Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus *Update-Tires have arrived

[TN_3]

UPDATE: Tires have arrived and will be mounted after car is delivered on April 1.




EDIT:Now that the new Pilot Sport AS 3+ have been announced, this thread applies to the new version.

So, before anyone begins preaching about how AS tires are a compromise, I am fully aware, but have my reasons based on the climate in my area. We don't get enough snow to warrant snow tires, but it does get cold and it does occasionally snow. I am in the medical field and I have to go into work regardless of the conditions. Now that we have that out of the way, here are my questions...

1) As far as size, they make the stock 255/275 sizes, but the rear is not XL rated. I am worried that without matching the load ratings there may be a change in handling feel (softer sidewalls), beyond that which comes from the switch to all seasons. So I looked and the next size up (265-35/285-35) are both XL rated. Ok, sounds like a plan. Agree?

2)For the A/S 3, the front 255 is a 5 rib design, the rear 275 a 6 rib. When you go to the 265/285 set up, the fronts move up to a 6 rib design. Anyone think this would affect front end handling/grip? Negatively or positively?

I am pretty sure this is the route I want to go when the time comes (taking delivery in April, so won't need to worry about this until next winter), but wanted to get some input.

[TN_3]

Well, looks like I need to scratch all of this, as Michelin has announced the new A/S 3 Plus at the Detroit auto show.

http://www.tirebusiness.com/article/...ason-pilot-uhp

[schnell325]

Originally Posted by TN_3

Well, looks like I need to scratch all of this, as Michelin has announced the new A/S 3 Plus at the Detroit auto show.

http://www.tirebusiness.com/article/...ason-pilot-uhp

I just read about the new design. Good thing you didn't order up the previous ones ✔️✔️

[tareemaa]

I have the A/S 3 as my spring/summer/fall tire and I am pretty happy with their performance, these A/S 3+ look pretty promising, will probably get those when these go bald. I went with the 265/285 setup.

[trey100]

Originally Posted by tareemaa

I have the A/S 3 as my spring/summer/fall tire and I am pretty happy with their performance, these A/S 3+ look pretty promising, will probably get those when these go bald. I went with the 265/285 setup.

I know the AS 3 is a great AS tire but considering you are not using them in the winter, was the switch based on durability and cost or are there other qualities that made you make the swap?

[JoeFromPA]

This tire is basically a summer tire - honestly, it's that performance oriented and has that questionable of snow traction. I have them on my wifes 535xit and it's an amazing tire but really lost alot of snow capabilities compared to the previous Continental .

It's interesting their new version highlights significant improvements in snow traction.

[ando]

I have them and just use them in cold weather not snow. They work fine in standard sizes.

[jwzimm]

I am thinking of pulling off the Conti's that came with mine and storing them until lease turn in. The A/S 3+'s look like an awesome tire for all around use. I am curious if one could go up in size to maybe offset the slight reduction in grip with these too. Maybe run a 305 out back with a 275 up front.

[georgere]

I will probably get these when my summer tires are worn out. Considering they cost much lower than PSS. I will not use them for snow duty though. I got dedicated winters for that.

[fishbone0701]

Have u thought about the Conti DWS06s?? I'm in Colorado and they have been impressive so far. Just a thought.

[TN_3]

Originally Posted by fishbone0701

Have u thought about the Conti DWS06s?? I'm in Colorado and they have been impressive so far. Just a thought.

Personally, here in TN, I am willing to forego some snow traction for dry performance. Really excited to see how these AS3+ perform.

[lchdezm3]

Originally Posted by tareemaa

I have the A/S 3 as my spring/summer/fall tire and I am pretty happy with their performance, these A/S 3+ look pretty promising, will probably get those when these go bald. I went with the 265/285 setup.

any pics??

[tareemaa]

Originally Posted by lchdezm4

any pics??

Here's one, wheels are 9" front 10" rear, no spacers.

[TN_3]

Originally Posted by tareemaa

Here's one, wheels are 9" front 10" rear, no spacers.

So that's 265/35 and 285/35 19's? And stock suspension?

And how do they feel compared to stock summer tires? Specifically the steering feel.

[TN_3]

bump for update

[HockeyDad]

Hey TN_3:

Noticed you've gone with plus sizes on both front and rear. What's your plan - are you going to mount these on the stock 19" wheels or are you also changing out the wheels?

[TN_3]

Originally Posted by HockeyDad

Hey TN_3:

Noticed you've gone with plus sizes on both front and rear. What's your plan - are you going to mount these on the stock 19" wheels or are you also changing out the wheels?

Stock 19's. Here was my thinking... The factory MPSS are XL rated in the rear and not in the front. When I first looked into these tires I realizd that the factory sizes were available in an XL front but not the rear. I had a friend who tried some non-XL rated tires in the rear and said the car felt very floaty. I knew going to all season tires was going to be a compromise in terms of handling, and figured the XL sidewalls will provide a little bit better steering response and prevent a possible floaty feeling. This is the size that was available in XL front and rear. I did some research on the sizes and realized people are running wider tires than this on the stock wheels. This was only a 1% increase in rolling diameter and has a little more width to help with grip.

[HockeyDad]

Cool.

Let us all know after you're installed them and driven on them! I'm very interested to know your thoughts, especially going to these larger sizes. Might just do the same thing myself if your experience is good.

[TwinPowerF30]

How about a 5 month update on these tires? How's noise, grip, cornering etc..

Appreciate any feedback. Looking to replace summer tires to A/S 3+ when the Michelin $70 rebate comes along in October.

[jwzimm]

Originally Posted by TwinPowerF30

How about a 5 month update on these tires? How's noise, grip, cornering etc..

Appreciate any feedback. Looking to replace summer tires to A/S 3+ when the Michelin $70 rebate comes along in October.

Ditto! I am looking at this exact same setup for mine now that fall has officially started to set in here.

[seattlesteve]

Would love to know how these worked and what your final setup was?

[TN_3]

Here's a quick update, had the tires on for about 2000 miles so far. Initial impressions were good. The XL rating definitely kept some firmness in the ride as well as responsiveness in the steering inputs. They do feel like they break loose earlier on heavy acceleration but for daily driving, this is a non-factor. Ride is just as smooth as stock with no noticeable difference in road noise. Visually, they do seem a little meatier than stock, but of course I went up in size on the front and rear so that was to be expected. They are excellent in the wet and as I stated earlier probably eight tenths as capable in the dry. Since this is my daily driver I really don't see any reason to go back to the stock tires, given that I need year-round performance but don't want to go with a winter set up. If anyone has more specific questions I'd be more than happy to answer them.