Michelin sweeps Consumer Reports' largest ever tire test
No one can dispute the importance of tires on dry, wet or snowy pavement, but some buyers tend to pick their rubber based on price alone. For the more quality-minded customer, Consumer Reports conducts an annual tire test and this year's battle of the road rubber was the biggest ever with 69 models duking it out for supremacy. CR's tire engineers rated models based on several categories, including dry and wet braking, handling, hydroplaning resistance, snow traction, ice braking, ride comfort, noise, rolling resistance, and tread life. CR also claims that the new ratings, available in the November edition of the magazine, gives consumers the ability to compare individual performance characteristics like grip and tread life within a specific category.
The biggest winner this year was the Michelin Man, with the puffy white tire boss scoring top scores in all four categories. The Michelin HydroEdge was the top model among S- and T-rated all-season tires, the Michelin Primacy MXV4 scored top marks for H-rated tires and Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S won in the V-rated all-season radial category. The Michelin X-Ice XI 2 topped CR's ratings for winter tires for passenger cars.
While Michelin won big, the top-notch radials were also among the highest priced in many categories. Other stand-out performers costing less include the Hankook Optimo H727, Nokian WR G2, and Dunlop Signature in the all season H and V speed rating category. The General Altimax Arctic took second place for winter tires.
The November edition of Consumer Reports hits newsstands today, and the information is available to subscribers on ConsumerReports.org. Hit the jump to review CR's info-intensive press release.
[Source: Consumer Reports]
PRESS RELEASE:
CONSUMER REPORTS RATES MICHELIN MODELS BEST IN TESTS OF FOUR CATEGORIES OF TIRES
CR names several good tires that scored slightly below that cost significantly less
YONKERS, NY - Consumer Reports rated four Michelin tires the top spots in all-season (S and T speed ratings) and performance all-season tires (H and V speed ratings), and Winter categories in the magazine's November issue. Each of the four Michelin models received an "Excellent" rating.
The Michelin tires bested tests of 69 models-the largest group ever tested by Consumer Reports. That includes all-season and winter tires that fit most sedans, wagons, minivans, and some car-based SUVs. Prices for the Michelin models ranged from $106 to $126 for a size (P)215/60R16 to fit CR's two Chevrolet Malibu test cars. CR's engineers expect other sizes of the same tire models to provide similar performance.
The Michelin HydroEdge was the top scoring model among S- and T-rated all-season tires, and the Michelin Primacy MXV4 and Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S took top honors among H- and V-rated all-seasons, respectively. The Michelin X-Ice XI 2 topped CR's ratings for winter tires for passenger cars.
CR's tire engineers rated models based on a variety of categories including dry and wet braking, handling, hydroplaning resistance, snow traction, ice braking, ride comfort, noise, rolling resistance, and tread life. Despite top scores, the Michelin models aren't necessarily the best in every area. For example, the HydroEdge had only fair snow traction, so drivers who live in snowy areas might want to consider another high-scoring tire. The Michelin models are also among the most expensive tires CR tested, but drivers don't have to pay top dollar to get good performance.
Other high scoring all season tires with well rounded all weather performance include the Hankook Optimo H727, Nokian WR G2, Dunlop Signature in the all season and H and V speed rated all season categories, respectively. In the winter category, the General Altimax Arctic was a runner-up to the Michelin X-Ice XI 2.
Full tests and ratings of the tires appear in the November issue of Consumer Reports, which goes on sale October 6. The reports are also available to subscribers of www.ConsumerReports.org. Updated daily, ConsumerReports.org is the go-to site for the latest auto reviews, product news, blogs on breaking news and car buying information.
Consumer Reports' testers put tires through a number of objective and subjective tests in the most comprehensive tire-test program of any American magazine or Web site. Testers measure braking and lateral grip on dry and wet surfaces, handling in CR's emergency avoidance maneuver, and hydroplaning resistance, which measures how well a tire maintains contact with the road in standing water. CR rents a local skating rink to test braking on ice and has outside labs evaluate tread life and rolling resistance. To ensure consistency, testers buy each tire model in the same size and mount them on the same test cars.
This month, CR's tire ratings have changed from previous tests. Starting with these tests, CR's ratings are now designed so that readers can compare the individual performance of one type of tire with another. For example, you can compare the ratings of all-season and winter tires to see how much dry and wet grip you give up with winter tires in return for better snow and ice traction. The overall score, however, is still relative to each tire category. Because tread life can influence driving safety, a tread-life rating is included in each tire's overall score.
Finding the right tire
Investing in better tires can give you a wider margin of safety when driving. A little extra grip, for example, can mean the difference between an accident and a close call. There are a lot of tire choices, and you can't tell by looking at them which ones will perform better. When you buy replacement tires, CR recommends sticking with the same size and speed rating of your car's original tires. You can find the specifications listed on a placard usually located inside the driver's doorjamb.
When shopping, note if a tire model has asymmetrical or directional tread; those tires must be mounted in a specific way. Asymmetrical tires have different inner and outer tread, so they must be mounted with the correct side facing out. The tread pattern on directional tires requires that they be mounted so the tire rotates in the direction shown on the sidewall. In addition, directional tires can't be switched from one side of the car to the other during tire rotations because this would cause them to turn the wrong way and might reduce traction.
Don't buy used tires, because you don't know how they've been treated. If they've been overloaded, underinflated, or overheated, there could be internal damage that won't be visible.
Choose the right tire type for your car
· All-season Best for year-round traction,long tread wear, and a comfortable ride. But they usually lack the precise handling and cornering grip of performance all-season tires. Speed ratings None, S, T. Tread-wear warranties 40,000to 100,000 miles. Typical wheel sizes 13 to 16 inches.
· Performance all-season Best for improved handling and cornering grip, compared with standard all-season tires,without giving up too much comfort and wear.But many have lower tread wear warranties. Speed ratings H, V. Tread-wear warranties 40,000 to 70,000 miles. Typical wheel sizes 15 to 18 inches.
· Ultra-high-performance Best for maximum wet and dry grip and handling. But they usually provide less tread life than standard and performance all-season models. Summer versions aren't made for snow or ice. Speed ratings W, Y, Z. Tread-wear warranties None for most. Typical wheel sizes 16 to 20 inches.
· Winter Best for those who need maximum traction on ice and snow, particularly where winters are severe. But fast tread wear and less wet and dry traction limit them to winter use only. Speed ratings Q, R, S, T, H, V. Tread-wear warranties None. Typical wheel sizes 13 to 18 inches.
With more than 7 million print and online subscribers, Consumer Reports is one of the most trusted sources for information and advice on consumer products and services. It conducts the most comprehensive auto-test program of any U.S. publication or Web site and owns and operates a 327-acre Auto Test Center in Connecticut. The organization's auto experts have decades of experience in driving, testing, and reporting on cars. To subscribe, consumers can call 1-800-234-1645 or visit www.ConsumerReports.org.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Bob-omb 10:09AM (10/06/2009)
"Other stand-out performers costing less include the Hankook Optimo H727, Nokian WR G2....."
Actually, the Nokian tires were the most expensive all-season tires they tested. Please fix that.
But the Hankook H727's are extremely impressive all-season tires -- arguably the best year-round tire in areas that also get ice and snow. I've heard nothing but good things about them.
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Mogg 10:14AM (10/06/2009)
Obviously the Pilot MXM4 tires were not on the list because those were the worst tires I ever drove on.
My experience was bad enough where I didn't even consider Michelin when I bought my new tires. I went with Good Year Assurance Tripletred after glowing reviews on tire rack.
The difference on the new tires is night and day.
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tbirdfive0 10:44AM (10/06/2009)
These were the stock tires on my 2006 Fusion SEL and are haqnds down the WORST tire I have ever driven on. They suck in the dry, the wet, and forget about traction in anything more than a dusting of snow. Add to that the have a replacement cost of $250 per tire.
I will never buy another over-priced Michelin tire because of these things. My next tires will be Dunlop SP Sport Signatures.
Mogg 11:01AM (10/06/2009)
tbirdfive0, I have a 2006 Milan Premier, I felt your pain.
Mogg 11:02AM (10/06/2009)
Referencing the tires of course. The Milan is a great car!
James Sonne 11:33AM (10/06/2009)
Also came stock on my Acura RSX, and they were definitely the worst tires I have ever experienced. When wheel slip occurs in dry weather at 1,500 RPMs in a 141tq (at 6800 rpm) four cylinder engine, any upgrade is good. I went from them to Yokohama all-seasons, and when those wore out in under 15,000 miles I went to the Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S, have had them for 15,000 miles already and barely any sign of wear. Also, their wet traction is almost as good as their dry traction, which is stellar, and they ride so quietly that the switch made a noticeable difference. On the highway I don't have to raise my voice to talk to my passengers any more.
My brother also raved about them when he had them on his G35c, but I think he didn't need the all-season so much and has since gone to a performance summer tire of some sort.
If you want an all season tire, I can't recommend anything other than the Exalto! They really turned around my opinion of Michelin after that MXM4 mess.
speed12sil 12:13PM (10/06/2009)
I don't know if the Bridgestone(BS) Turanza El400 I had on my camry were as bad as your MXM4's, but the tires had a low 220 treadwear rating and crappy handling. I mean the tires were touring tires, at least make them last long AND handle poorly. How they managed to get the worst of both worlds is beyond me.
Oh and at the same time other Camry buyers seemed to get Michelin MXV4 S8 tires, which were VASTLY better than the BS tires. I just got the luck of the draw when I bought my car new.
The Pilot Exaltos I have right now handle much better and have 400 treadwear, which is on-par with normal family sedan tires.
audi_arena 12:16PM (10/06/2009)
Right, because your one experience with them is indicitive of the other millions of tires they produce.
Nightcrawler 3:41PM (10/06/2009)
Your assumption is correct. They did not test the Michelin Pilot MXM4.
DayShifter 10:57AM (10/07/2009)
I also follow the reviews from TireRack, they havn't failed me on a purchase yet.
Venom 10:39AM (10/06/2009)
Michelin MXV4 tires are great tires.
I had them on my A6 and they performed excellently.
Comfortable ride and they went through snow better than the previous SUV I had owned.
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mirobin 11:02AM (10/06/2009)
The Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S are wonderful tires. They perform wonderfully on dry pavement, have surprising amounts of grip on wet pavement, and offer just enough traction on packed snow to make it up/down moderate hills in the Seattle area.
Andy 11:22AM (10/06/2009)
Audi's quattro system probably played a large role in the improvement in snow performance versus your previous SUV, IMHO.
TigerMil 11:22AM (10/06/2009)
D'Oh....Quattro. My wife used Dunlop SP 9K, a SUMMER tire on her 4.2A6 for two winters...we finally went to winter tires/wheels (Pirelli winter 210, NLA).
I prefer ContiContact for my M3 convertible, quite a bit less expensive than the Michelin Pilot tire and virtually the same on the street but with about 3X the wear! Of course, Continental is ending the M3 tire run so I'll be stuck with Michelin in about three years...
ASEVENSEE4 10:57AM (10/06/2009)
From what I've discovered, they drive around a dry and wet course to see which feels better in their other tests but in this test they are getting the hard numbers too, but the mix of objective and subjective makes this test totally worthless to me because I don't agree with CR on most things, nearly all things really.. I doubt that would be the same for a set of tires.
Reply
ASEVENSEE4 10:57AM (10/06/2009)
wouldn't*
Nightcrawler 3:53PM (10/06/2009)
By that logic, you'll want to buy CR's lowest rated tires. So here is what you want to get:
All-Season: Firestone FR710
Performance All-Season (H speed rated): Fuzion HRi
Performance All-Season (V speed rated): Fuzion VRi
Winter: Hankook Icebear W300
Good luck with them.
ASEVENSEE4 4:12PM (10/06/2009)
That's not what I meant at all, and you wouldn't know what I meant anyway.
"CR's tire engineers rated models based on a variety of categories - Despite top scores, the Michelin models aren't necessarily the best in every area and they are also among the most expensive tires CR tested, but drivers don't have to pay top dollar to get good performance."
They don't even publish the specifics of why a tire is ranked like it is because they don't give out that information. Tirerack does. Or why the same tire is an 80 in the Performance All-seasons section and an 85 in the High Performance section with the same rankings. CR should stick to reviewing ovens and mixers.
Highs / Exceptional dry and wet stops.
Lows / Short tread life and fair winter grip.
How is that enough information for ANY tire? There is a lot missing here.
Frank 10:58AM (10/06/2009)
When I want to see ratings about tires I go to the Tire Rack on the web. Those ratings are by people who actually drove on them in every day use. You can filter the reviews for only those who drive your make and model. That's important because a tire that rides well on one model car may not ride well on another.
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TigerMil 11:22AM (10/06/2009)
Amen