Michelin Primacy MXV4 one year report

[m35tn]

It's been almost exactly one year since I replaced my Michelin Pilot PS with Primacy tires and I'm amazed at the results.

I've put just 10,000 miles on them but the tread depth is still 9.5 32nds (from 11 to start). The ride is delightfully smooth and quiet and best of all I'm getting about 1.5 mpg better mileage.

The better mileage really surprised me and I thought it was a fluke at first but it's remained consistent over the course of the year. At $3.50 per gallon that savings along amounts to about $500 over the life of the tires - not an inconsiderable amount.

When I got them I was a bit concerned about handling in the snow (what little we get here in TN) but they are just fine and I think are even better than the Pilots. The traction on wet surfaces - even really drenched puddling surfaces is as good as it get.

I'm a happy camper and glad I made the switch.

[Logan00]

Why did you choose these tires and if you don't mind me asking, how much did they cost?

Did you consider the Conti DWS?

Thanks

[m35tn]

Well - it's been a year but here is what I remember about the process.

I'm a big Michelin fan having had great success with Michelin for years. I did take a look at the Conti tires but the place that I get tires from (shade tree mechanic whom I've learned to trust explicitly over the years) waved me off of the Contis. I know that his advice was not because he would make more on the Michelins but from his experience. Also, I wanted a tire that would last for awhile and my recollection is that the Contis don't have the tread life expectancy that the Michelins do. The Primacys start with 11/32 of tread which is more than others and I believe is a factor in the mpg difference (along with the lower rolling resistance).

So - add in the negative Conti recommendation, the tread life issue and my former Michelin experience and you've got my decision. Nowhere in the decision matrix was mpg considered but it's a huge piece of the puzzle.

Cost was exactly $1,000 for the four tires, mounted and balanced which was $160 below the price my Infiniti dealer quoted.

Hope that helps.

[Logan00]

Thanks for the reply. Since I have been on Nico most users have recommended the Conti's so I was curious why you chose the Michelin's.

When I am ready to change my tires I at least have another option to consider.