I'm approaching 38K miles on my stock tires (2019) and looking at either Wildpeaks or Michelin Defenders. I'm leaning more towards the defenders because most of my miles will be highway, near max load. The wild peaks sure look great but I've run Michelin Defenders on other vehicles, including in snow, and have no complaints.
I like the X-Ice snow more than Blizzaks because they drive more confidently on pavement and they're much quieter.
I got the Michelin X-ice Snow here in the Colorado Rockies. They work great.
I run the X-Ice on my Allroad. Nice tire, but I don’t drive them hard on dry pavement for obvious reasons.
I just picked up a set of Continental Viking contacts. Previously I had Michellin X-Ice and they were solid.
I don't drive the Miata in the rain much, but the couple times I have, the grip has been excellent. The only time I've unintentionally broke traction on these tires is when I was going downhill into a decreasing radius turn and hit a patch of gravel.
Overall, I really like the new wheel and tires, but I wouldn't say it's all upside either. The Michelins are just that much quieter and more comfortable (Granted the previous tires were nearing the end of their life, but they were always loud). I listen to the stereo 5-6 clicks lower than I used to as well. The grip is also far higher, and putting my right foot down mid corner no longer induces instant oversteer and spinning tires. It just hooks up and goes. It's still fun, but it definitely has changed the character of the car a fair bit. It's much more serious, and while I enjoy the added grip, there's certainly something to be said for what has been lost. On the bright side, when winter hits I'll get to have some more low(er) traction fun when I put the stock wheels back on.
Michelin CrossClimate 2’s are quite amazing. I highly recommend them.
The Michelin sidewalls had all the support in the world, to the point of feeling harsh. Awesome in the corners though but the car definitely thudded over expansion joints and bumps.
Honestly, the Michelins are generally more recommended here over the Conti's... and after 35k on my 99, the best thing I ever did was get rid of the frickin Michelins, and replaced 'em with Bridgestone Potenza's... SOOOO much better wet traction
Write your review
Help others - share your experience with this part.
Voted AGAINST engine oil RAVENOL on the rating page
The brake pads NIPPARTS got the first review!
The brake pads APP got the first review!
The drive shaft OEM BMW got the first review!
For wiper blades PIAA already 100 reviews.
For tires OEM Toyota already 25 reviews.
In the rating best ignition coil already 13 brands participate!
In the rating best water pump already 12 brands participate!
In the rating best air filter already 5 brands participate!
In the auto rating battery for Volkswagen Golf already 5 brands participate!
In the auto rating tires for Toyota Corolla already 50 brands participate!
In the auto rating oil filter for Volkswagen Passat already 5 brands participate!
For starter motor OEM Volkswagen already 25 reviews.
Voted AGAINST engine oil RED LINE on the rating page
Voted AGAINST engine oil PENNZOIL on the rating page
