How Long Do Michelin Pilot Sport 4s Tires Last?

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Henry Speciale

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how long do michelin pilot sport 4s tires last

Performance tires are known to have shorter tread life compared to other types. These tires feature softer rubber, which improves grip on the road but reduces longevity and durability.

In this article, I will feature one of Michelin’s most popular performance tires. So, how long do Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires last?

The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S has a 30,000-mile treadwear warranty. This means that you are guaranteed to get this mileage with this tire. However, several factors influence tire wear that can affect its lifespan.

Michelin Pilot Sport 4S

The Pilot Sport 4S is a max-performance summer tire equipped with an asymmetric tread pattern and a hybrid compound.

As it is a summer tire, it isn’t capable of being used in a wide temperature range. Using it in areas with temperatures below 20° F may cause irreversible compound cracking.

It has a UTQG rating of 300 AA A, wherein the 300 is a government-mandated number indicating that it can last 3 times as long as a 100 tire. This does not automatically imply an extended tread life, as other factors still exist to consider.

Factors Affecting Tread life

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How many miles do Michelin tires last? The answer is around 40,000-85,000 miles.

The Pilot Sport 4S is a tire specialized for summer, so it will be on the lower end of this range. Aside from the make of the tire, the following factors could also affect your tire’s tread life.

1. Weather Conditions

Rain, snow, and ice weather conditions cause tires to wear out faster because they require more effort to gain traction.

Summer tires like the Pilot Sport 4S may perform well in rain. However, because they are specifically designed to function in the summer, using them in snow will result in faster wear.

2. Poor Road Conditions

Poor road conditions badly affect the lifespan of your tires. These include curbs, potholes, unpaved roads, and broken pavement, all of which can cause tire misalignment and suspension damage.

3. Aggressive Driving Style

If you drive too aggressively, your tires will wear out faster than they should.For example, doing hard cornering, quick acceleration, and sudden braking frequently will drastically reduce the life of your tires.

4. Weight and Tire Pressure

The tire pressure should also be enough for the vehicle’s load to prevent quicker wearing. If you carry too much load, it is best to match it with increased inflation pressure.

Properly inflated tires also improve fuel economy and road safety. It helps to have less rolling resistance, which means less energy is consumed while driving.

5. Engine Power

Sometimes the vehicle’s performance capabilities do not match those of the tires. This leads to decreased tire life over time, especially if the driver typically pushes the vehicle’s capabilities to the limit.

For example, a Ferrari 296 GTB would need a performance tire like the Pilot Sport 4S to match its high engine power.

Extending the Tread Life of Tires

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By getting more mileage out of your tires, you are getting more value for their price. It will take longer before you need to replace them, allowing you to save money.

Here are some ways to help extend your tires’ life.

  • Better Driving Habits

As mentioned above, being aggressive in accelerating, cornering, and braking reduces the tread life of your tires. So one way to improve their tread life is to do the opposite. You can be more cautious and ease up on your turns and stops to put less pressure on your tires while driving.

  • Regular Tire Rotation

Tire rotation is essential for even treadwear. It is usually done every 5,000-8,000 miles, or you can also follow the recommended frequency in the owner’s manual.

Tire rotation is also significant for the tread wear warranty of your tires. You must show records of a regular tire rotation to claim this offer.

However, tire rotation may be a little more challenging if you use directional tires. You will need the right equipment and machinery to rotate them into the needed pattern.

  • Tire Alignment and Balancing

The wear rate of tires is also affected by their balance and alignment. If you feel vibrations while driving, your tires are probably out of balance. I personally recommend that you balance your car every time you rotate the tire.

The owner’s manual contains specifications regarding tire alignment, so you or your mechanic can use it as a guide. Typically, you should have your tire aligned every six months.

  • Maintaining Correct Tire Pressure

As a car owner, you must check the tire pressure regularly. Tire professionals recommend you check your tire pressure at least once a month. However, it is also advisable to adjust it depending on your vehicle’s load.

Customer Reviews

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Now, let us take a look at the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tread life based on customer reviews.

Most comments about the tread life of the tire are positive. One review on Reddit said that he already got over 30,000 miles, but the tires are in good condition.

In TireRack, the average treadwear score based on the surveyed consumers is 8.3, which is still good considering that it is a max performance tire.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How long do Michelin tires last?

Michelin tires usually last between 5-10 years. However, this can be extended or reduced depending on the specific tire varieties, your driving habits, road conditions, weather conditions, and tire maintenance. Read more about Michelin’s tire lifespan here.

Are Michelin Pilot Sport 4S run flat?

The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is not a run-flat tire. However, Michelin produced a run flat version of this model, namely the Pilot Sport 4 Zero Pressure.

When should I replace my tires?

You must consider two factors before replacing your tires: wear and age.

  • Wear: When your tires reach the tread depth of 2/32″, it is recommended to replace your tires. To check if your tires are already at this level of wear, you can do the penny test or look at the tread wear indicator.
  • Age: Even if your tires are not badly worn out, they still need to be replaced due to aging. Tires typically last 5-10 So, if your tires have reached this age, you should consider checking them at a tire shop to see if they need to be replaced.

Conclusion

Tires with a long service life are a must-have. It allows us to get the most out of our tires, making the investment worth it.

I mentioned what to expect from the Pilot Sport 4S’s tread life above, as well as the factors that shorten the tire’s life and possible ways to extend it. I hope that I was able to help you by answering the question, “How long do Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires last?”.

Before you go, visit this interesting comparison between Michelin Super Sport vs Pilot Sport 4s here.

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Henry-Speciale - Writer

Henry Speciale

I’m Henry, the content writer for PPMC Transport. We build our site entirely on experience and extensive market and customer research. My goal is to create a trusted platform where people can go to determine what is best for their vehicles in terms of safety and convenience. Keep an eye out for our useful guide!...more