2004 S60T, 48K miles. Car consistently got around 24mpg mixed driving with stock tires (think they were Pirelli, now that they are gone I don't remember). Got a set of Michelin Pilot Exalto (235-45-HR17, same size as original) from tirerack.

Two things happened: While new tires are the same nominal size as originals they rub when turning full lock. Not a big deal, although it changed a bad turning radius into a terrible turning radius. Still, surprised that same size tires would rub when originals did not. These are the "top selling" tire at tirerack for my car, so figure other people have seen this - is rubbing expected with these tires?

Second, gas mileage immediately dropped from typical 23-24 mixed driving to 20. Took a long highway trip and got 24, where normal is 30-ish.

I don't see how tires could change mileage that much - seems that to consume that much energy they'd wear out or burn up! However, the change happened right when we switched tires.

FWIW I have them at 38lbs.

Could tires change mileage this much? Other than this I like them a lot. Handle well, quiet, do a nice job of absorbing bumps.

Thanks for your comments,

Terry