Michelin Fairs Well in Consumer Reports Tests

US based publication Consumer Reports has rated four Michelin tyres the top spots in North American market all-season (S and T speed ratings) and performance all-season tyres (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 tyres bested tests of 69 models – the largest group ever tested by Consumer Reports. That includes all-season and winter passenger car and SUV tyres.

The Michelin HydroEdge was the top scoring model among S- and T-rated all-season tyres, and the Michelin Primacy MXV4 and Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S took top honours among H- and V-rated all-seasons, respectively. The Michelin X-Ice XI 2 topped Consumer Reports’ ratings for passenger car winter tyres.

Consumer Reports’ tyre 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. Yet despite top scores, notes the publication, the Michelin models aren’t necessarily the best in every area. For example, the HydroEdge had only fair snow traction. The Michelin models were also among the most expensive tires tested, Consumer Reports added.

Other high scoring all-season tyres 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.

Consumer Reports’ testers put tyres through a number of objective and subjective tests. Testers measure braking and lateral grip on dry and wet surfaces, handling in Consumer Reports’ emergency avoidance manoeuvre, and hydroplaning resistance. To ensure consistency, testers buy each tyre model in the same size and mount them on the same test cars.