Bridgestone Ecopia EP422
(Click to Enlarge) |
The Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 will save you about 12 gallons of gas per year, compared to to a regular touring tire that is not designed with low rolling resistance. Tire manufacturers still have a ways to go when developing tires for good MPG while still maintaining good all around traction on the road.
If you click on the image to the left, you can see the tire in much more detail. Bridgestone uses NanoPro Tech which is a special compound in the tread to make it more efficient and reduce friction with the road. As you can see the tread pattern on this tire is symmetric so all four tires can be rotated interchangeably (versus asymmetrical which cannot). Tested: When tested the Ecopia EP422 performed very well in most conditions and provided a smooth ride. When accelerating and braking in dry conditions, traction was good, but when cornering aggressively this tire did not grip as well as the others tested in this class. Wet traction was decent, but when turning sharply the tire did give a little bit around corners. It appears that the way that the tire is designed improves fuel efficiency, but the low rolling resistance needed for this makes the tire lack when it comes to gripping the road. Traction in snow conditions on the other hand was very good for this type of all season tire, although you will want to go with a dedicated winter tire if you drive in the snow for most of the winter.
Conclusion:
The Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 is a good All Season tire to save a few bucks at the pump but does lack a little with dry and wet traction. Price ranges from $81 to $170 depending on tire size and vendor. If you are interested in touring tires providing good MPG, I would also check out the Continental ProContact EcoPlus reviewed here which provides a little bit better dry and wet traction. |
Out of 5 possible points:
Dry Traction 4.5 Steering Responsiveness 4.4 |
Wet Traction 4.3 Hydroplaning Resistance 4.6 |
Light Snow Traction 4.6 Ice Traction 4.5 |
Noise Level 4.7 Ride Comfort 4.7 |
The guys at Tire Rack compare the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 to the tires below:
Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max Continental ProContact EcoPlus Yokohama Avid TRZ
Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max Continental ProContact EcoPlus Yokohama Avid TRZ
Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Warranty Information
- Treadlife Warranty: 5 Years / 65,000 Miles
- Uniformity Warranty: First 1/32" of wear
- Workmanship & Materials Warranty: 5 Years / Free replacement first 3 years, then prorated until 2/32" remaining depth.
- Manufacturer Warranty: Full refund or exchange
Firestone Precision Touring Tire Reviewed by
Mr. Tire Reviewer on June, 3 2013. Rating: 4.5
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