Michelin PS2 versus Michelin Pilot Sport A/S

[m35tn]

I'm trying to decide between these two tires for my 2006 M35X. I live in Tennessee so have occasional snow - but not much and not usually a problem to wait for a bit until it melts BUT I do like a car to be able to have some traction in the snow - especially because I have a very steep long (800 ft) driveway.

I'd love to just have the PS2s but am a bit concerned - will the AWD compensate for the occasional time that I'll need a bit of snowy traction?

Also - is the PS2 ok at or around freezing temps?

Anyone out there with experience with these two?

Yes - I'm married to Michelin. I've had such good luck with them over the years that I'd probably not entertain another brand.

Thanks!

[tkeskic]

I Just purchased the PS2 for summer driving, which is a ways away for me *April/MayThe issue with summer tires, even if you get only a tiny bit of snow; or even no snow at all; is the performance of the tire changes drastically near freezing. The Rubber compound changes enough that makes it much less safe than a winter variant; All season tires suffer from the safe temperature issue also; I heard the other day this starts as close as 6 degrees Celsius on summer tires;

My suggesting is that (since I dont know your weather systems) that if its cold enough to snow, and hovers around freezing; to get yourself winter tires anyway; not for traction in your case, but to keep within the operating limits on the tires rubber compounds;

tk

[m35tn]

Hey tk - thanks for the post. I used to live in Vermont so can understand your reply from snowy Alberta. When I say "snow" here I'm talking about the twice a year that we get 3 inches that's gone by noon because the sun is out and it's up to 35 or 40 on a cold day!

Having said that, we do get some days below freezing but if we get two in a row then that's some sort of mean winter to us.

Let's see what others say - thanks a bunch for taking the time to reply.

ken

[szh]

Also - is the PS2 ok at or around freezing temps?

A very, very tough call! Yes, the tire will be very hard - like a rock - at or near freezing temperatures. Any ice or snow, and you will probably slide fairly easily. The AWD and anti-slip will compensate a bit, so you may be okay as long as it is not sleet or icy conditions and you take it very easy!

The PS2 is an outstanding tire, so it would really be a tough choice to get the Pilot Sport AS because of some freezing temperature days - the PS2 is definitely a superior tire compared to the Pilot Sport AS ... or the Pilot Sport (non AS, that is)for that matter! Is there no way you could drive a beater car during those days, perhaps (he asks hopefully)?

Yes - I'm married to Michelin. I've had such good luck with them over the years that I'd probably not entertain another brand.

A good choice. Michelin makes mostly outstanding tires, with only a few so-so tires in the range, and those are not so bad either.

Z

[RAGTPZ]

I have the PS2 on my Z32 and is by far the best tire I have ever used....in warmer weather. There is absolutely no way though that I would drive with those tires near freezing, might as well put glycerin on the tires. TireRack.com specifically warns against doing so.

Stick with the A/S.

[antzrus]

... There is absolutely no way though that I would drive with those tires near freezing, might as well put glycerin on the tires. TireRack.com specifically warns against doing so.

Yeah, I would warn against putting glycerin on your tires as well..!!