Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3 Tire Review & Rating

There are several different high performance winter tires to choose from, but none are quite like the Pilot Alpin PA3 from Michelin Tires. Designed for drivers of sport coupes and luxury sedans, the PA3 is built to deliver high performance and a more smooth and comfortable ride in all types of winter conditions.

Michelin has used some of its latest tire technology with this model, and it starts with the tread compound. Their unique Sunflower Oil Helio Compound is designed to enhance stopping distance on wet roads, while increasing traction and grip on dry cold road surfaces. In fact, the lower the temperature drops, the more this tire seems to perform, which adds more confidence behind the wheel.

An asymmetric tread design sports 3D Variable Thickness Sipes technology in which the inner side of the tread features wider sipes for better snow traction capabilities, while more narrow sipes on the outer tread zone provide increased dry pavement handling. The PA3 is built to ride comfortably and without all the road noise due in part to its computer-optimized tread pitch. This is another area that drivers have praised in online reviews.

Inside the tire you will find two steel belts to go along with Michelin’s Banded At Zero technology for added reinforcement. The results are increased strength and stability at higher speeds, as well as enhanced ride quality. The tire carries a V-speed rating and includes a 30,000 mile tread guarantee, which is rare due to its high performance characteristics.

Pros

• Dry cold pavement performance and cornering grip is outstanding
• Crisp steering response and stability
• Ride comfort is among best in this class
• Long lasting treadlife and a 30,000 mile warranty

Cons

• Snow and ice traction is just below that of the Blizzak and X-Ice

Overall Thoughts

For a high performance winter tire, the Michelin PA3 is at the top of the chart. It provides the best dry and cold traction and grip of any winter tire on the market today. Grip in the corners is outstanding on cold dry pavement. That said, high performance dry traction comes at the expense of snow and ice handling.

While this tire does well, it can’t match the snow and ice performance of tires such as the X-Ice and the Blizzaks. But that is what makes this tire so good, it gives you a choice. You can have tremendous dry grip and responsive steering during the winter, as well as decent winter weather traction… or you can have a tire that is more suited to driving in snow and ice at all times, minus the higher dry traction and cornering performance.

Ride comfort is another strong suit for this tire. It rides very smooth and comfortably for a winter tire, and you won’t get the road noise as you do with other snow tires. Overall, the AlpinPA3 is one of the best choices in a high performance winter tire.

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What Vehicles Will The Michelin PA3 Fit?

Fits these vehicles and many others:

• Audi A4, A6, S4, A5, S5, S6, Allroad Quattro
• BMW 135i, 3, 5, 7 Series, M5, M3
• Buick Regal GS
• Chevrolet Impala
• Ford Mustang, Focus
• Honda Accord, Civic
• Hyundai Sonata, Genesis
• Infiniti G35x, G37x
• Mazda RX-8, 3, 6, Millenia S
• Mercedes Benz C, E, S Class
• Nissan Maxima, 350Z
• Pontiac G8, Grand Prix, GTO
• Porsche Panamera
• Subaru Impreza WRX, STI, Outback
• Toyota Camry, Matrix, RAV4
• Volkswagen Golf, Jetta

Tire Sizes

16″

225/60R16/XL 102V BSW

17″

245/45R17/XL 99V BSW
235/40R18/XL 95V BSW
245/40R18/XL 97V BSW
225/45R18/XL 95V BSW

19″

285/40R19 103V BSW

19″

255/45R19 100V BSW

Price Range

Prices on the Alpin PA3 range from approximately $184 and up. You may also find occasional rebates, discounts, coupons and special offers on this tire.

Click Here To Find The Current Prices On All Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3 Sizes

Warranty

A 6-year or 30,000 mile tread warranty is included on the Alpin PA3. Tire uniformity is guaranteed for one-year or the first 2/32 inch of wear.

Materials and workmanship are warranted for 6-years and include free tire replacement during the first year or first 2/32 inch of wear. A prorated amount is given for the remaining time period or down to the last 2/32 inch of tread depth.

Michelin also adds in a 3-year flat tire changing service and their 30-day customer satisfaction guarantee, making this one of the best winter tire warranties available today.