This isn’t your typical tire article.
Yes, we will be talking about the Michelin CrossClimate 2 Tire. However, we were able to test it for ourselves and compare it with a competitor on a Toyota RAV4 at a recent ride and drive event.
Made up of angled blocks and interlocking sipes, this tire can be a bit intimidating at first look. Its design is different from more traditional ones that many people are used to seeing on the road.
However, the all season option comes with many great benefits.
Traction in all seasons
Let’s talk about traction.
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 Tire offers awesome dry and wet grip, even after it has experienced some wear and tear.
The ride and drive instructors made sure to add water to the course. The Michelin CrossClimate 2 tires didn’t lose contact with the wet pavement.
Not only can it be trusted in wet and dry conditions, it also works well in snowy weather. When worn, the snow traction is 30 percent better than other tires.
Stopping capabilities of the Michelin CrossClimate 2 Tire
We can’t cover the Michelin CrossClimate 2 Tire without mentioning its braking ability.
In dry weather, it stops up to 16 feet sooner than the leading competitor. That’s roughly how long a car is. When compared to competitive tires in standing water, it stops up to 56 feet shorter – the length of a greyhound bus.
During testing, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 had stopped while the four leading competitors were still traveling more than 24 miles per hour.
If that isn’t enough to assure you of the safety it provides, here’s another fact: It’s Michelin’s most tested tire ever.
No noise
When driving down the highway, hearing sounds coming from your tires is normal – unless it’s a clacking sound, which may mean that you have a flat.
Noise isn’t an issue for the Michelin CrossClimate 2. Thanks to alternating tread locks of various sizes, you don’t hear a whirring sound.
After taking this tire on a test drive, a Michelin representative pointed out that it isn’t a noisy tire. As soon as he mentioned it, we realized that it was true – we heard no noise, even while weaving in and out of cones and going around sharp corners.
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 Tire lasts
This tire is backed by a 60,000 mile warranty.
With proper maintenance, such as tire rotations, it will have no problem making it that long.
A lot of everyday drivers travel 12,000 or 13,000 miles a year. In that case, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 can last as long as four years, nearly a year longer than other tires.
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 Tire may look a bit odd, but remember: appearances can be deceiving. Don’t let its design lead you to overlook its benefits.
Because of the design of this tire, it has more contact with the road than the standard design.
HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.