Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ vs All Season 4: Tested & Comparison

Henry

Written by

Henry Speciale

Steven

FACT-CHECKED BY

Steven Schiller

michelin pilot sport a/s 3+ vs all season 4

Michelin is one of the top companies in the automobile industry with a high reputation for their tire quality. Whatever tire you choose from Michelin is undoubtedly a good one.

In fact, the company produced a number of outstanding all-season tires designed to resist shifting temperatures and seasons, including the Michelin Defender in 2012 and Michelin Premier A/S in 2014.

For now, however, we’ll tackle the All Season 4 vs AS3+. These tires are forerunners among the recent competitive tires from Michelin, which generated a discussion among the company’s faithful fans.

Choosing between Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ vs All Season 4 is difficult, since both of these options perform well.

Let’s take a look further with their full comparison to discover which tire is ideal for your vehicle.

Attribute Michelin-Pilot-Sport-AS-3+ michelin-pilot-sport-all-season-4
Size 245/40ZR20 245/40ZR20
Maximum pressure 50 psi 50 psi
Tire weight 27 pounds 26 pounds
Tread depth 10/32’’ 10/32’’
Maximum load 1709 pounds 1709 pounds
UTQG 500 AA A 540 AA A

Detailed Comparison

1. What is it?

Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+

sport-as-3-plus-discontinued

Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ is a sports car tire that was launched in late summer 2013.

Because of the use of a Helio+ composition that is infused with additional silica to boost durability, this contemporary tire in the Michelin Pilot A/S series delivers great cornering grip with accuracy at high speeds.

Also, the Contact Patch 3.0 technology used in this tire distributes cornering pressures uniformly for increased grip and control, as well as extended tire life. It also contributes to less road noise while improving traction.

Even when the weather attempts to take control, Michelin’s ultimate Ultra High Performance All-Season tire, the Pilot Sport A/S 3+, combines summer levels of wet and dry grip with vast rain, cold weather, and snow mobility with hydroplaning-resistant 3-D sipes.

Read more: Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 vs Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+: which is better?

Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 4

pilot-sport-all-season-4-release-date

Michelin’s Pilot Sport AS4 was invented specifically for high-end sports automobiles to improve the performance of all-season tires.

The Pilot Sport All Season 4 release date was way back in July 2021, and you can find this model in 105 sizes, including the Pilot Sport All Season 4 235/40R19, 215/45ZR17, 225/50ZR18, and more.

The Pilot Sport AS4 has Dynamic Response Technology, which allows the vehicle to remain stable while providing optimal road traction. It also ensures that stresses and heat are distributed equally, resulting in a longer wear life.

Its wide circumferential channels function in conjunction with large rain grooves and huge outboard shoulder blocks for an optimal dry and wet grip in all weather and surface conditions.

The Extreme Silica Compound, as well as full-depth and interlocking 360 Degree Variable Sipes further improve snow performance, allowing the circumferential grooves to catch loose snow and aid in winter acceleration and braking control.

2. Differences

all-season-4-vs-as3+

1. Wet Performance

Generally speaking, tires might lose track with the road in rainy weather and wet conditions. But, thankfully, Michelin tires have our backs.

In terms of wet conditions, the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ has an overall wet performance score of 90.5%. Meanwhile, Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 4 has received a 92% rating. This implies that the A/S 4 comes out on top in the wet handling comparison.

Its traction is slightly better, as is its braking distance.

2. Dry performance

The default function of tires can be seen on dry roads.

In this category, though both tires are responsive, the Pilot Sport A/S 3 triumphed over the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 4 with better cornering and traction. The shorter braking distance of the All Season 4 still makes it a worthwhile choice, though.

3. Snow performance

Michelin tires have significantly improved their all-season performance in snowy conditions.

Both models can brave light snow without putting the driver in danger. However, they are not made for heavy snow, and you’ll be better off with a winter tire in icy weather.

Overall, the Pilot Sport All Season 4 handles ice a bit better than the A/S 3+ and exhibits superior traction.

4. Wear

According to public data, the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 4 received a higher rating in the tire wear category. It has an 80% score vs a 79% score for the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+.

Overall, both the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 4 and A/S 3+ will provide even tread wear, thanks to their respective Dynamic Response Technology and Variable Contact Patch.

5. Comparison Table

michelin-as3-vs-as4

6. Pros and Cons

Michelin AS3 vs AS4 is one of the most heated discussions among Michelin loyal supporters. Both have benefits and drawbacks of their own. Here is an overview of the pros and cons of each Michelin Pilot Sport Tire.

Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+5
  • Good dry and wet tarmac handling dynamics
  • Superior cornering and traction on dry roads
  • Tread warranty of 6 years or 45,000 miles
  • Poor performance in heavy snow
  • A bit noisy
Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 4
  • Superior traction and braking distance on wet roads
  • Brakes quickly on dry roads
  • Good, even tread wear
  • Not for winter conditions
  • More expensive

7. Cost

Pilot Sport A/S 3 vs 4S, which is more affordable? Tire prices vary by sizes, so it may be helpful to compare these options using the same diameter, section width, etc.

For example, the All Season 4 costs around $278 for the 255/35R18 size on one platform, while the Pilot Sport A/S 3 255/35ZR18 is slightly cheaper at $256.

If you look for the Pilot Sport All Season 4 235/40R19, it’s impossible to compare it with the A/S 3 plus of the same size, since it is unavailable.

In general, the A/S 3 plus ranges from $283.99 to $434.99 on Tirerack, while the Pilot Sport AS 4 costs ‎$176.99 to $530.99.

Frequently Asked Questions

pilot-sport-as-3-vs-4s

Is Michelin Pilot Sport 3 Discontinued?

The answer is yes. It has been replaced by the Michelin Pilot Sport 4. But don’t confuse this model for the Pilot Sport A/S 3+, which is another tire.

Is the Pilot Sport A/S 3 plus discontinued?

At the moment, no. You can still find this model on the brand’s website, and there seems to be no announcement yet about its discontinuation.

Did the Pilot Sport 4S Replace the Pilot Super Sport?

In 2017, Michelin’s Pilot Sport 4S (PS4S) superseded the Pilot Super Sport (PSS). The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S clearly demonstrated its superiority in wet braking, dry traction, and tire life compared with its predecessor.

How Long Does Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 4 Last?

Michelin tires typically last between 40,000 and 85,000 miles or 5-10 years.

The Pilot Sport 4S is a summer tire and will be at the lower end of this spectrum. Michelin offers a 45,000-miles warranty for this model, so you should expect it to last that long. At the very least, drivers should get 30,000 miles out of this tire.

Conclusion

Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ vs All Season 4 is a tough subject since, as previously said, both tires excel in distinct ways.

However, based on our comparison, Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 4 outperforms the A/S 3+ in the majority of the categories. Still, this does not rule out the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ as a viable option.

Perhaps, we could simply leave the decision to Michelin customers. This article gave a great deal of details regarding these two all-season tires, and we hope that it assisted you in analyzing the qualities of both.

4.7/5 - (4 votes)
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