The Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 is an all-season tire designed for high-end sports cars and sporty coupes. It offers good traction on wet and dry roads, and even in light snow. In the past, I’ve contrasted different characteristics of performance tires vs all weather tires, but this tire seems to have the best of both worlds.

Reviews highlight its strong wet handling, high grip in snow, and overall comfort. However, some critics mention a harsh ride and increased noise at highway speeds. As an ultra-high-performance all-season tire, it aims to provide year-round grip without compromising performance. It is recognized as one of the consistently top-rated tires over multiple years, making it a reliable choice for those seeking all-season capabilities without the need for separate summer and winter tires.

Michelin is a renowned French tire manufacturer that has been in the business for over a century. Founded in 1889 by Édouard Michelin and his brother André Michelin, the company is one of the largest tire manufacturers globally. Michelin is recognized for its commitment to innovation, quality, and performance, producing tires for various vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and aircraft.

Technical Details: What makes it good

The MICHELIN Pilot Sport All Season 4 incorporates several key tire technologies and details that contribute to its standout performance. Here are some notable features:

• Dynamic Response Technology: This technology likely refers to enhanced responsiveness for improved handling and control.
• Extreme Silica+ Tread Compound: The use of an advanced silica-infused compound for better traction and performance.
• 360 Degree Variable Sipe Technology: Sipes are small channels in the tread that enhance grip and traction on different surfaces.
• Helio+ Technology: This technology is designed to maintain rubber flexibility in freezing conditions, contributing to traction on icy surfaces.

Tire Type: All-Season Performance:

The MICHELIN Pilot Sport All Season 4 is designed to provide high performance in a range of weather conditions, including dry, wet, and even light snow. Here’s how its performance is generally described in different weather conditions:

1. 1. Dry Conditions:
      • The tire is engineered to deliver excellent dry traction and handling. The asymmetrical tread design likely contributes to enhanced grip during acceleration, cornering, and braking on dry roads.
      • Dynamic Response Technology may help in maintaining responsiveness and control during dry conditions.
   2. Wet Conditions:
      • The tire is designed to have good wet handling capabilities. The Extreme Silica+ tread compound, along with the 360-degree variable sipe technology, likely helps in channeling water away from the tread, reducing the risk of hydroplaning and improving wet traction.
      • Reviews suggest that the tire exhibits 5% better wet braking compared to its predecessor, indicating improved stopping power in wet conditions.
   3. Snow Conditions:
      • The tire is engineered to provide enhanced traction in light snow. The 10% improvement in snow traction compared to the MICHELIN Pilot Sport A/S 3+ is attributed to specific features in the tread design and compound.
      • The Helio+ Technology is mentioned as an advanced rubber compound that grips the road even in freezing conditions, contributing to snow and ice traction.
   4. Tread Design for Traction:
      • The asymmetrical tread pattern is designed to optimize performance in various driving conditions. The specific arrangement of tread blocks and grooves helps in maintaining traction on different road surfaces.
      • 360-degree variable sipe technology likely enhances grip by creating additional biting edges that aid in traction on wet and slippery surfaces.
      • The tread compound, including the Extreme Silica+ technology, plays a role in maintaining flexibility in colder temperatures, improving overall traction in winter conditions.

Comfort and Ride Quality: How it feels when in the cabin?

One key aspect is its advanced noise reduction technology, which aims to minimize road noise, resulting in a quieter driving experience. This technology helps absorb vibrations and road imperfections, contributing to overall ride comfort.

The tire’s construction includes elements such as Dynamic Response Technology, which likely enhances the responsiveness of the tire while maintaining a comfortable ride. Additionally, the use of an asymmetrical tread pattern and advanced tread compound contributes to a balanced and smooth ride by optimizing contact with the road surface.

Overall, the tire is engineered to deliver a comfortable and quiet driving experience, making it suitable for daily commuting and long journeys where ride quality is a priority.

Longevity and Durability: How long will the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 last?

The MICHELIN Pilot Sport All Season 4 is engineered for extended tread life, boasting up to 29% more longevity than its competitors. This claim is substantiated by an internal treadwear test on public roads, comparing it to similar tires in the category and size.

Additionally, the tire exhibits enhanced braking performance, showcasing a 4% improvement in dry braking and a 5% improvement in wet braking compared to its predecessor, the MICHELIN Pilot Sport A/S 3+. These improvements are confirmed through internal braking tests conducted under specific conditions and tire size.

Performance on Wet Surfaces: Will it help during rain?

The MICHELIN Pilot Sport All Season 4 is designed to deliver strong performance on wet roads, and this includes features aimed at addressing aquaplaning resistance and water evacuation capabilities.

Aquaplaning Resistance: Aquaplaning occurs when water on the road cannot be effectively dispersed, causing the tire to lose contact with the road surface. To resist aquaplaning, the tire employs several key design elements:

1. Asymmetrical Tread Pattern: The asymmetrical tread design likely includes specialized grooves and channels to efficiently evacuate water from beneath the tire. This helps in maintaining solid contact with the road surface even in wet conditions, reducing the risk of aquaplaning.
2. 360-Degree Variable Sipe Technology: This technology contributes to the creation of multiple biting edges on the tread, enhancing traction on wet surfaces. The sipes likely work to break up water film on the road, improving resistance to aquaplaning.
3. Extreme Silica+ Tread Compound: The advanced silica-infused compound plays a role in maintaining flexibility in wet conditions, ensuring better grip and responsiveness on wet roads.

Water Evacuation Capabilities: Effective water evacuation is crucial for maintaining traction and preventing hydroplaning. The tire is likely equipped with features that facilitate efficient water evacuation:

1. Wide Circumferential Grooves: The tread pattern may incorporate wide grooves that run around the circumference of the tire. These grooves are designed to quickly channel water away from the tire’s footprint, reducing the risk of hydroplaning.
2. High-Performance Tread Compound: The composition of the tread compound, including the Extreme Silica+, may assist in repelling water and promoting efficient water evacuation, contributing to improved wet traction.

Overall, the combination of an asymmetrical tread pattern, variable sipe technology, and advanced tread compounds in the MICHELIN Pilot Sport All Season 4 is likely geared towards enhancing wet road performance. This includes minimizing the risk of aquaplaning by efficiently evacuating water from the tire’s contact patch and providing a tread design that maintains optimal grip on wet surfaces. Real-world testing and user reviews can provide additional insights into the tire’s performance in wet conditions.

Handling and Precision: Can I take corners with it?

The MICHELIN Pilot Sport All Season 4 prioritizes precision in steering, offering a direct and accurate response to driver inputs. This contributes to enhanced control and confidence during cornering maneuvers, ensuring that the tire maintains stability and solid contact with the road. Motorists can experience a direct and accurate response to steering inputs, allowing for better control and confidence, especially during cornering maneuvers.

The tire’s design, incorporating technologies such as Dynamic Response Technology, an advanced tread compound, and a reinforced construction, collectively work to provide a high level of handling responsiveness. The emphasis on precision in steering is a key feature that enhances the overall driving experience, especially in situations that demand precise control and maneuverability.

Customer Reviews and Testimonials: What people are saying about the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4?

The positive testimonials for the MICHELIN® PILOT® SPORT ALL SEASON 4 highlight its versatile performance, combining excellent grip on dry and wet roads, all-weather capability, and impressive handling characteristics. Users appreciate its suitability for daily driving, enhanced ride comfort, and even its commendable performance on the track.

• Daily and Track Performance:
  • “Fantastic for daily driving and medium track use. Got these not too long ago and they’re a great daily tire. Quiet and very comfortable for a performance tire, my car is lowered too. I got these to replace my AS/3s since those were so good. The tire has excellent dry grip and very good wet grip. I haven’t had a chance to test snow grip yet, but if the AS/3 was anything to go by, I am not worried about it one bit.”
• All-Weather Versatility:
  • “Great All Weather and performance tire. Purchased these tires to be able to maneuver the roads when I head to Flagstaff to snow ski and then be able to keep up and perform with my aggressive driving. These tires are awesome. The grip on dry roads is amazing for an all-weather or for any performance tire. Handling the wet or snowy and icy roads , was a piece of cake. Very happy with these guys and highly recommend, if this what you need.”
• Upsized Handling & Ride Comfort:
  • “Great handling & ride. Upsized to 18″ wheels & ride is even a bit softer than the AS3’s on the 17″ wheels. Steering at low speed is a bit heavy with the larger contact patch than the OE 215’s. Good grip cold, much better when warm. Side wall flex is a big improvement in cornering.”
• Corvette Enthusiast’s Choice:
  • “Great Handling Tire. I bought the Tires about 5 months ago and out of all the tires I have had on my 90 Corvette these are the best yet, Handling is great, Ride is very Good and they seem to be wearing very well.”
• Durable Performance Endorsement:
  • “No Gimmick Tires. In dry conditions these tires perform just as well as any summer tire on the market. There is no lack of grip in cornering and little to no road noise depending on the condition of the road. In wet rain conditions these tires grip the road very well and keep the car grounded through corners. In snow conditions the tires do pretty well, depending how much snow. Overall they perform well in cold conditions up to -10 below.”

Maintenance and Care Tips: How to make it work longer

To maximize tire lifespan, ensure proper inflation by checking pressure monthly. Rotate tires every 6,000-8,000 miles for even wear. Align wheels regularly to prevent uneven wear and maintain optimal handling. Balance tires to distribute weight evenly and prevent vibrations. Practice good driving habits to reduce stress on tires. Conduct visual inspections for signs of wear or damage and address issues promptly. Regular maintenance promotes even wear, safety, and overall tire performance.

• Regular Rotation: Rotating your tires helps distribute wear more evenly, extending their lifespan. Front and rear tires wear differently due to variations in steering and drive forces. A regular rotation pattern (typically every 6,000 to 8,000 miles) can help equalize wear and promote a longer tread life. Follow the recommended rotation pattern specified in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
• Wheel Alignment: Proper wheel alignment is essential for even tire wear and optimal handling. Misaligned wheels can lead to uneven tire wear and negatively impact vehicle performance. If you notice uneven tread wear, steering drift, or the vehicle pulling to one side, have your wheel alignment checked and corrected as needed. Alignments are recommended when you purchase new tires and as part of routine maintenance or after hitting potholes or curbs.
• Balancing: Balancing your tires ensures that weight is distributed evenly around the tire and wheel assembly. Unbalanced tires can cause vibrations, leading to uneven wear and potential damage to suspension components. Have your tires balanced regularly, especially when getting new tires or after tire rotation.

Closing Thoughts

I’ve been looking for a set of new tires to add to my DC5 Project for the Acura RSX, this might be the one. This tire stands out for its exceptional performance across various conditions, offering superior traction on wet, dry, and even light snow-covered roads. Notably, the tire excels in braking performance, with improvements in both dry and wet conditions compared to its predecessor. Its unique tread design and advanced technologies contribute to extended tread life, providing up to 29% more longevity than leading competitors. Beyond performance, the tire prioritizes comfort, delivering a smooth and quiet ride. The emphasis on precision in steering enhances handling and responsiveness, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a high-performance tire with a focus on longevity and driving comfort.