Launched in March 2016, the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus delivers outstanding performance in diverse conditions and terrains. This all-season tire is ultra-high performance and replaces its previous performance tire, the Pilot Sport A/S 3. It’s ideal for owners of performance vehicles and sports cars as it offers better traction in light snow without affecting its renowned performance in other conditions.
Although the Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus presents a similar tread pattern to the previous A/S 3, it has several extra features to improve performance. Michelin’s goal for this tire is to deliver outstanding hold in dry conditions and sufficient traction on wet roads. This Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus review will help you determine whether this tire is right for your car.
Performance Features and Technologies
To achieve the goals mentioned above, Michelin has used the following attributes.
Helio+ Technology
Helio+ is made up of sunflower oil and Extreme Silica technology tread compound, which increases the tire’s performance in rain and other cold weather conditions. The vast amounts of silica in the tread compound, together with the bigger circumferential grooves and variable thickness sipes, are the major reasons for the improvement. Michelin reports that the tire stops at a shorter distance on most road surfaces in comparison to other leading tires. The A/S 3 Plus delivers better snow traction than the older Pilot Sport A/S 3.
Performance-Optimized Tread Pattern
Another feature of the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus is its performance-optimized tread design with its asymmetric tread pattern. The tread has a mix of elements like the rugged blocks on the tire’s outboard shoulders. The blocks increase the tire’s lateral grip and help with handling corners on roads. The four wide circumferential grooves on the tread minimize hydroplaning and also give more traction on wet surfaces.
Variable Contact Patch 3.0 Technology
Michelin took a leaf out of its own book and used the Variable Contact Patch 3.0 technology from its racing performance tires. This technology aids in extending the patch evenly along the tire as well as boosting the durability of the tire. The Variable Contact Patch technology, developed in Michelin’s racing lab, steadies the tire at high speeds, reduces heat distortion, and together with the tread design, vastly improves the cornering grip.
Performance in Different Conditions and Surfaces
Let’s take a look at the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus performance under different weather and terrain conditions.
Performance in Dry Conditions
The Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus delivers amazing adhesion and hold on dry roads thanks to the technologies applied to the ultra-high performance tire. The tire’s rugged sidewall keeps it stable, despite taut turns with a loaded vehicle. You’ll feel confident taking corners with a knowledge of your grip and steering lock.
Performance in Wet Conditions
Unlike some of the other performance tires, which may struggle when the road is wet and sliding may occur, the A/S 3 Plus excelled, displaying no hesitation in the varying degrees of wetness. Stable and balanced, the tires deliver excellence with short braking distances and good traction.
Performance in Snowy Conditions
Usually ultra-high performance all-season tires are not bought with snowy or icy surfaces in mind, but the A/S 3 Plus copes pretty well in light snow conditions. The circumferential grooves on the tire channel water to prevent hydroplaning and the sipes give traction in the snow and ice. However, always be careful in harsh winter conditions and make sure to equip your vehicle with tires that are especially made for winter driving.
Michelin invited members of the Tire Rack team to preview production-spec Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus tires before their launch to try out and test the snow traction. The Tire Rack team‘s Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus review seems to support the claims of not only improved snow traction, but also the performance in both dry and wet conditions.
Off-road Performance
Ultra-high performance tires are not made for driving off the beaten track. The tread compound is not strong enough to deal with cuts, punctures, and other damage from the rough terrain, like rocks and other obstacles. The tread probably won’t give sufficient hold, particularly in the mud. Driving the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus on hard-packed surfaces may damage the tread and could void its warranty.
Ride Quality
Although the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus gives such a great performance in the conditions already described, it is lacking somewhat in ride quality. The ride feels rigid while driving over holes and humps on bad roads. The tires are noisy and the cabin vibrates during speedy highway driving, but a great suspension may reduce the loud sound and shakiness.
Pros
- Exceptional dry traction
- Dependable traction and handling in wet and slippery conditions
- Decent traction in light snowy conditions
- Excellent steering response
- Outstanding cornering grip and stability
- Great straight-line tracking and high-speed stability
- Good treadlife and treadwear warranty
Cons
- Less-than-average ride quality
- Noisy at higher speeds and on rougher surfaces
- Expensive
Should You Buy the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus?
Currently, the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus is one of the better ultra-high-performance all-season tires on the market. Although the ride comfort is not great, the tire is clearly focused more on the traction and cornering, which are excellent.
The majority of reviews on the tire are positive and the Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus doesn’t disappoint. The tire received a four out of five star rating with 91 percent of the reviewers claiming they would buy it again. Dry traction and cornering stability came out with the top points.
There are a wide range of 16 to 20-inch sizes available in the Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus tires range. Every model features either a W or Y-speed rating and a 45,000-mile tread warranty.
If you want to improve the performance of your sport coupe, sporty crossover, or luxury sedan, this is a perfect choice of tire for you. If you require all season traction in the area where you live and need to drive in light snow on a regular basis, then this tire is a good option.
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