best tires / tire size for MPG economy. base 2003 Tacoma

I need to replace the 205 75 15 tires on my truck. Apparently not many manufacturers make this size tire anymore. At Discount tire, they only have a Kumho and Hankook Optima tires in this size.

The guy at the tire shop said if I go with a 215 70 15 tire there are quite a few more choices, several of which will have less rolling resistance.

Any opinions out there on which tire to get to keep good fuel mileage?

thanks

 

What kind of mileage are you getting now?
a 215 is just slightly larger than the 205, shouldn't make any difference at all.
A harder compound will have less rolling resistance, better mpg, maybe a harder ride, might be skiddish on the snow.

A softer compound will have higher rolling resistance, slightly less mpg, better ride and possibly better in the snow.

There are many variables with tread design and siping to take into consideration too, so the above may not always apply.

In general, a higher mileage rated tire will have a harder compound, lower mileage a softer compound.

Probably raised more questions than I answered

 

Thanks for the input. Makes sense

Discount Tire recommended the Michelin Defender for a long wearing tire that has low rolling resistance.

Anyone have opinions on specific tires / tire sizes.

thanks