Bridgestones v Michelin Pilot Sport 4S

[Philip0]

Michelin recently introduced the Pilot Sport 4S replacing the Pilot Super Sport. The reviews have been very positive and they seem to beat Bridgestones in virtually every measure.

My DB9 needs new tyres, but AMW state they still recommend Bridgestones as the "manufacturer's specification", and other tyres "could affect the handling of the car".

Has anyone put Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres on their Aston, and if so, how has it affected the handling of the car?

How do they compare with Bridgestones?

[runner911]

"AMW state they still recommend Bridgestones as the "manufacturer's specification", and other tyres "could affect the handling of the car"."

But then they would say that wouldn't they !

Bridgestone not even in the same league as Michelin.

Michelin every time for me.

[davek_964]

My Bridgestones were 6 years old so it's not really a fair comparison.

But my Vantage is like a different (much better) car with the Michelin's.

[telum01]

Yes, switching to the MPS4S absolutely will affect the car's handling... it will be better in every way. Get the Michelins.

[Gday2]

It will effect the handling of the car - to the better. I am not looking back to Bridgestones after changing to PPS

[Rappa]

Hi,

I recently changed the rears and will change the fronts before Le Mans later this year. As others have said changing from old 'worn' Bridgestones is not always a direct comparison, however just after changing they slipped / spun a bit on the drive home but I think there is some protective / releasing compound for a few miles after that they have been fine.

I think they are a little quieter but I haven't 'tested' the grip yet in this wet weather.

My tyre place also tried to say that the 'recommend AM tyre was the Bridgestone'.....

The Michelins were £100 per pair more expensive but I went from the recommendations on here, the reality is that I probably don't drive it hard enough to notice the difference and my priorities are probably:

- confidence especially in the wet
- road noise
- durability

Only time will tell, but so far quite impressed,

Sean

[MarkM3Evoplus]

I have a NP Vanquish and the original equipment Yokohamas are being replaced with Michelin Pilot Supersport shortly, which have now evolved into Pilot 4S.

Everyone who has carried out the above change say the car is utterly transformed in every way for the better.

Try going on the AMOC forum and see what other DB9 owners have done.

Cheers,

[ilikeAstons]

When I replace my Bridgestones I'll definitely be going with the Michelins.

And I notice that the 'Valkarie' at Geneva is sporting Michelins....

[Glasgowrob]

Michelins every time he'll I prefer rain sports to the potenzas I had on the Mondeo

[jon-]

The 4S will have a softer sidewall to the Bridgestone so might feel a little less direct. Ideally you'd replace four at a time so as not to upset the balance of the car too much, but the Michelin is a better tyre in every other way.

[rancidswan]

jon- said:

The 4S will have a softer sidewall to the Bridgestone so might feel a little less direct. Ideally you'd replace four at a time so as not to upset the balance of the car too much, but the Michelin is a better tyre in every other way.

Hi Jon

I'm interested in this comment, can you explain a little further please? If we take the fronts as an example, my understanding is that the tyres we're talking about here are;

Bridgestone AM9 spec : 235/40 R19 (92Y) (AM9-BZ) having a load rating of 92

The Michelin PS4s : 235/40 R19 Y (96) with a load rating of 96

This suggests to me that the Michelin might have a stiffer sidewall due to the higher load rating, however I don't profess to be an expert here and hence my request for more info.

rancid.

[jon-]

rancidswan said:

jon- said:

The 4S will have a softer sidewall to the Bridgestone so might feel a little less direct. Ideally you'd replace four at a time so as not to upset the balance of the car too much, but the Michelin is a better tyre in every other way.

Hi Jon

I'm interested in this comment, can you explain a little further please? If we take the fronts as an example, my understanding is that the tyres we're talking about here are;

Bridgestone AM9 spec : 235/40 R19 (92Y) (AM9-BZ) having a load rating of 92

The Michelin PS4s : 235/40 R19 Y (96) with a load rating of 96

This suggests to me that the Michelin might have a stiffer sidewall due to the higher load rating, however I don't profess to be an expert here and hence my request for more info.

rancid.

The difference in sidewall stiffness between load ratings on the same tyre is fairly minimal, in some cases I've been barely able to feel it.

The difference in sidewall stiffness between brands and patterns can be huge.

Without testing the tyres back to back on the same car, this is an educated guess, but until recently a lot of the Bridgestone tyres have a very over engineered sidewall, which is great for handling feel but bad for things like noise and rolling resistance.

With the 4S being the newest design, it has a lot of material removed from the sidewall to improve noise, comfort and RR. While Michelin do a very very good job of hiding this, it will still likely feel "softer" than the Bridgestone.

This could be a good or a bad thing depending on what you're looking for in a tyre.

[rancidswan]

jon- said:

rancidswan said:

jon- said:

The 4S will have a softer sidewall to the Bridgestone so might feel a little less direct. Ideally you'd replace four at a time so as not to upset the balance of the car too much, but the Michelin is a better tyre in every other way.

Hi Jon

I'm interested in this comment, can you explain a little further please? If we take the fronts as an example, my understanding is that the tyres we're talking about here are;

Bridgestone AM9 spec : 235/40 R19 (92Y) (AM9-BZ) having a load rating of 92

The Michelin PS4s : 235/40 R19 Y (96) with a load rating of 96

This suggests to me that the Michelin might have a stiffer sidewall due to the higher load rating, however I don't profess to be an expert here and hence my request for more info.

rancid.

The difference in sidewall stiffness between load ratings on the same tyre is fairly minimal, in some cases I've been barely able to feel it.

The difference in sidewall stiffness between brands and patterns can be huge.

Without testing the tyres back to back on the same car, this is an educated guess, but until recently a lot of the Bridgestone tyres have a very over engineered sidewall, which is great for handling feel but bad for things like noise and rolling resistance.

With the 4S being the newest design, it has a lot of material removed from the sidewall to improve noise, comfort and RR. While Michelin do a very very good job of hiding this, it will still likely feel "softer" than the Bridgestone.

This could be a good or a bad thing depending on what you're looking for in a tyre.

Many thanks Jon

It's always good to get some expert guidance on this stuff

Cheers
rancid

[steveatesh]

No expert here at all but doesn't the AM9 suffix on the Bridgestone mean it has a stiffer Wall for Aston Martin cars, or is it a sales gimmick?

I've just bucked the trend with this thread by having Bridgestone fitted. My rationale for this was the supplier (who could supply Bridgestone or Michelin so no bias) advised me to go with OEM tyres to avoids any complexities with insurance etc. I have no idea if this is a valid suggestion but it's also what I was told by the place that does my servicing, an AM independent.

Plus the OEM tyres were £190 cheaper, plus they have served me well for 7 years, plus I drive like miss Daisy so never push them in any case.

Can I still be a member of this club please?

[jon-]

Totally false regarding the insurance comment. As long as the tyre is e-marked and of legal tread depth your insurance company can't do anything.

[M5MarkM]

Not sure the difference could ever be noticed unless on a track? Also add into account the DB9 really doesn't handle at all anyway not sure it can make any difference?

[telum01]

The Michelins typically give you more road comfort, and that's seen at all speeds.

[Murph7355]

When I put PSS on mine there was less road noise, it rode better and gripped better (especially in the wet). There really was no downside to the Bridgestones.

I now have them on my RS4 and am equally impressed. And when the PoS Pirellis that are on my GT wear out I'll put them on that (I'm not bothering on the XC90 though. But if Michelin did Crossclimates in the right size, Michelin would get my money there too).

Fit them

[Philip0]

M5MarkM said:

Not sure the difference could ever be noticed unless on a track? Also add into account the DB9 really doesn't handle at all anyway not sure it can make any difference?

According to Michelin, compared to Bridgestones, they stop better, grip better and last longer, so it appears to make a real difference, not least to safety..

[bomberh]

Philip0 said:

M5MarkM said:

Not sure the difference could ever be noticed unless on a track? Also add into account the DB9 really doesn't handle at all anyway not sure it can make any difference?

According to Michelin, compared to Bridgestones, they stop better, grip better and last longer, so it appears to make a real difference, not least to safety..

I for one have already requested an order of a set of Michelin tyres from my dealer, as mine are getting a little low on tread. Also all four tyres have cracks in all the treads. Although not an MOT failure, as the rear tyres are getting low on tread and all four are cracked, time to change them.