Michelin vs. Bridgestone Tires: Performance, Price, Safety, Durability, & More

Source: tiredealersites.com

We can’t ignore the rivalry between Bridgestone and Michelin regarding tire producers. Bridgestone and Michelin are the tire industry’s two titans.

Both companies have introduced numerous market advances. They’re known for creating high-performance, low-cost tires for passenger cars, semi trucks, and others.

It’s difficult to say which of these two brands makes the superior tire. However, examining which tire brand is best for your car would be best.

To select the best one, examine their tire performance, longevity, safety, and comfort, among other factors. Don’t worry if you’re clueless; this article is your rescuer.

Here, we’ll examine each company and their tire families to see which one best fits your needs. We’ll help you decide whether Bridgestone or Michelin is the better value for you.

Michelin vs. Bridgestone Tires: Who Wins?

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Bridgestone and Michelin have been at odds for many years, with one constantly attempting to outperform the other. It means their tires are perfectly matched.

In some categories, one is superior to the other, but in the end, it all boils down to personal preference. With that said, we guarantee that none of the brands will be a wrong decision.

Whatever you choose, these tires will never let you down. They are high quality and prove to be the best on the market.

The two brands have one thing in common: They are both the safest and most durable solutions. Furthermore, they are the world’s largest tire makers.

So, while Bridgestone and Michelin’s tires are excellent, we believe we can go even further. We’ll review each brand’s overview, features, specifications, pros, and negatives.

Overview of Michelin Tires

Source: tirereview.com

With 132 years of tire manufacturing history, Michelin has made many innovations, repeatedly changing the market.

The Michelin brothers, Édouard and André, founded the company on May 28, 1889. The tire company was founded out of a desire for innovation rather than financial gain.

It helped the Michelin brothers understand the significance of bicycle tires. In particular, a bicycle with a broken pneumatic tire arrived at their factory.

Michelin filed its first patent for a removable pneumatic tire in 1891. The Michelin run-flat tire first appeared on the market in 1934.

Michelin introduced the revolutionary radial tire 12 years later, in 1946. The radial tire was so effective because it combined the qualities of two different materials.

NOTE: The first component of a radial tire is the nylon fiber. It is pretty similar to non-radial tires. At a 90° angle tire rotation, the nylon strands stretch from the sidewalls through the tread.

Interestingly, Michelin is also recognized for publishing the Michelin Guide. It bestows stars on the world’s best restaurants. It is intended to aid travelers’ searching for dining businesses.

Michelin Tires Family

Michelin has almost the same number of tire families and tires as Bridgestone.

Michelin has organized their tire family so clients can readily comprehend and make the best choice for their needs.

• Primacy: Michelin Primacy is a high-performance touring tire that combines all-weather handling and traction for a quiet and comfortable ride.
• Pilot: Tires from Michelin are available for performance sedans and coupes, SUVs and trucks, sports cars, and supercars.
• Premier: Michelin’s Premier line only has two tires, one designed for sedans and one for light trucks and SUVs. These tires are advertised as long-lasting and stay safe as they age.
• Latitude Tires: Michelin Latitude has a wide variety of specialties among the six tires in this line. They give you the best tire choice for your light truck, SUV, or CUV.
• Crossclimate: The Crossclimate is built to be a workhorse in extreme weather conditions, mud, or snow. There are only four models in this tire family.
• X Ice: The name X Ice says it all. This tire is built to operate well in the harshest circumstances. This line has three tires.
• Defender: The Defender only has two tire types the DEFENDER LTX M/S and the DEFENDER T + H.
• Energy: Exclusively, three tires make up the Energy line, which is only intended to be installed on smaller luxury performance automobiles and passenger cars.
• LTX: Michelin LTX is commercial tires built for the needs of today’s recreational and commercial drivers. Perfect for off-road adventures with all-season light truck tires.

Features & Specifications of Different Tire Models

Michelin’s tire lineup appears to be more diverse than the previous one.

Passenger car tires are offered in a wide range of sizes. These goods guarantee durability, safe traction, and high degrees of comfort.

Featured Michelin Tire: Michelin Defender LTX M/S

Source: michelinman.com

FEATURES:

• Long tread life in harsh conditions
• Excellent traction on wet surfaces and snow
• Excellent fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness
• Warranty mileage is 70,000 kilometers

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Sizes Available: 13″ to 20″
• Speed Rating: T, H
• Mileage Warranty: 70,000 miles
• Rim Width Range: 5.5″ to 11″
• Overall Diameter: 22.6″ to 30″
• Revs Per Mile: 699 to 913
• Max Load Capacity: 1,356 lbs
• Tread Depth: 10/32″
• Max Inflation Pressure: 44 ps

Featured Michelin Tire: Michelin Premier LTX

Source: tirerack.com

FEATURES:

• Safe when new, safe when worn
• Ultimate wet grip and braking for all-season safety
• Luxury & comfort that lasts
• Mileage warranty of 60,000 miles

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Sizes Available: 15″ to 20″
• Speed Rating: R, S, Q, T
• Mileage Warranty: 50,000 miles
• Rim Width Range: 5.5″ to 11″
• Overall Diameter: 27″ to 36.5″
• Revs Per Mile: 569 to 751
• Max Load Capacity: 2,755 lbs
• Tread Depth: 15/32″
• Max Inflation Pressure: 50 psi

Featured Michelin Tire: Michelin Pilot Sport AS 3+

Source: michelinman.com

FEATURES:

• Ultimate all-season dry grip
• Ultimate all-season wet grip
• Winter confidence
• Mileage warranty of 45,000 miles
• Standard limited warranty of 6 years

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Tire Size: 16″to 22″
• Manufacturer’s Treadwear Limited Warranty: 45,000 Miles
• Speed Rating: Y, V, W

The Pros & Cons of Michelin Tires

Pros

• More motorcycle tires options
• All-season tires with a wide operating temperature range.
• Many tire types are available
• Innovative fuel efficiency technology
• Extensive testing for consumer models
• Some of the most extended treadwear warranties in the industry

Cons

• One of the most expensive tire brands on the market

Overview of Bridgestone Tires

Source: philkotse.com

Despite being 40 years younger than Michelin in its founding year (1931), Bridgestone has surpassed Michelin as the largest tire manufacturer in the world.

Shojiro Ishibashi recognized that focusing on technological advances was the only option for a Japanese corporation to compete in the global arena.

By 1967, Bridgestone had developed its radial tire. After establishing itself as a prominent tire maker in Japan, it took the next step by launching an extensive worldwide growth drive.

After years of steady growth, the corporation is now embarking on expansion activities such as purchasing out competitors like Firestone.

The Bridgestone brand has produced some of the most outstanding tires on the market and other tires over years of experience.

Bridgestone Tire Family

Bridgestone has what you need if you want incredibly high-quality tires. Their most well-known products are high-performance tires, run-flats, and Blizzak winter tires.

Bridgestone Corporation also offers a wide range of passenger and light truck/SUV tires to fulfill any requirement.

• Potenza: These tires are designed for superior handling, high levels of grip, and excellent stability. This tire combines the wet traction levels of a summer tire.
• Alenza: It is a premium highway and all-season tire. It balances dry, wet, and winter conditions, longevity, and a smooth ride.
• Turanza: The Turanza is similar to the Alenza in usage and mileage but targets passenger vehicles and more on the touring side.
• Dueler: The Dueler is Bridgestone’s off-roading tire. It is made to be used all-season round and lasts for many miles. Price: Dueler from around $163.00 to $217.00
• Driveguard: The impressive Driveguard is Bridgestone’s run-flat tire. Though there is only one tire in this group, it is sold in many different sizes.
• Ecopia: It is fuel efficient but doesn’t compromise safety and stability. They are designed to give you a quiet and comfortable ride while saving energy.
• Blizzak: Blizzak tires are Bridgestone’s winter tires and are credited for singlehandedly eliminating the need for studded tires in Japan over one season.

Features & Specifications of Different Tire Models

Are Bridgestone tires suitable for passenger vehicles? The answer is yes. They have one of the most diverse vehicle tire lines in the business.

These varieties all feature high performance, comfort, and long-term durability.

Featured Bridgestone Tire: Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus

Source: tyrereviews.com

FEATURES:

• Equipped with the NanoPro Tech
• Silica and wheels rubber components
• Circumferential grooves

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Section Width: ‎225 Millimeters
• Aspect Ratio: 65.0
• Rim Diameter: 17 inches
• Load Index Rating: 102.0
• Speed Rating: H
• Tread Depth: 10 32nds
• UTQG: 600 A A

Featured Bridgestone Tire: Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza Plus

Source: amazon.com

FEATURES:

• It is a tire for light and midsize vehicles
• Cushions are to create the most comfortable experience for occupants
• The tire’s soft texture reduces its drag on the road

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Sizes Available: 15″ to 20″
• Speed Rating: T
• Mileage Warranty: 80,000 miles
• Rim Width Range: 6″ to 9″
• Overall Diameter: 28.3″ to 32″
• Revs Per Mile: 637 to 722
• Max Load Capacity: 2,469 lbs
• Tread Depth: 12/32″
• Max Inflation Pressure: 44 psi

Pros & Cons of Bridgestone Tires

PROS

• Excellent high-performance tires
• Excellent snow tires
• Longer warranty terms
• Original equipment for many manufacturers
• Maximum fuel efficiency
• Support gravel roads and urban driving tires
• Blizzak winter tires are state of the art

CONS

• The confusing array of products. There are 28 different tires listed under the “Potenza” model name alone, from a basic all-season tire to an ultra-high performance tire
• Some all-season models offer lousy winter performance
• The Ecopia line of tires suffers from poor ratings in almost every condition

Bridgestone vs. Michelin Tires: Comparison of Features

Both brands are expected to be comparable in certain aspects. These tires are almost always more expensive than their competitors.

Michelin costs somewhat more than Bridgestone. Furthermore, both companies emphasize producing safe tires.

Both provide reliable traction in both dry and rainy conditions. Surprisingly, these models continually rank among the best in their respective categories.

Are they long-lasting? Yes, durability is essential. These tires have a long tread life and come with comprehensive treadwear warranties. You can save money and minimize pollution.

Finally, you may want a quiet and comfy tire to ride on, and these companies provide it on both counts!

Bridgestone vs. Michelin: Performance and Safety

Bridgestone and Michelin are the most effective premium tire brands. However, there is a slight variation in terms of performance and safety.

Take a closer look at who comes out on top of the tire categories.

Wet Road Performance

Source: worldtirereview.com

Both kinds are suitable for wet roads. They aren’t the best, but they are fantastic anyway. No traction is lost for Bridgestone. They do not impede increased braking distance.

In rainy circumstances, some drivers claim that these tires outperform dry tarmac. If you’re not used to driving on wet roads, the slickness of the tires will improve your experience.

It does not suggest that they are less safe; instead, it states that they are more aware. Customers have also expressed satisfaction with Michelin’s wet-road performance.

They have superior traction in the wet because the tread becomes more expansive when the tires wear. Furthermore, it benefits from the slick roads having less surface to rub against.

WINNER: TIE

As a result, they’re even in this Bridgestone vs. Michelin wet performance battle. They both do an excellent job.

Dry Road Performance

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Bridgestone appears to be less receptive to your touch in terms of dry road driving. In other words, it doesn’t seem easy to manage.

Fortunately, the awkward handling fades after a while of fanning the flames. On dry roads, though, Michelin functions admirably. Their reaction is far superior to that of Bridgestone.

WINNER: Bridgestone

The tires move in the appropriate direction with the lightest touch and speed up and slow down accordingly. Furthermore, the tread improves braking performance.

It does add to the luxury aspect of these tires, something you won’t find in multiple tire brands. Michelin appears to have won this round of Michelin vs. Bridgestone.

The excellent grip of these tires contributes to the fantastic responsiveness. It outperforms the Japanese manufacturer in dry performance because it is easier to handle.

Winter Performance

Source: theglobeandmail.com

Customers frequently perceive Bridgestone as snow tires. The gripping treads can withstand both light and heavy snowfall.

They adhere to ice better than any other tire brand utilized by the customers. Bridgestone products are worth considering if you live in snowy or icy weather.

Winter tires should be used instead of all-season tires in areas with considerable snowfall. It’s for your own protection.

On the other hand, the Michelin ones may be all-season, but they aren’t snow-ready. Customers have reported that the tires eventually fail and become too stiff to work correctly.

As a result, they can’t handle deep snow. Thus, in this Michelin vs. Bridgestone winter performance argument, Bridgestone takes the lead over its competitor.

WINNER: Bridgestone

SUMMARY: There are different winners for the tire categories. They’re tied for wet performance. Michelin came up on top in terms of dry performance. Finally, as for winter performance, Bridgestone takes first place.

Bridgestone vs. Michelin: Durability and Warranty

Bridgestone and Michelin’s tires emphasize long-term use in this round of the Bridgestone vs. Michelin battle.

They also use cutting-edge, energy-saving technology. The owner not only saves money but also reduces pollution.

However, there is a distinction between these two companies’ warranty policies:

• Bridgestone provides two types of warranties: A 3-year trendline warranty and a 3-year warranty that is still valid after 65,000 miles.
• Meanwhile, Michelin only has a tread life of 60,000 miles.

WINNER: Bridgestone

If you’re looking for a tire brand with a better guarantee, go with Bridgestone.

Bridgestone vs. Michelin: Comfort and Noise

The Bridgestone absorbs the stress of potholes or debris while remaining silent. Customers do not appear to be swept away by the level of comfort.

The Michelin, on the other hand, gives a nice ride thanks to its soft and supple tires. When driving over minor debris or potholes, it provides excellent shock absorption.

While a tire’s comfort comes from its noise level, no one wants a growl to interrupt their cruising ride.

They’re a tad louder than other manufacturers of a touring tire in terms of noise. Similarly, Michelin does not provide a peaceful journey.

A slight hum may be heard even if they don’t create much noise, rattle, or roar. Customers may not see it if they are distracted by the wind or the car radio.

WINNER: Michelin

Michelin has the upper hand in this round. In comparison to Bridgestone, they provide clients with more comfortable and less noisy experiences.

Bridgestone vs. Michelin: Price 

The price difference between Bridgestone and Michelin is minimal. Both are among the most expensive brands available.

They invest heavily in research and development. As a result, you don’t only get brand panache.

You’re also getting close to a set of premium goods with improved performance and technology.

WINNER: TIE

Bridgestone is the better tire if you want to save a little money. On the other hand, Michelin provides a wide choice of items at varying rates for its clients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Bridgestone vs. Michelin tires:

What Are the Differences Between Bridgestone and Michelin Tires?

Bridgestone and Michelin’s tires are the finest of the best in performance. The only distinction between Michelin and Bridgestone vehicles is their performance on dry roads.

Michelin is substantially more responsive and can provide drivers with smoother handling when driving in dry conditions.

Are Michelin Tires Superior to Other Brands?

Michelin tires are widely rated as the best. They are rated highly in nearly every category by both consumers and industry experts. They’d get five stars if it weren’t for the excessive price.

Are Uniroyal and Michelin the Same Company?

Uniroyal Goodrich Tire Company was acquired by French tire manufacturer Michelin in 1990 and ceased to exist as an independent firm.

How Long Do All Terrain Tires Last?

All-terrain tires have an average life of 40,000 miles, compared to 60,000 miles for a highway driver.

Final Verdict: Which of the Two Tires Should You Pick?

It all boils down to the brand name you choose. Both companies can provide you with the services you require.

Today, most tire models offered in the United States have detailed evaluations, particularly those from the Michelin and Bridgestone brands.

Remember that the development war between corporations is never-ending, which implies that anyone can win at any time.

We recommend reading testimonials from both companies and comparing them to discover which is best at the time of purchase.

Choose the Michelin Tires if You Want…

• Improved dry and wet performance
• Enhanced comfort and reduced noise
• Various vehicle tires

Choose the Bridgestone Tires if You’re Keen On…

• A slightly reduced cost
• Improved warranty policy
• Improved winter performance

Final Words

So, what did this article teach us? Well, basically that both Bridgestone and Michelin create great tires.

In some categories, the Japanese are superior; in others, the French are excellent. And, in this day and age, things move quickly.

Both companies invest heavily in research and development, which advances the tire industry.

If you own a passenger vehicle, we recommend checking reviews before deciding between these companies.

Michelin may be a better option for motorcycle tires because the French have a more diverse range. Both are closely matched for commercial trucks, with slight variation.