Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus Tire Review

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About the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus

The Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus is an ultra-high performance all-season tire, designed for drivers of performance sedans, sports cars, sports coupes and sporty crossovers.

Launched in 2016, the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus was released to replace the Pilot Sport A/S 3.

It features a similar performance-oriented tread pattern to the one found in its previous iteration.

However, it also comes with several additional features, designed to enhance its performance in various conditions.

According to Michelin, this tire is engineered to deliver excellent grip in dry conditions, as well as adequate traction and short braking distances in wet conditions.

Also, its snow performance has been improved by up to 28%, compared to the Pilot Sport A/S 3+.

Performance Features and Technologies

As mentioned above, the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus is built to deliver solid grip and traction in dry and wet conditions, combined with light snow capabilities.

To achieve these objectives, Michelin has utilized various features and technologies, including its exclusive Helio+ technology, a performance-optimized tread design, and Variable Contact Patch 3.0 technology, among others.

Let’s take a closer look at each of these features and technologies, as well the role they play towards this tire’s overall performance.

Helio+ Technology

Helio+ is one of Michelin’s most advanced tire technologies. It comprises sunflower oil and Extreme Silica technology tread compound.

This combination helps to increase the tire’s traction on wet roads and in colder conditions.

Performance-Optimized Tread Pattern

The Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus also comes with a performance-optimized tread design, featuring an asymmetric tread pattern.

This tread features a combination of several elements such as rugged blocks on the tire’s outboard shoulders, designed to increase the tire’s lateral grip.

Also, these rigid tread blocks help to enhance the tire’s cornering capabilities on dry roads.

Its tread also comes with four wide circumferential grooves, designed to minimize hydroplaning while enhancing the tire’s traction in wet and slippery surfaces.

Variable Contact Patch 3.0 Technology

Michelin has also utilized its proprietary Variable Contact Patch 3.0 technology in this tire, which has been borrowed from its endurance racing tires.

As the name suggests, this technology helps to spread the contact patch uniformly across the tire. It also helps to boost the tire’s durability.

Performance in Different Conditions and Surfaces

Does the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus match up to expectations? We mounted a set of these tires on a Nissan Maxima and this is what we observed.

Dry Performance

The Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus is easily one of the best UHP tires that I’ve tested to date.

It delivers outstanding traction and grip in dry conditions. And this can be attributed to the utilization of the technology found in Michelin’s racing tires.

Also, the utilization of the variable contact patch technology, which was originally developed for Michelin’s Formula 1 vehicles, helps to boost these tire’s response and traction in dry conditions.

At the same time, its rugged sidewall helps it to stay stable, even when you are tackling tight turns with a fully-loaded vehicle.

Whenever you are tackling a corner with this tire, you will know the amount of grip you have as well as the level of steering lock that you need for peak performance.

So, if you are planning to hit the track over the weekend or during your free time, this tire should deliver a highly dependable performance.

While it may not match the performance of a premium summer tire, its overall performance will be more than enough.

Performance in Wet Conditions

Some ultra-high performance tires tend to falter, whenever they encounter wet, damp and slippery conditions.

But with the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus, I experienced one of the most assured performances in these conditions.

We tested this tire on various levels of wetness. And it didn’t show any hesitation, regardless of the conditions.

Even on extremely wet surfaces, this tire delivers excellent traction, with some of the shortest braking distances in this category.

On top of that, it feels stable and balanced. The steering response is fast and accurate and the cornering grip is equally adequate.

Snow Performance

Ultra-high performance all-season tires are not designed for snowy conditions or icy roads.

But according to Michelin, this tire has the features and capabilities to deliver reliable traction in light snow.

And it performed as expected. Its traction and grip in light snow are outstanding.

Also, it handles tight corners well while its stopping distances remain quite decent, compared to the other tires in this category.

With that said, this tire may not be safe to use on roads covered with thick layers of snow or ice.

And as we always say, if your area experiences harsh wintry conditions or your work requires you to drive through such conditions, you will need to equip your vehicle with dedicated winter tires.

Off-Roading Performance

With their rugged tread design and outstanding performance in wet, slippery and light snowy conditions, you may be tempted to think you can use them for off-roading.

But the truth is, these UHP all-season tires are not engineered for such conditions and terrains.

Its tread compound is not sturdy enough to withstand cuts, punctures, bruises and other forms of damage posed by elements like rocks, roots and tree stumps.

Furthermore, its tread may not provide adequate traction and grip, especially in deep muddy or slushy conditions.

Also, driving with this tire on hard-packed surfaces can damage its tread or even void its warranty.

Simply put, you shouldn’t use the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus for off-road driving. Instead, you can opt for an all-terrain tire or a proper off-road tire, depending on the off-road terrains you are planning to tackle.

Ride Quality

While the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus may provide outstanding grip and traction in dry, wet, slippery and light snowy conditions, its ride quality is poor.

They feel stiff and hard whenever you come across potholes and bumps. They also transmit noticeable noise and vibrations to the cabin, especially during highway driving.

Compared to other UHP tires in its class, its ride quality is a bit on the lower side. But if your car has a good suspension system, then you may not experience the noise and vibrations.

Overall, if you are looking for a UHP tire that will deliver a comfortable, smooth and quiet ride, then you may have to look elsewhere.

Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus Warranties and Guarantees

Michelin wants you to get value for your money if you decide to purchase the Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus.

To this end, Michelin has backed this tire with solid warranties and guarantees, to protect you against loss and ensure you get value for your money.

Offered under the Michelin Promise Plan, they include the workmanship and materials warranty, treadwear warranty, a satisfaction guarantee and roadside assistance.

Workmanship and Materials Warranty

This warranty is designed to cover various defects related to workmanship and materials used.

According to this warranty, if your Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus tire is removed from service due to a defect related to workmanship or materials, it’s eligible to be replaced.

If the tire is removed from service due to workmanship or materials defects during its first 2/32-inch of the original usable tread or within the first 12 months after purchase, Michelin will replace it with a comparable new tire, free of charge.

Michelin will also cater to mounting and balancing charges. As the buyer, you will be responsible for applicable taxes and miscellaneous service charges.

If your Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus becomes unserviceable after the free replacement period due to materials or workmanship defects, Michelin will still replace it but on a pro-rata basis.

Treadwear Warranty

Michelin offers a 45,000-mile treadwear warranty for the Y, V and W models of this tire while the Y speed-rated tire comes with a treadwear warranty of 30,000 miles.

So, if your Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus tire wears out uniformly across its tread without attaining the warranted mileages mentioned above, it will be eligible to be replaced.

All replacements done under this warranty will be on a pro-rata basis, where you will contribute a certain amount towards the tire’s replacement.

The amount of money you will contribute towards the tire’s replacement will depend on the percentage of the warranted mileage the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus has delivered, by the time it’s worn down to its treadwear indicators.

This percentage will then be multiplied by the dealer’s current selling price for this tire.

Customer Satisfaction Guarantee

Michelin believes this tire will perform according to expectations. Accordingly, it stands behind the tire with a 60-day satisfaction guarantee.

So, after buying this tire, you are given a window of up to 60 days, to examine its performance and decide whether to keep it or not.

If you are not 100% satisfied with this tire’s performance or you are not sure whether it will offer value for money, you can return it where you purchased it within 60 days.

After returning it, the dealer will exchange the tires with a comparable new set of similar or lesser value.

Roadside Assistance Service

The Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus is also covered by Michelin’s Roadside Assistance service, for up to 3 years from the date of purchase.

When you purchase this tire, you will get this package, which comes with various services like:

• Free tire change
• Lockout service
• Free towing
• Battery jump start
• Gas, oil and water delivery

This service is available round the clock the entire year. However, you will need to have your own inflated spare tire for the free tire change.

And in case you don’t have a usable spare tire, towing services will be provided free of charge, for up to 150 miles to the nearest tire shop.

Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus Sizes and Fitment

Michelin produces this tire in a wide range of sizes, starting from 16 inches to 22 inches.

So, if you own a performance vehicle and its wheel size is within this range, there’s a high chance that this tire is can fit your vehicle.

Some of the vehicles that the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus is compatible with include:

• Buick Regal and Lucerne
• Honda CRZ and Civic
• Chevrolet Impala, Camaro, Monte Carlo SS and Corvette
• Ford Contour, Fusion, Mustang GT, Explorer and Focus
• Mazda RX-8, Mazda3 and Miata
• Dodge Challenger, Avenger and Charger
• Hyundai Veloster and Sonata
• Nissan Maxima and 370Z
• Lincoln LS
• Subaru Impreza, Legacy, BRZ and Outback
• Jaguar XK8 and XKR
• Mercury Milan
• Volkswagen Passat, Jetta, GTi and CC Sport

Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus Price Range

The Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus is currently going for around $135 to $365. Your vehicle’s wheel size will determine the actual price that you will pay for this tire.

Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus Pros

• Exceptional dry traction
• Dependable traction and handling in wet and slippery conditions
• Decent traction in light snowy conditions
• Excellent steering response
• Great cornering grip

Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus Cons

• Below average ride quality

Should You Buy the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus?

The Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus ticks almost all the right boxes when it comes to UHP all-season tires. Its grip and handling on dry roads are exceptional and its traction in wet conditions is one of the best in the class. It responds to steering commands well and its cornering stability is great. The only issue with this tire is its poor ride quality, which is expected from a UHP tire. So, if you are in the market for a reliable, capable, and high-quality UHP all-season tire, then the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 will be a decent choice.