Had a "Michelin Moment" today.

[Auto-Union]

Most here know I have the RSX, a car with decent handling. Now it has the oem Michelin Pilot HX in 16", a $200ea tire. I was taking a high-speed curve I am very familliar with relatively hard. I sorta forgot about the Michelin factor and understeered WAY wide, shooting back hard across the road when they bit down. Man, they was the most scary car moment in a long time. What is the deal with Michelins? They offer such a poor performance/emergency envelope in their oem-equipment tires!I was remeinded why I am not doing winter with these and have some new Kumho ASX sitting here for Dec install. I'v used MANY MANY all-seasons and wow, there are scary. Looking forward to the ASX. If they don't do so well, back to Conti Extremes next year. Deciding to buy 2 new tires a year, every year, for FWD cars in winter is prudent.

 

[SPITMAN]

"Michelin Moment" = driving beyond YOUR capability??
Therefore learing how to drive mitigates "Michelin Moment"!!

 

[Dave Hess]

I have heard over the years that Honda/Acura likes to use Michelin tires cause they deliver the best gas mileage (least rolling resistance) but not the best road grip.

 

[1sttruck]

The Michelin HX seems to be a 'grand touring all season' tire, while the Kuhmo ASX is an 'ultra-performance all season' tire. Dunno what makes the difference, but in the same category the Michelin offering is better rated than the Kumho ASX.

 

[y_p_w]

Quote:

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I have heard over the years that Honda/Acura likes to use Michelin tires cause they deliver the best gas mileage (least rolling resistance) but not the best road grip.

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They either work with the tire companies to produce boatloads of model-specific tires, or they choose OEM-style tires with low rolling resistance and a smooth ride.

My '95 Integra GS-R came with Michelin XGT-V4, which isn't that bad a tire although I had much less squealing on hard turns with summer tires. Honda also likes to use the Bridgestone Potenza RE92 (or 92A) which is known for its low rolling resistance.

 

[Auto-Union]

Quote:

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"Michelin Moment" = driving beyond YOUR capability??
Therefore learing how to drive mitigates "Michelin Moment"!!

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Yeah, whatever, that makes sense. I have no idea how to drive, that's why I am here to write this post.

When a tire breaks away unpredictably, that's an event. fwiw, I was ranked in the top 2% of 200 drivers at Audi quattro Challenge. I think only 1 car came in ahead of me on wet slalom, but I "don't know how to drive".

 

[Auto-Union]

I'm anxoius to put the Kumhos on. Almost wishing I got the Conti Extremes again, but trying new tires is one of my things. The list of premuim all-seasons I've used is extensive.