What is the thickness of Michelin tires?
3 Answers
Michelin passenger car tires have a maximum tread thickness of approximately 13mm at the crown area. Here is some relevant information about Michelin: 1. Introduction: Michelin was founded in 1889 in Clermont-Ferrand, France. Over more than 100 years, Michelin has undergone continuous innovation and development. It now operates businesses across five continents and has R&D centers in Europe, North America, and Asia. 2. Business Areas: Michelin Group's business activities include various tires, mobility assistance systems (such as the PAX system), and travel services (such as ViaMichelin, GPS, travel guides, and maps). Among these, its map and guide publishing division is a leader in the field. The famous Michelin Guide celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2000.
I just changed to Michelin tires, and the thickness issue really needs to be clarified. Actually, thickness mainly refers to tread depth. New tires generally have a tread depth of around 8 to 10 millimeters, but the exact figure depends on the model and usage conditions. With over 20 years of driving experience, I can say Michelin tires are of good quality. However, their high-performance series like the Pilot Sport may start with a slightly thinner tread depth of about 7 millimeters, while everyday models like the Michelin Energy Saver are thicker, typically around 9 millimeters when new. Over time, the tread depth gradually wears down with mileage, and factors like hard braking on highways or driving on muddy roads accelerate this process. I recommend checking every 5,000 kilometers—use a flashlight to inspect the tread wear. When the tread depth drops below 2 millimeters, braking response noticeably worsens, and the risk of skidding in rainy conditions increases significantly. Remember, regular tire maintenance extends their lifespan, and safety is more important than saving money.
I've used several sets of Michelin tires and found their tread depth quite reliable. New tires typically have an average depth of 8 to 10 mm, but the Michelin Primacy series on my compact car measured 9.5 mm when new. After over a year of city commuting, it's now down to 5 mm. When tread gets too thin, problems can arise. A simple test is to insert a one-yuan coin into the tread: if the entire edge of the coin is visible, the depth is less than 2 mm and it's time for replacement. Tire models affect thickness - Michelin Latitude SUV tires are thicker, around 9 mm when new. I often take weekend trips with my family on gravel roads, which causes faster wear, reducing tread depth slightly each month. Regular tire rotation helps distribute wear evenly. I personally check every 3 months, and maintaining above 6 mm means they'll last considerably longer. For safety, tread below 3 mm becomes particularly hazardous on wet roads.
