Replaced my Michelin Pilot Sports with these all season tires and am very pleased

 

I have been looking at those vs the Continentals - I read a lot of review on tire rack about significant road noise on those tires - what is your opinion (understanding the caveat that this is subjective)?

 

Lessons from F1: Tires, tires, tires.
call me crazy but I need to ensure my qualifying times between the house any anywhere else keep me at the front of the grid.
In Canada that means 3 sets of tires. A/S. Summer Extremes. And winter extreme M&S.

The only time I am content with being at the very back of the grid is at the carting track where I need to practice my overtaking skills with my son. And he practices his defending skills.

 

I haven't checked prices, but suspect that the Summer Michelins cost more than the All-Season Continentals. Given your driving style and tire performance priorities, why is the incremental higher cost of the Michelins worthwhile? What are you getting for that extra cost and why is it worth it?

If you have to think more than 15 seconds to answer that question, buy the Continentals.

 

15 seconds!!
Team Williams would give their right hand for 15 seconds...

 

I thought Digband might need more time because he's in upstate New York and might suffer from weather-induced brain freeze.

 

I now have three seasons and 10000 miles on Michelin Pilot AS3 plus. When first installed I thought the differential was failing as there was a pronounced whine from 60 to 70. Whine was traced to the new tires, interestingly dependent on pressure. They replaced older directional AS3 Plus installed by dealer for CPO status in 2012 before I bought the 08 XKR which were much quieter. Higher pressures are much louder so I run them at 30 and the noise is tolerable. Or just lower top, weather permitting and listen to wind and engine. Handling and ride fine for exploring back roads but next time I will probably try the Continentals. I did not consider summer rubber as my BMW came with summer Bridgestones and they are unhappy below 60 and scary below 40, which is 9 months of the year up here.

 

I use to run Contis as my summer choice then went to Hankook Ventus for warm weather. I run the Pilots all seasons in winter only because it is possible to get below the temp rating.
I don't think you can go wrong with Contis as I don't remember them as noisy at all.
You're right though, the best way to avoid worrying about noise with any tire is to drive top down!

 

I've had my Michelin Sport 4S for 2 years now, and to be truthful, I was hoping for more.
My previous Bridgestone S-04s were every bit the equal in cornering and grip, although I believe the Michelin will win on wear by a fair margin.
That said, going thru Bridgestones sooner always insured I was on newer compounds, which is also a win.

When these wear out, I would not have any concerns returning to the S-04s if they were a few hundred dollars cheaper.


(Note: For perspective, I am an extremely aggressive driver)

 

Low of 26 here today - definitely low enough for brain-freeze! I guess I wanted the extra performance summer tires can provide, but considering I'm going to lose a lot of driving time if I can't drive in the 40s (most of April before 8 AM when I go to work), I think I have to go for the Conti's - I heard lots of complaints like the post here about the michelin AS3+ have significant noise at some speeds - even though I am a top-down guy as much as possible, still don't want the extra noise... and yes, I like the lower price point! Thanks for all your input...

 

These are the very tires I am planning on purchasing for the replacement of my original Dunlops. I've heard the Michelin A/S Pilots are noisy. My main concern is noise and comfort level. How many miles did you get out of the Michelins?

 

I am very happy with the performance and noise of my Hankook Ventus EVO 2 tires. There is one downside, however... I let my car sit for sometimes two months at a time and the tires tend to do a mild Flat Spot while sitting. It's not really noticeable during normal driving, but at freeway speeds it's obvious. Once the tires warm up a bit the flat vibration goes away. Maybe three miles?

 

Flat spotting is actually quite normal, even after any stop, especially if the tyres were hottish and allowed to cool. As long as it disappears after a few kms of driving, it is OK. I think Jaguar even say up to 20 kms might be needed and is acceptable!

 

I also have the (same?) Hankook Ventus V12 Evo tires on my XKR and have exactly the same comments as Cee Jay. I think mine are the predecessor of the Evo2.

I have the Continental DWS-06 on my XJ and have been very pleased with them.

Both cars have 20" wheels with staggered fitment (rear wheels and tires are wider than the fronts). The Hankooks have a much better looking tread design, for whatever that matters.

 

I remember reading about flat spotting as an issue with Hankooks in general way back when I owned them on my Infiniti G35. I experienced it with my G35 at that time, even if sat for a few days. I'm can recall which Hankook tire I had back then. I've never had an issue with other tires or any other car that isn't driven regularly. I wonder if it's a Hankook issue and/or something to do with it being a directional tire?

 

Such a difficult topic to weigh into. Driving styles and road conditions and weather conditions are three variables alone that throw this all out of whack.
I did use the Conti Extreme A/S. Its a fine tire. Certainly not a winter tire. Certainly not a summer extreme performance tire. But for casual driving over 9 months, adequate.
I did have the Dunlops on for 2 complete days. The road noise and lack of performance when cold on wet and dry caused me to replace them. Immediately.
I did try the Hankook's. Frankly was expecting more performance from such an aggressive looking tire. Those too were off again in 2 days. It was a lack of 'directionability' for me.

I do hold Bridgestone and Pirelli in high esteem. For some unknown reason I don't use Bridgestone. Looking forward to hear from someone who does.
And Pirelli's are fantastic... but they wear so quickly.

I won't bring up the M word as there are a few who might flame me;-) I use these for all three driving seasons. Yes, they are expensive. Yes they are good. And Yes, you can't beat the warranty. Ask me how I know.

 

I don't have them yet on my XK that has fresh Ecsta PA-51s, but when they go (doubt I'll wait that long), I'll definitely put Conti DWS06s on. I've had the Contis on numerous cars and they'e the best all-around low-profile A/S tire out there. I know they'll be perfect for the XK.

 

Brand new set of Conti DWS06+. I drive it all year round. I do try to avoid sloppy days like this, but if I have to I can go. Replaced the Firehawk summer tires it had when I bought it. 3rd set of Contis I have bought. Had them on 07 XK and now have them on Wife's 16 XF and My 14 XKR. I like them.

 

GOOD choice, vistacom1. I've been doing a LOT of research this winter on tires, and Conti -06's read like an all-around super match for a mid size performance sedan. They are not Summer perf tires... but I say **** on summer perf tires.
The -06's give you a really sporty, smiling feel as they drive, without all the finicky issues and drawbacks you get when you've bought a set of summer tires that just happen not to be a perfect feel for the car you fit them on.

A++ for your decision.