Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 87 vs 91

[5hairpins]

Originally Posted by Khyron686

Can you guys post some pics of the tires (from the front or back) - trying to get a feel for stretch vs width. They run narrower than the PSS but by how much?

225 vs 245 is what I'm debating (on an 8 inch wheel).

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showt...ght=axis+xcite

This is my setup, rims are 7.5 inches wide. Tires are stock size.

[unsurety]

I was considering the Bridgestone Potenza S-04s. Can anyone comment? It can occasionally go into the 40s when winter rolls around, but I've never seen snow in my area.

I don't like to cheap out on tires, but the A/S 3s are about $100 more than the S-04s. The treadwear difference is huge though.

[cycleboy]

Originally Posted by Khyron686

Can you guys post some pics of the tires (from the front or back) - trying to get a feel for stretch vs width. They run narrower than the PSS but by how much?

225 vs 245 is what I'm debating (on an 8 inch wheel).

Mine are in the directory, but I'll take a closer up pic tomorrow. 8.5 w/ 245's.

[robwbright]

Originally Posted by krayzie

I've got the A/S 3 in 215/45/R17 87V on stock rims for use primarily during below freezing temps. I've ran it on ice and light snow and it's really only good enuf to keep me from wrapping a pole, it will make heavy use of the vehicle stability control system (i.e. more brake wear). On wet slush they actually have pretty good grip and stopping ability.

I've ran Dunlop SP Sport 01 A/S on a Golf GTI before for 2 winters (225/40/R18) and even on deep snow a few times. Never got stuck ever but it also relied on heavy use of ESP to keep the car tracking straight. Once I switched to dedicated snow tires the ESP only came on during icy conditions / fast turns.

These ultra high performance all seasons are great if you primarily drive on plowed or dry roads in the winter. They will get you home no problem if you suddenly get caught up by that snow storm, just drive cautiously at a slower pace.

Exactly what I was looking for. I probably won't have the car out more than 2-3 times each winter in snow. When I do, I hope it's on plowed road or no more than 1-2 inches. It is, of course, possible that it would start snowing while I'm out, but I would not likely be more than 20 miles from home in with that kind of weather threatening. I was looking at the Pilot Sport A/S 3 and the Goodyear F1 Asymmetric A/S. The Goodyear is a bit cheaper, but with your review it looks like I'm going with the Michelin.

[krayzie]

Originally Posted by robwbright

Exactly what I was looking for. I probably won't have the car out more than 2-3 times each winter in snow. When I do, I hope it's on plowed road or no more than 1-2 inches. It is, of course, possible that it would start snowing while I'm out, but I would not likely be more than 20 miles from home in with that kind of weather threatening. I was looking at the Pilot Sport A/S 3 and the Goodyear F1 Asymmetric A/S. The Goodyear is a bit cheaper, but with your review it looks like I'm going with the Michelin.

If you want a bit better traction during cold weather and light snow, look for something that has M+S rating, as the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 don't have this rating. My old Dunlop SP-Sport 01 A/S had this M+S marking on the tires. I think the catch is that it will compromise on absolute dry road performance during warm temperatures.

I've read that Continental's equiv. ultra high performance all-season tires are actually quite good on light snow.

[robwbright]

Originally Posted by krayzie

I've read that Continental's equiv. ultra high performance all-season tires are actually quite good on light snow.

So I've read, as well. But their dry/warm/wet performance is not nearly as good. It's a real dilemma, as both are better than OEM in all conditions - and I don't really have any complaint about the OEM tires in dry/warm conditions. Sure, they don't have any grip, but that makes it fun to slide around a tight corner at 25 mph. The Goodyear Eagle FI Asymmetric is pretty much right in between them, so I also considered it.

I'm more concerned about the Conti's being too soft in the sidewall. I bought Hankook iPike winters last year after seeing pretty good reviews (but no reviews on our car). The iPike's were so freaking soft that the car was literally unsafe in dry conditions. Wandered all over the road and I couldn't take a cloverleaf any faster than the low recommended speed without risking a spin. Ridiculous. I returned them for a 90% refund.

I want the car to have the same steering feel and handling, but with as much or more grip everywhere as the OEM tires... and enough snow traction to get 15-20 miles if I get caught in a storm (i.e. 1-2 inches and/or plowed road).

Is that too much to ask?

[robwbright]

I ordered the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 in 91W from here: https://www.onlinetires.com/

$144 per tire SHIPPED. Michelin has a $70 rebate on 4 tires, bringing the total down to $506. My local tire shop mounts and balances for $50 a set. Total cost $556.

I'd say that's a pretty good deal.

[Mikeez]

I was looking in getting these sets of tires... But I don't know the major difference from them and other tires ;D

[robwbright]

Originally Posted by Mikeez

I was looking in getting these sets of tires... But I don't know the major difference from them and other tires ;D

Basically, the reviews say they're as good as most companies' summer high performance tires but they work well in 3 seasons and are passable in light snow (in other words, you'll probably have to drive slow, but you should be able to get from point A to point B).

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=177

http://tirereviewsandmore.com/michel...-3-reviews.php

http://wot.motortrend.com/michelin-p...st-307753.html

Video in the snow...

https://video.search.yahoo.com/video...sigb=12neju9sb

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by robwbright

...they work well in 3 seasons and are passable in light snow (in other words, you'll probably have to drive slow, but you should be able to get from point A to point B).

@Mikeez is in Quebec, where snows are mandated by law. I don't know if the snowflake is enough to qualify, nor if the AS3s have the snowflake (I kind of doubt it).

[robwbright]

Originally Posted by dradernh

@Mikeez is in Quebec, where snows are mandated by law. I don't know if the snowflake is enough to qualify, nor if the AS3s have the snowflake (I kind of doubt it).

Well, I did say they were ok for light snow... LOL.

He can use them for 3 season, I suppose - which, in Quebec is probably about 7 months, isn't it?

[Mikeez]

Originally Posted by robwbright

Basically, the reviews say they're as good as most companies' summer high performance tires but they work well in 3 seasons and are passable in light snow (in other words, you'll probably have to drive slow, but you should be able to get from point A to point B).

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=177

http://tirereviewsandmore.com/michel...-3-reviews.php

http://wot.motortrend.com/michelin-p...st-307753.html

Video in the snow...

https://video.search.yahoo.com/video...sigb=12neju9sb

Thank you, I am in a mandatory city where I must have snow tire.. so but thanks a lot

Originally Posted by dradernh

@Mikeez is in Quebec, where snows are mandated by law. I don't know if the snowflake is enough to qualify, nor if the AS3s have the snowflake (I kind of doubt it).

Originally Posted by robwbright

Well, I did say they were ok for light snow... LOL.

He can use them for 3 season, I suppose - which, in Quebec is probably about 7 months, isn't it?

haha yes, I am. 5-6 month with the snowflake tires haha (winter tire) I am going for XICe3 ;D