Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3

Powerslide · 11-12-2011, 12:04 PM

I just got my winter wheels/tires put on - my "summer" setup was the 245/35/R19 front and 265/35/R19 Pilot Sport PS2's... Now I'm at a "square" setup of 235/40/R18 Pilot Alpin PA3's.

Seems like for the few days I've had this setup, the car's ride seems smoother (temps ranging between about 30-45F) - just out of curiosity - is this because of the rubber compound in the PA3's being softer, vs. the higher sidewall (or a combination of both factors)? Anyone else with this winter setup have similar observations?

gthal · 11-12-2011, 12:07 PM

I noticed the same thing... softwer sidewalls and high profile on 18s.

M3SQRD · 11-20-2011, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by username11

Significantly softer sidewall + higher sidewall = smoother ride plus that lovely "OH SHIT" feeling the first few times you take a corner after taking your summers off.

Forgot to include "+ tall tread blocks + soft tread blocks" both of which add to the overall compliance of the tire. Yes, that first corner with winter tires is always fun!

BlackLight · 11-20-2011, 10:09 PM

and taller threadblocks.

I went from: 245/40/18, 265/40/18 PS2
to: 245/40/18, 245/40/18 PA3,

and have the same issue; slightly more comfy, but a lot less grip...

11-12-2011, 12:04 PM	#1
Powerslide Colonel 1099 Rep 2,286 Posts Drives: 2018 F80 ZCP Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Chicago Illinois USA iTrader: (0)	Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3 - Smoother ride than summer tires? I just got my winter wheels/tires put on - my "summer" setup was the 245/35/R19 front and 265/35/R19 Pilot Sport PS2's... Now I'm at a "square" setup of 235/40/R18 Pilot Alpin PA3's. Seems like for the few days I've had this setup, the car's ride seems smoother (temps ranging between about 30-45F) - just out of curiosity - is this because of the rubber compound in the PA3's being softer, vs. the higher sidewall (or a combination of both factors)? Anyone else with this winter setup have similar observations?
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

11-12-2011, 12:07 PM	#2
gthal Major General 1904 Rep 5,678 Posts Drives: 2018 340i xDrive Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Canada iTrader: (2)	I noticed the same thing... softwer sidewalls and high profile on 18s. __________________ 2020 X3 M40i \| Black \| Current DD 2020 C8 Corvette \| Z51 \| Torch Red ... built and waiting for delivery 2016 M2 \| Long Beach Blue \| 6MT 2015 M4 \| Austin Yellow \| DCT 2012 MB C63AMG \| 2011 E92 M3 \| 2010 E92 M3
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-20-2011, 10:09 PM	#4
BlackLight Second Lieutenant 17 Rep 239 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Surrey, BC iTrader: (1)	Mostly the compound and taller threadblocks. I went from: 245/40/18, 265/40/18 PS2 to: 245/40/18, 245/40/18 PA3, and have the same issue; slightly more comfy, but a lot less grip...
	Appreciate 0 Quote