
Differences between Michelin 3st and 4st: Different drainage performance: Michelin 4st features a new tread design through Evergrip technology, increasing drainage space by over 50% compared to 3st, providing excellent drainage and significantly reducing hydroplaning. Different rubber compound: Compared to 3st, Michelin 4st adopts a new tread design and new rubber compound, improving wet braking performance and rolling resistance for both new and worn tires. Different safety performance: Due to the new rubber compound, Michelin 4th generation offers superior braking performance, with particularly outstanding wet braking. Official data shows that Michelin Primacy 4 achieves 2.4m better wet braking distance than 3st, enhancing driving safety to some extent. Car tire maintenance: Regularly check tire pressure: Tire pressure directly affects tire lifespan. During daily driving, excessive pressure reduces vehicle stability, especially at high speeds where it may cause floating, posing direct safety risks. Low tire pressure primarily increases fuel consumption by enlarging the contact area between tires and road surface. Both overinflation and underinflation can lead to tire blowouts, which are particularly dangerous at high speeds, potentially causing skidding or rollovers. Therefore, maintaining proper tire pressure is crucial. Slightly higher pressure in winter and lower in summer is recommended. Promptly remove debris from tires: Small stones in tire treads can affect tire lifespan and easily cause blowouts. Timely removal of such debris is essential to avoid safety hazards. Monitor tire wear: Tires naturally wear over time. When wear indicators become visible, replace tires promptly as old tires have significantly reduced traction compared to new ones. Delayed replacement may lead to skidding, especially dangerous during rainy conditions. Perform wheel alignment when necessary: Wheel alignment is required when tires show signs of misalignment. Untimely alignment may cause abnormal tire wear, and vehicle pulling could indicate tire issues in some cases. Repair punctures promptly: Even if a punctured tire doesn't leak air immediately, timely repair is necessary. Delayed repairs may render the tire unusable. Note: Don't remove nails from punctured tires immediately - leaving them in slows air leakage until professional repair is available.

As a regular city driver, I noticed a significant difference after switching from 3st to 4st tires. The most immediate improvement was reduced road noise – the highway humming sound decreased noticeably, allowing me to enjoy music at lower volumes. Fuel efficiency also improved, saving about 0.5L per 100km, which translates to hundreds in annual fuel savings. The new tires provide better wet traction, reducing braking skids and enhancing safety. Wear patterns are more even too – after two years of heavy driving, I haven't observed noticeable deformation. While slightly more expensive, the 4st delivers comprehensive upgrades in comfort and safety with excellent ROI.

From a technical perspective, the improvements of the 4st are primarily reflected in several core aspects. The rolling resistance is approximately 20% lower than the 3st, benefiting from the new tread pattern design and reinforced materials, which significantly enhance fuel efficiency. Wet grip performance has also been strengthened, with test data showing a 10% reduction in wet braking distance, improving safety. Noise control has been optimized as well, with noticeable reductions in noise levels during high-speed driving, thanks to the optimized tread block arrangement. In terms of durability, the reinforced carcass structure extends service life and reduces replacement frequency. These upgrades make the 4st more comprehensively balanced in energy efficiency, performance, and comfort.

When it comes to changing tires, cost is my top concern. The 3ST has a lower initial purchase price, but the 4ST is more cost-effective in the long run. The reduced rolling resistance saves about 5% on fuel consumption, translating to 300-400 yuan in annual fuel savings for driving 20,000 kilometers. Durability is also improved—while the 3ST typically lasts 50,000 kilometers, the 4ST can exceed 60,000, delaying replacement costs. Even though each new 4ST tire is 100-200 yuan more expensive, the overall annual savings make it a better value. Maintenance is also simpler, with no additional costs, making the 4ST a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers—small investment, big returns.


