Tire: dB Super E-Spec
Category: Grand Touring Summer
UTQG (treadwear): 460 A A
Yokohama describes the dB Super E-Spec tire as one of their flagship tires. It is currently their only entry into this performance segment, but this tire has quickly moved up the charts, and I would classify this tire as the best tire in this performance category. It was developed by Yokohama to be used on hybrid and other fuel-efficient vehicles for drivers who want a ecologically friendly tire, but also don't want to lose good wet and dry traction in the process. This is one of the few tires that actually combines increased fuel economy with good traction. This is no small task. Most of the time when you find eco tires, the manufacturer doesn't pay much attention to the traction performance. Not the case here. Yokohama uses their own Super Nano-Power Rubber (SNPR) dual-mode tread compound that allows it to generate less heat in straight driving to improve fuel economy, while enhancing traction during braking and cornering. This being a summer tire though, it is not intended to be used in near freezing temperatures, or on snow/ice.
Drivers have taken note of this tire. I have found that the Toyota Prius is the most popular car for this tire to be fitted to, because it combines all the fuel economy attributes, along with much better traction than the tires that come with the Prius from the factory. Most people note how quiet this tire is and how it performs very consistently in emergency situations. Now this isn't a sporty tire by any means, grand touring means comfort, and in this regard the dB Super E-Spec is also a cut above the rest. People that run these tires get over 50,000 out of a set, which isn't the highest mileage you'll see out of a low rolling resistance tire. But I think that's okay, if you can appreciate the much better traction you'll have while running these compared to other eco tires. Overall, in my opinion, this is the total package if you want to get the best fuel economy out of your vehicle while still being able to have good traction.
