accelerator pedal as you pull away from a stop. The stock tires are also not the best tires for driving on snow covered roads. If you plan to drive on snow and ice covered roads then a set of dedicated snow tires and rims for the winter months would be best.

 

[viking79]

10% decrease for ultra high performance all season for me. My guess is 20% worst case. You will notice for sure. Same is true for a gas car, but don't notice much with 15 gallon fuel tank. Only you can decide if tradeoff is worth while.

 

[mvanzanten]

I replaced the OEM tires on my Gen 1 with Michelin Premiere AS tires, and I lost about 5 miles of range per charge.

 

[Coppersnowboarder]

I use Michelin X-Ice snow tires, using about one-tenth more electricity on my daily commute for the gain in safe, sticky traction under the worst winter storm conditions. In the mountains, the passes are often closed during winter storms to all traffic without either chains or snow tires. Winter is defined as September through June, so I will not change tires for summer.

 

[GSP]

The Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tires on the first gen Volt have very good traction wet or dry. I have been very happy with their handling and braking abilities on my 2011 and 2014 Volts. They could be a nice alternative to the Michelin tires on the gen 2 when it is time for replacement, without sacrificing EV range.

GSP

 

[caronjeff]

Rolling resistance is largely a function of the tread width. The OEM Goodyears on Gen 1 Volts has a 6.9" tread width. Most other available tires in the 215/55/17 size will have a wider tread. Even the Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max is available in 3 different tread widths. Tire rack.com has a spec page which lists all the dimensions including tread width on any tire they are offering. It's best to compare replacements to the OEM and try not to select one too wide. FYI I'm running Michelin Primacy MXV4,s which have a 7.3" tread width. Estimated hit on range and gas mileage about 6-8%.

 

[blimo]

I definitely upgraded with Sonic wheels and Michelin Premiers, 205 65R 16 tires (Gen 2). The ride is much better, noticeably quieter on all road surfaces, and steering feel is much improved.

I don't see much difference in range, but it might be a little better under some conditions. The Sonic wheels are a little heavier than stock since they needed a bunch of extra weights to balance, but the tires are a little lighter, so that's almost a wash.

I found the OEM Energy A/S tires to be a handful on left turns that have a curb on the median; I never could get a good feel for what they were going to do - either trying to nick the curb or sliding out into the next lane, they always needed constant corrective input. With the Premiers on, I can set the wheel and take a consistent line in a turn. The Premiers are also able to negotiate fast corners without protest, they are much more capable than my passengers.

 

[rmay635703]

I definitely upgraded with Sonic wheels and Michelin Premiers, 205 65R 16 tires (Gen 2). The ride is much better, noticeably quieter on all road surfaces, and steering feel is much improvedrs.

You took wheels off a Chevy sonic?

 

[gaulfinger]

I own two Volts. I've had Michelin Premier A/S on one and OEM Fuel Max on the other. I'd say my range was off maybe 2 miles per charge on the Premiers. Premier handled much better and were quiet and well mannered. After about 20,000 miles, the wet traction--as advertised--was still great. But declining dry traction and climbing noise were getting so bad, I had to replace them.

I just got a set of Continental TrueContact from Tire Rack and I find them to be much more satisfying than the Premier. Even new, my range is about on par with the Fuel Max. This tire is better in just about every way - profoundly quieter, smoother, still decent handler in dry and wet (though I haven't experienced any really nasty weather yet), without any penalty in range. Steering feel is slightly muted compared to the Goodyear, though not to the point of considering it a negative.

 

[VoltenRock]

Replaced OEM on a Gen 1 with Bridgestone DriveGuards--heavy, NON rolling resistant tires. Better handling for sure. Range loss? Definitely. Even overinflation makes only marginal improvement. I'm still satisfied with the choice.

Oddly, I've lost about 4-5 miles in summer, but only 1-2 miles in winter. I use different strategies to conserve battery range in winter, so maybe that blunts the impact of the tires since the bigger hit is temperature/HVAC usage.

 

[Redline]

I definitely upgraded with Sonic wheels and Michelin Premiers, 205 65R 16 tires (Gen 2). The ride is much better, noticeably quieter on all road surfaces, and steering feel is much improved.

Please post a pic of that...for those who are curious.

 

[looking4acar]

I own two Volts. I've had Michelin Premier A/S on one and OEM Fuel Max on the other. I'd say my range was off maybe 2 miles per charge on the Premiers. Premier handled much better and were quiet and well mannered. After about 20,000 miles, the wet traction--as advertised--was still great. But declining dry traction and climbing noise were getting so bad, I had to replace them.

I just got a set of Continental TrueContact from Tire Rack and I find them to be much more satisfying than the Premier. Even new, my range is about on par with the Fuel Max. This tire is better in just about every way - profoundly quieter, smoother, still decent handler in dry and wet (though I haven't experienced any really nasty weather yet), without any penalty in range. Steering feel is slightly muted compared to the Goodyear, though not to the point of considering it a negative.

apparantely they dont sell 215-50-17 for the 2016 volt.. i need tires because this stupid car / stock tires are going bad more sooner than expected. im starting to hate the living $%^&*(O out of the oem Michelin. I need a comparable non loss in range tire. here in vegas fornia it doesnt rain or snow so all i need is dry traction if it gets wet ill take my losses