Michelin tires need to be replaced

[Mark S.]

The OEM size of 235/65/17 is much lighter and less aggressive than the other sizes of the same tire. So much so that some question whether it should even be called a AT3W (disclaimer, I have them on my Sport). However, if you order a 235/65/17 in that tire you get that same OEM tire. That is the one they sell to everyone, it just happens to be different than all of the other versions/sizes of the same tire.

The attached PDF is a list of all the tires Falken manufacturers and sells under the A/3TW model name. A quick scan of the list reveals that every tire on the list is different from every other tire on the list. Falken sells A/3TW tires featuring MANY different ply ratings, tread depths, U.T.Q.G. ratings, etc. I've read through the marketing material about the A/3TW on Falken's website a couple of times now looking for something that could be considered misleading about the way Falken describes its A/3TW line of tires as applied to the OE tire Ford offers. As far as I can tell everything it says about the A/3TW model applies to the OE tire. What am I missing?

Thus, the dealer is likely correct. Chances are Michelin contracted with Ford for the OE tires for the OB the same as Falken did for the optional 235s. Ford has requirements regarding weight and ride quality that Michelin would likely consent to for that particular size of the Primacy. This means that it will likely not wear the same as the other counterparts at different sizes that are not operating under these conditions. Chances are Michelin still sells this size to all persons aftermarket as well, much like Falken.

The problem with statements like this is they are speculative. Now I'm not opposed to speculation when it's based on logic and might actually serve to help someone. But comments from a dealership that suggest OEM tires are "lower quality" lead to all kinds of unhelpful speculation and assumption. For example, someone reading through this thread could easily take away an assumption that tire manufacturers make two versions of the same tire, one for OEM installation, and another for retail sale, and the OEM version is somehow inferior to the retail version. I don't see how does this kind of speculation/assumption can help anyone.

If someone has evidence (actual data, not comments from a service shop that wants to sell you "better" tires) that tire manufacturers produce lower-quality tires of the same model as those they sell to retail customers please share it. I've looked, and I haven't seen any.

Any owner who's curious can look at the tires on their car to get an idea of how they should perform. The numbers on the sidewall tell the tale. Although not "gospel," the Uniform Tire Quality Grade (U.T.Q.G) ratings provide some clues on what you can expect regarding tire performance. If you believe the tire that came on your car is lower quality than the same tires the manufacturer sells at retail then go take a look at the numbers on your tire. You can compare those to the numbers on the retail tires. Then you'll have DATA on which to speculate rather than opinion.

TL;DR: The fact that you only got 20K miles from a OE tire that the tire's manufacturer warrants for 55K when sold retail is not evidence that OE tires are inferior. There are any number of factors that affect tire tread life.

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[wessermgm]

The attached PDF is a list of all the tires Falken manufacturers and sells under the A/3TW model name. A quick scan of the list reveals that every tire on the list is different from every other tire on the list. Falken sells A/3TW tires featuring MANY different ply ratings, tread depths, U.T.Q.G. ratings, etc. I've read through the marketing material about the A/3TW on Falken's website a couple of times now looking for something that could be considered misleading about the way Falken describes its A/3TW line of tires as applied to the OE tire Ford offers. As far as I can tell everything it says about the A/3TW model applies to the OE tire. What am I missing

Nothing. The only factor I really got into was weight, which is well known. The OEM Falkens are only 31 lbs at 235/65/17. The 225/65/17 non-OEMs, s smaller tire, actually weigh more at 34 lbs. There is only one reason why the smaller tire weighs more than the larger tire - it is constructed differently, a fact that the Falken rep has come on here and admitted. Weight on a tire is generally a function of ply and lug size (possibly compound but I have seen nothing to suggest they used a different compound) The extra weight has to come from somewhere. Ford wanted an AT OEM tire that didn't crush its EPA ratings. Falken accommodated them. However, I think the point we have both made is that that the tire that was created for Ford is the same tire that Falken sells to the general public at this size.

I am not suggesting that the tire is inferior - I bought the tire for my own BSBB. I like it and think it is a great fit for my Sport. It should last way more than 20k (so should the Michelins). I am just saying it won't last the same as the non-OEM because they are constructed differently. Hell, it may be longer, but I can't imagine that it would be same. So I misspoke when I said the dealer was correct - he was only partially correct. I agree with him that the OEM tires are different because they are. That does not mean they are inferior.

 

[thomasm23]

A tire design is always a trade-off. Either you want high performance or all-weather. Quiet, comfortable ride or long-life.

The Michelin Primacy A/S is used by many automotive manufacturers. Toyota and Ford are just a few. This tire is a compromise.

My OE Primacy A/S tires lasted 65,000 miles. I rotated these every 7500 miles. I checked the air pressure once a month. Cold pressure in the morning with no sun on the tires, 33 psi all around.

The Michelin Defender 2 will last much longer, but the ride will not be as quiet and smooth.

 

[Mark S.]

A tire design is always a trade-off. Either you want high performance or all-weather. Quiet, comfortable ride or long-life.

The Michelin Primacy A/S is used by many automotive manufacturers. Toyota and Ford are just a few. This tire is a compromise.

My OE Primacy A/S tires lasted 65,000 miles. I rotated these every 7500 miles. I checked the air pressure once a month. Cold pressure in the morning with no sun on the tires, 33 psi all around.

The Michelin Defender 2 will last much longer, but the ride will not be as quiet and smooth.

If my Falken A/3TW tires continue wearing at the current rate I should easily exceed the 55K warranty.

 

[NMhunter]

I soured on Michelins when the requrirement for the wear numbers on passenger tires came out. They had some of the lowest wear ratings on the market. Now maybe they had really high traction ratings which reduces the wear, but I've never trusted them after seeing that. they were forced to reveal the wear ratings they suddenly made really high wear rating tires.

 

[Mark S.]

I soured on Michelins when the requrirement for the wear numbers on passenger tires came out. They had some of the lowest wear ratings on the market. Now maybe they had really high traction ratings which reduces the wear, but I've never trusted them after seeing that. they were forced to reveal the wear ratings they suddenly made really high wear rating tires.

It's a trade-off. Softer rubber provides a smoother ride. Some are willing to pay for more frequent tire changes to get a smoother ride.

 

[PaulOinMA]

I'll see the same tire on tire rack listed several times. One will have no added designation. One will have OEM Ford. Another OEM Toyota. Another OEM Nissan. They may have different speed ratings, such as H or V, different mileage ratings, and do on.

For example, the OE tire on my FE is 225/55-19 Bridgestone Ecopia H/L 422 Plus. Tirerack lists:

OE Ford: 99H, 700AA,
OE Nissan: 99H, 600AA, and
OE Toyota: 99V, 600AA.

Tire Search Results (tirerack.com)

Looks at Bridgestone tires there: Bridgestone Tires at Tire Rack . It lists:

Ecopia H/L 422 Plus and
Ecopia H/L 422 Plus (Original Equipment)

 

[Mrmike]

Looking for a recommendation for upgrading the Michelins on my '23 OBX (18"). I D'ONT do off roading at all but want a good handling rain and dry weather performance tire. I have 4 snow tires I run in the winter.

 

[PaulOinMA]

I like the Continental Crosscontact LX25.

Less expensive are General tires, which is part of Continental.

 

[jmhpi49]

Upgrading to BFG Trail TA's. 235/60 18s.

 

[Mark S.]

Looking for a recommendation for upgrading the Michelins on my '23 OBX (18"). I D'ONT do off roading at all but want a good handling rain and dry weather performance tire. I have 4 snow tires I run in the winter.

www.tirerack.com has a comprehensive search function. In addition, it offers pro reviews as well as customer ratings. You can search by a specific tire size or by vehicle. I believe you'll get far more useful information there (literally THOUSANDS of reviews for popular tires) than from the few owners here who've owned their cars long enough to need a new set of tires.

 

[Discount Tire]

@Mrmike I would strongly recommend the Michelin Defender2 in the 225/60R18. I have them on my wifes 2018 Subaru Outback and she loves them.

 

[wessermgm]

Upgrading to BFG Trail TA's. 235/60 18s.

Can't go wrong with that. Solid choice.

 

[realworld51]

I have Michelin Primacy AS tires on my 22 OB. Only 27k miles and they're in need of replacement.

Almost wrecked over the weekend because I almost hydroplaned off the road.

Michelin tires used to be good.

Had my oil changed at the dealer today and complained about the tires. He said they measured the tread and they were fine. I took the service writer out and showed him the tread. He agreed they were no good. He said they were running a sale on tires.

I already ordered.a set of BFG Trail TA's. Cant wait to get them on!

No surprise here. My ‘21 OBX came with those same cheap tires. Never thought I would refer to any Michelin tire that way. Was surprised to learn they have only 8/32nds of tread depth when new. Replaced them immediately with Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail in same size as OE. Happy with them.

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