Michelin Pilot Sport 4S available in 225/40ZR18

[CA_MS3]

The successor to the Pilot Super Sport is now available in our OE size.
Noticed today that it is listed on Tire Rack's website for $215/each (ouch).

[kTaLgsTo]

Spending over a grand on tires mount and balanced is normal if you don't want to sacrifice performance... I don't think 215.00 isn't a bad price at all

Edit for bad grammar

[CA_MS3]

Originally Posted by kTaLgsTo Spending over a grand on tires mount and balanced is normal if you don't want to sacrifice performance... I don't think 215.00 isn't a bad price at all Edit for bad grammar

I agree completely. Good tires are worth it, because they affect so much of the driving experience.

I just finished up a set of Michelin Pilot Super Sports, but I won't be getting them again. The first ~1500 miles demonstrated awesome longitudinal and lateral grip. But then I drove to a mountain retreat, where the night-time temperatures dropped to 30°F. The tires never seemed to grip quite the same after that exposure. In general, the roll-off of grip with temperature was pronounced: in aggressive canyon driving, I could tell they were losing grip by the time ambient temperatures (reported by the car) were below 50°F. By 40°F, braking distances were remarkably longer, and I had to adjust my braking points by over a car length. (This is all in the same aggressive drive, no stopping to cold-soak.) The PSS's yielded just over 20k miles total life, and grip in the last 3/32's of wear was terrible, much worse than my all-seasons at 5/32's (Michelin A/S 3).

Pilot Sport 2 owners have complained of irreversible changes in grip after low temperature exposure. I emailed Michelin customer service before the mountain trip asking about similar effects on Super Sports. They didn't really answer my question, but recommended changing to winter tires when average daily temperatures are "at or below 45°F". I decided to go for it since I wouldn't be driving at night. Lesson learned = now I change to all-seasons if there's any chance of encountering freezing temperatures.

The only tire in the same class as the PS4 now appears to be the Conti ExtremeContact Sport. Both the Conti and PS4 have this detailed cautionary note on the Tire Rack website:

Note:: Tires exposed to temperatures of 20 degrees F (-7 degrees C) or lower must be permitted to gradually return to temperatures of at least 40 degrees F (5 degrees C) for at least 24 hours before they are flexed in any manner, such as by adjusting inflation pressures, mounting them on wheels or using them to support, roll or drive a vehicle.

Flexing of the specialized rubber compounds used in Max Performance Summer tires during cold-weather use can result in irreversible compound cracking. Compound cracking is not a warrantable condition because it occurs as the result of improper use or storage, tires exhibiting compound cracking must be replaced.

[Fstrnyou]

I'm cheap. My tires were like... $80 each.

[kTaLgsTo]

This probably isn't the thread for this, but on the topic of places like Amazon and tire byer, and other websites... They sell an out of date or near out date tire. As they can buy them in bulk/cheaper. It's always good to research where you get your tires from...

[speed23]

Originally Posted by kTaLgsTo This probably isn't the thread for this, but on the topic of places like Amazon and tire byer, and other websites... They sell an out of date or near out date tire. As they can buy them in bulk/cheaper. It's always good to research where you get your tires from...

This is true. I got 4 brand new pilot sport 4 (not 4s) just as they were replaced by the 4s for $475 at a local place.

[Fstrnyou]

I go to the local Discount Tire store and ask for the cheapest tire they have in my size. Lol.
https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tir...ry-uhp/p/11242

[kTaLgsTo]

I used to do that, but once you drive on nice tires it's hard to buy cheapies again

[Fstrnyou]

The only problem I had with cheapies was at ENM last year. Worthless on the dragon/skyway.

[Fstrnyou]

Based on that, you guys have fun with your overpriced tires that are only good if its warm outside. After all, they do say SUMMER. I guess I'll stick with my cheap all seasons. I'm not going to fuck around with winter/summer tire sets. I drive my speed like I stole it and have no issues day-to-day, winter and summer.