Michellin Tires

[vvk]

My experiense with Michelins has been a mixed bag. I generally dislike them for being very hard, very low traction and very expensive. I had a set of MXV4+ on my SAAB and really hated them. Horrible steering accuracy and feel. On the other hand, I rented a Peugeot overseas for 10 days, which was wearing Michelin MX4 tires. Wow, what a car! Probably the best handling car I have ever driven. The tires were fantastic! I got a set of MX4 Rainforce tires for my sister and her Tracer was transformed. Excellent tires! Very quiet and comfortable, while still providing lots of good steering feedback and very good dry and wet traction. They weren't too expensive -- $51/tire for 175/65-14s. I also have a set of Michelin ArcticAlpins that turned out to be pretty good winter tires.

For performance driving I usually prefer Dunlop and Bridgestone. Dunlop SP Sport A2 are very good, especially for the money. Dunlop SP8000 are fantastic summer tires with endless levels of grip and precise steering feel. And I just can't seem to wear them out. I have had my set for 5 summers -- amazing. Bridgestone RE930 were very good but they have been discontinued. I hear that Bridgestone RE950 are even better.

I you are looking for a basic, long-wearing, smooth and quiet tire with decent traction -- try Yokohama Avid Touring. They are very cheap and extremely good. Not performance tires, though.

 

[vvk]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jimbo:
Dunlop is owned by Sumitomo.

---

Sumitomo is owned by GoodYear, as is Dunlop

 

[Quattro Pete]

quote:

---

Originally posted by vvk:
I rented a Peugeot overseas for 10 days, which was wearing Michelin MX4 tires. Wow, what a car! Probably the best handling car I have ever driven.

---

Which Peugeot was that? I rented a 406 once from Hertz in France (with Pirelli P6000 tires, IIRC), and that car was a typical boat. I mean, the body roll was making me nauseous at times. Poor steering response. On top of that, it was a small diesel engine - no power, but good gas mileage at least.

 

[Spector]

I like the Michellins but expensive. I have now switched primarily to Yokohamas and now going to try some Kuhmos which seem to be getting good reviews and talk about cheap, much less expensive even for 18 inch wheel, $150 compared to $200 plus. On my Camry I can get a top of the line Kuhmo for $40 on tire rack, nearest competitor is over $50. Normally you get what you pay for so we shall see how this new set does. people I work with have some and like them so????

 

[vvk]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Quattro Pete:

Which Peugeot was that? I rented a 406 once from Hertz in France (with Pirelli P6000 tires, IIRC), and that car was a typical boat. I mean, the body roll was making me nauseous at times. Poor steering response. On top of that, it was a small diesel engine - no power, but good gas mileage at least.

---

It was Peugeot 106 -- a tiny 5-door hatchback with 1.4l engine and 5-speed. At one point I had 5 adults in it -- no problem. I love small cars that are roomy, practical, frugal and fun to drive.

Despite being inexpensive that car never felt cheap. Great interior design, quality materials, excellent seats, excellent ergonomics. Except for the stupid horn button

 

[Jimbo]

quote:

---

Originally posted by vvk:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jimbo:
Dunlop is owned by Sumitomo.

---

Sumitomo is owned by GoodYear, as is Dunlop

---

It looks like Goodyear Tire now belongs to Sumitomo Rubber, along with Dunlop. Just like BFG and Uniroyal belong to the Michelin Group. For marketing reasons, they want us to think they are still an American company.

Goodyear's corporate site lists chemicals, industrial products, belts & hoses and services as their businesses. Services include truck tire service and retreading and retail stores. So, when they sold the tire manufacturing business to Sumitomo, they retained the sales and marketing rights.

 

[sifan]

I had used MX4 on '91 Honda Civic and got 60K miles out of them. The MX4 was very pricy.

I also experienced Dunlop SPA2 on my wife's '97 Toyota Previa. They provided great performance when they were new. But, they wore out fast (< 40K miles) especially the outer edge after couple hard cornering. Also, they did not wear out evenly.

 

[wulimaster]

I have used Michelin only as original equipment on 3 vehicles. 90 Honda accord (65k miles), land Rover 97,98 Discovery (have seen them with 55k miles and still tread left). I liked them a lot. Goodyear wears fast, Firestone seem to fall apart, Offbrands can be noisey but generally get about 40k miles and wear unevenly.

For light trucks, the Michelin tires made exclusively for the Land Rover Discovery have an aggressive tread, long tread life, very quite ride, and good offroad, snow manners. I don't recall the model but they only come in one size and it is for a 16" rim. Best tire for a sport utility or truck in the Rover Size. Very pricey though about $156 at Discount Tire.

 

[VaderSS]

EVERY tire maker makes what I call "rim-protectors," that is, tires that are only fit to protect the rims from damage. Most make good tires also.

Your best bet is to find a forum that deals with your specific vehicle and get feedback on which tires are best and in what ways, since every tire has trade-offs.

Example, my current tires are splendid in rain and dry, but are 100% useless in snow. Adding snow capability compromises non-snow conditions, adding non-snow capabilities compromises snow capabilities, longer tread-life compromises handling...

 

[cousincletus]

Best tire I have seen for the money is Cooper. This is what I use for replacements since I can't find Kelly-Springfield in this area any more.

 

[VaderSS]

I feel that way about Kumho Ecsta 712s . Absolutely, the best bang for the buck UHP tire in existence. Will only go 28-35k, but at $101 each...

 

[biscuitboy]

I've had a couple of sets of Toyo touring tires that were excellent. Have also had good experience with Michelins and most Goodyears (except cheapo Invictas).

 

[Bob Woods]

To GSV, The Michelin tires sold in this country are made in this country. Michelin NA employs 25000 american workers across the nation. I own 8 Michelin tires and they all say "Made in USA" South Carolina to be picky.

 

[GROUCHO MARX]

Yeah Bob, I feel sorry for the U.S. workers at the Michelin plants

I still won't buy them nor German Castrol. There are alternatives.