Tires are arguably one of the most important investments that you can make in terms of your vehicle because they are the only thing keeping you and your car attached to the road. If you are in the market for a quality set of wheels, there is a good chance you will come across a set of Michelin tires.
Although Michelin’s are one of the most expensive tires on the market today, a high price tag is not always a sign of a superior quality product, which has led many people to ask, are Michelin tires good?
A properly maintained set of Michelin tires should last drivers anywhere from 40,000 to 85,000 miles (between 2-5 years), which makes Michelin one of the longest-lasting, highest-rated tires on the market today.
That being said, there are many things that factor into the overall quality of a tire. Continue reading to learn more about the Michelin brand, their tires, and whether they are the right wheels for you.
About The Michelin Brand
Michelin is a French tire manufacturing company that makes, among other things, car tires. Since they launched in 1889, Michelin has devoted itself to producing good quality products that continue to dominate the tire market. In fact, today, Michelin is one of the top three tire companies in the world.
Among their various achievements, Michelin has won 97 J. D. Power awards, which is more than any other tire manufacturer has ever won and recently earned top scores again for the 18th consecutive year in a row.
Are Michelin Tires Good?
In terms of revenue, Michelin is the second largest tire manufacturer in the world, making over 20 billion dollars in revenue per year, and there are many reasons why people continue to hand over their hard-earned money.
- Treadwear: Each tire is stamped with a rating on its sidewall, and this rating reflects how well the tire grips the road under both wet and dry conditions. Customers would be hard-pressed, and by that, I mean they would be unable to find a Michelin tire rated less than an “A,” with several models even sporting “AA” on their side.
- Temperature: Another thing tires are graded on is how well they hold up under various temperature conditions. Tires that cannot withstand hot weather will melt on hot roads, while tires that cannot stand freezing weather will crack in freezing conditions. Although there are different tires for each set of weather conditions, all of Michelin’s tires are temperature graded higher than a “B,” with almost all of them receiving “A”s.
- Lifespan: All of Michelin’s tires undergo rigorous quality testing before they are mass-produced for the drivers of the world. Through this quality testing, we find that Michelin tires can last up to 85,000 miles. While not all tires will live that long, they should have no problem making it to 40,000 miles before needing to be replaced.
- Choices: Finally, aside from great ratings, another reason people continuously buy Michelin tires is because of the sheer volume of choices they have to choose from. With so many choices, every driver is bound to find something that will work for them.
How Long Will Michelin Tires Last?
Although most Michelin tires will last drivers between 45,000 and 85,000 miles, there is a big gap between those two numbers, which makes people wonder why the lifespan rating is so vague. There are several factors that contribute to the lifespan of a tire, including:
- The type of tire it is. For example, high performance summer tires tend to wear faster than all season tires.
- The conditions that you drive in. The lifespan of a tire is measured by a machine that simulates a long, straight, even drive. However, this is not what most roads look like. Frequent cornering, braking, or a road littered with potholes can all affect the lifespan of a tire.
- The condition of the vehicle. For example, some vehicles have mechanical problems that will cause tires to wear much more quickly, such as being out of alignment.
- Improper inflation will cause tires to wear much more quickly.
- The way that you drive, for example, people who tend to accelerate heavily will notice their tires wear more quickly.
- The age of the tire. Older tires will not hold up as well as a newer tire.
- Failure to attend to signs and symptoms of a problem.
- Failure to rotate your tires on schedule.
- Failure to balance tires appropriately after they are installed.
- How and where you store your vehicle can play a role in tire wear as well, and cars that are parked under cover will often not need their tires changed as often.
- Mixing tire types or sizes tires or rims or failing to use the correct tires for your vehicle.
What is The Michelin Promise Plan?
According to Michelin, they want customers to be 100% satisfied with their tires, and so all their tires are backed by the Michelin Promise Plan. This warranty plan includes:
- A 60-day Satisfaction Guarantee – during this period, customers who are not 100% satisfied can return their new tires (along with the original receipt) to the location where they bought them, where they can exchange them for another set of equal or lesser value.
- Roadside Assistance – With Michelin’s roadside assistance, customers can call 24 hours a day to receive flat tire change services, fluid or gas delivery services, lockout services, or battery services. However, some conditions may apply, and customers are urged to read the fine print regarding this service.
- A Manufacturer’s Limited Lifetime Warranty and Treadwear Warranty – although the terms of this warranty may differ depending on the tire, this warranty will cover certain defects in workmanship and materials for a limited mileage period.
You can find more information about this service plan here.
Should I Buy Michelin Tires?
There is no doubt that Michelin tires are among some of the best tires in the world, but this also means that they are among some of the most expensive tires in the world. When shopping for tires, you will find many brands in several price ranges, and it can sometimes be hard to see any difference beyond the price.
However, because of their innovative technology, performance, and long tread life, Michelin tires are worth every penny. Additionally, they offer some of the best warranty coverage that you can find on a tire.
All things considered if you want a tire that will last you a while, and you are able to spend the money, a set of Michelin tires might be a viable choice for you.
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John Cunningham is an Automotive Technician and writer on Rustyautos.com. He’s been a mechanic for over twenty-five years and has worked for GM, Volvo, Volkswagen, Land Rover, and Jaguar dealerships.
John uses his know-how and experience to write articles that help fellow gearheads with all aspects of vehicle ownership, including maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting.