Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

Initial Review, 3000 Miles on Tires
January 05, 2012

I drive mainly gravel and two-track roads, with some highway driving. I wanted a 10 ply rated studless winter tire for protection from rock punctures (very common where I live). Compared to my current summer tires (toyo open country AT) these michelins are quieter and they also track better at highway speeds. These michelins are also smoother than the toyos on rocky roads. Of course, they are far superior in winter traction than the toyos, but that's what you'd expect.

These tires replace my previous winter tires, which were Bridgestone Blizzak DMZ-3s. I think the Blizzaks were a better all around winter tire, but they ended up with un-repairable rock punctures because they were either 4 or 6 ply rated tires. The deep snow traction is similar, but the michelins don't seem to have quite as good ice traction as the blizzaks. Also, the michelins seem to get thrown around a bit more in frozen rutted conditions where the blizzaks seemed to hold a better line.

I wanted a trustworthy winter tire with a 10-ply rating for puncture resistance. This michelin fits the bill.