New Primacy 4 a “concrete demonstration” of Michelin’s 1.6mm strategy

Michelin has said a lot in recent times about when a tyre should be replaced. The French manufacturer advocates tyre use down to the legal limit of 1.6mm, provided the tyre continues to deliver the safety it should. Presenting the new Primacy 4 at the IAA, Michelin stated that this product, developed over a period of three years, provides “a high level of performance on wet roads, from the first use until worn to the legal wear indicator (1.6mm).”

Wet grip levels are said to remain high “from the first to the last kilometre, without compromising longevity” thanks to the use of latest-generation elastomers and a tread pattern that has been optimised with a new design that reveals squarer and less tapered grooves which improve water clearance even when the tyre is worn. Evaluations performed by TÜV SÜD on behalf of Michelin show that in comparison with its ‘direct competitors’ (Bridgestone Turanza T001 Evo, Continental Premium Contact 5, Dunlop BluResponse, Goodyear Efficient Grip Performance, Pirelli Cinturato P7 Blue) in size 205/55 R16 91V, a new Primacy 4-shod VW Golf 7 decelerates from 80km/h to 20km/h in 0.9 metres less distance on average. And when worn, the Michelin tyre brakes 2.8 metres shorter than the competitor average.

Compared with the aforementioned competitors, the Michelin Primacy 4 is said to last an average of 18,000 kilometres longer. And keeping tabs on wear levels has got easier, too. In addition to the presence of a wear indicator on the shoulder, the Primacy 4 also has a Michelin marking at the bottom of the tread grooves. Michelin comments that these two methods allow users to “quickly and simply identify the level of wear of their tyres.”

According to the manufacturer, the Primacy 4 is “a concrete demonstration of the Michelin Group’s strategy” of ensuring consumers are “able to drive safely, throughout the life of the tyre, right down to the legal wear indicator of 1.6 mm.” The range will come to market from January and be available in 64 sizes.