If you've ever wondered how the modern breed of ultra high performance all season tires compared in the snow when compared to a summer tire and a winter tire, this is the test for you!
In this video the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S, Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 and Michelin X-Ice Snow are tested for traction, braking and a timed snow lap, to see all the differences between three of the best tires in each category!
Data
Snow Braking
Snow braking in feet (20 - 5 MPH)
Lower is better ↓| Tire | Result | Gap to best | Residual speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32 ft | Best | 0 mph | |
| 41 ft | +9 ft | 39 mph | |
RefMichelin Pilot Sport 4 S |
109 ft | +77 ft | 67 mph |
The difference between best and worst was 243% (77 ft ≈ 5.2 Car Lengths). From 80 mph, the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 would still be travelling at 39 mph when the Michelin X Ice Snow had stopped.
Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.
Snow Traction
Snow acceleration time (5 - 20 MPH)
Lower is better ↓| Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 3.53 s | Best | |
| 5.71 s | +2.18 s | |
RefMichelin Pilot Sport 4 S |
23.7 s | +20.17 s |
The difference between best and worst was 571.4% (20.17 s).
Snow Handling
Snow handling time in seconds
Lower is better ↓| Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 83.91 s | Best | |
| 105.73 s | +21.82 s | |
RefMichelin Pilot Sport 4 S |
173.71 s | +89.80 s |
The difference between best and worst was 107% (89.8 s).
Results
Michelin X Ice Snow
245/40 R18
All discipline results (3)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Snow BrakingLower is better | 32 ft |
| Snow TractionLower is better | 3.53 s |
| Snow HandlingLower is better | 83.91 s |
Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4
245/40 R18
All discipline results (3)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Snow BrakingLower is better | 41 ft |
| Snow TractionLower is better | 5.71 s |
| Snow HandlingLower is better | 105.73 s |
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
245/40 R18
All discipline results (3)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Snow BrakingLower is better | 109 ft |
| Snow TractionLower is better | 23.7 s |
| Snow HandlingLower is better | 173.71 s |
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