Michelin Alpin A4 tires: reviews of the owners

Modern rubber should meet a number of requirements. Quality tires provide proper handling, exchange rate stability and many other important factors. This is especially important when it comes to winter tires. Let's look at the performance and features of the Michelin Alpin A4. After all, many motorists praise these tires, and they are installed for winter use.

About the manufacturer

The French company Michelin appeared in 1889. The first time at the plants of the organization, tires for bicycles were produced. In the future, the production of pneumatic removable tires for cars was established, for which the company in 1991 received a corresponding patent. As early as 1907, the first branch outside of France was opened in Turin.

From 34 to 76 the company owned Citroen, and in 1986 Michelin absorbed the American tire producer Goodrich. In its history, the French company has absorbed more than 10 tire manufacturers in various parts of the world. One has only to ponder over the figures in order to understand the scale of production. For example, the number of personnel working at the company's plants is 130,000 people, and the total production volume for the year is about 200 million tires. All this suggests that doubting the quality of Michelin products is definitely not worth it.

On the choice of winter tires

Do not underestimate the importance of the right choice of tires for the winter season. Operation of the car in severe weather conditions contributes to increased accident rate. Reassurance on the road is partly possible with the help of high-quality tires. To such it is necessary to carry Michelin Alpin A4. Reviews of motorists about them are almost always positive. Experienced drivers note that this is really a quality rubber that meets European quality standards.

It can be said with certainty that it is Michelin that is in high demand among Russians, because it is not only quality, but also a relatively affordable price, which attracts many. Nevertheless, if you look at the performance characteristics of tires, they can be safely attributed to the premium segment. Well, now let's take a closer look at the features of the Michelin Alpin A4, because there really is something to talk about.

Decent replacement of the predecessor

For a long time millions of motorists in Russia, and in other countries used this line. For example, the A3 has won the hearts of many and it has flaunted in hundreds of thousands of cars, from budget class to premium segment. But all this time the developers did not rest, but continued the Alpine line. For several years, French designers and engineers have tried to create an even better and better tire. Now we can safely say that they have succeeded, as they say, and consumer testimonials. The Michelin Alpin A4 has much better performance than the previous model, so it's really a worthwhile and worthy replacement.

Indispensable qualities

To achieve the ideal balance of such characteristics as grip, energy efficiency and durability, it is possible only with the help of advanced technologies and special compound. It should be noted that when working on A4, heavy operating conditions were taken into account, therefore some components were borrowed from the X-ICE North tire, which is manufactured for operation in extreme conditions. Special additives have made it possible to achieve such important characteristics as the stability of rubber at low temperatures. "Michelin" A4 stands up to -60 degrees Celsius, retaining all its properties.

On the side of the cord flaunts the inscription Green X. This is the company's own development, which is designed to save fuel for the car owner due to reduced rolling resistance. At the same time, the coupling properties remain at a high level. Many consumers note that the Michelin Alpin A4 tires do provide excellent grip despite the absence of spikes.

Secrets of production of Alpin A4 91T Michelin tires

Developers of the French company have achieved excellent performance in terms of durability and fuel economy. This allows car owners to save money significantly. But to realize all this was extremely difficult, therefore the following innovative technologies were applied:

• The Full Active Tread protector is something we have never seen before. It received a complex configuration, but the effectiveness of every millimeter of the tread that is in contact with the road surface reaches 100%.
• Helio Compound + is an innovative composition of a rubber compound that contains sunflower oil, no matter how trite it may sound. This solution has helped to reduce tire wear and reduce rolling resistance, which is why it is possible to save fuel.

About all the features of the tread

Even visually looking at the tire, it can be seen that it has a unique tread pattern. It is made continuous, which provides excellent longitudinal and transverse grip with the roadway. The load between the blocks is divided evenly, which positively affects the handling on ice and snow.

The number of elements of the tread in comparison with the previous model was increased from 59 to 71. According to the developers, the effect of "caterpillar" appeared when driving on snow, this is confirmed by consumer reviews. The Michelin Alpin A4 tires have 50% more gripping edges, and the lamination is extremely dense. Also for this model, 3-dimensional sipes have been specially developed, which significantly increase the tire's stability on ice. All this provides excellent handling. Many motorists who are suspicious of non-studded tires were surprised by the stable behavior of A4 on the ice.

More about lamellas

The tread construction is designed in such a way that the lamellas intersect. The combination of vertical and horizontal folds made the block more durable and resistant to mechanical stress. This applies to the lamellas, which close together, also strengthening the protector. All of these solutions made it possible to make driving more precise. Moreover, the tire shows stable results both with sudden acceleration, braking and maneuvering.

The increased depth of the lamellas, that's what distinguishes among the competitors Michelin Alpin A4. The owners' feedback indicates that even when the depth is 4 mm, the coupling properties are not lost when driving on a slippery surface. It is impossible not to distinguish and lamellar at different angles. Some are located at an angle from 0 to 30 degrees, others from 30 to 150 degrees. According to the developers, this design solution provides consistent grip when entering into turns and while driving in a straight line.

Winter tires Michelin Alpin A4: reviews of experts

According to most critics, this is really worthy of attention rubber. When used on tires from some manufacturers, very often the protector is clogged with snow, which negates all its positive properties. Testing showed that the "Michelin" A4 is perfectly self-cleaning, removing snow, water and dirt from contact spots. This is partly due to the V-pattern. The grooves of the blocks go from the center and reach the shoulder zone, which allows you to effectively clean the tread.

As for testing conducted by experts in a variety of conditions, the total score for all criteria was 4.5 out of 5. This is a very high score for winter studded tires. Very often drivers distinguish such advantages as:

• Excellent grip on snow;
• Low level of wear;
• Good handling both on dry and icy surfaces;
• Decent manageability.

All these advantages and make rubber so popular, although there are drawbacks. All of them are not essential, but they have a place to be.

About shortcomings

Many motorists are deliberately looking for flaws not studded winter tires. Here they, unfortunately, are also available. The main drawback, which often accentuates attention - is the high noise level for a tire without spikes. On test drives this is confirmed. But it is necessary to understand that the extremely rigid protector along with good controllability can not work silently. And much depends on the noise insulation of the car. Nevertheless, this velcro works quietly, rather than any of the spikes presented to date on the market, this is an obvious fact.

Another nuance is the high cost. But here everything is relative, although the prices are still above average. For example, Michelin Alpin A4 (175/65 / r14) 82T will cost 12,000 rubles per set. You can say that this is not too expensive. But already R15 costs about 16 000 rubles, and R20 about 80 thousand. But everyone chooses for himself. The car on which the rubber of the 20th radius is installed and in maintenance is not cheap.

What is the "Michelin" A4 better competitors?

This question can not be unequivocally answered, because in the overall standings, this model took 6-place out of 50. Of course, there are undisputed leaders, such as "Pirelli" S3 or Goodyear UltraGrip 8, but it all costs several times more. Nevertheless, the experts rated the highest score for the low level of wear of A4 rubber. To achieve such serious results was possible due to the following design solutions:

• Increased strength of the blocks, which is maintained throughout the life of the machine and does not fall with tire wear;
• The addition of sunflower oil and silicium improved the performance of the tire as a whole;
• The elasticity of the tire is not lost with a decrease in temperature.

One thing is for sure, the rubber of your money is fully, and you do not need to doubt it. Another thing is that not all drivers are accustomed to driving on velcro and may at first feel uncomfortable.

Let's sum up the results

The company "Michelin" has long proven itself only from the best side, so many drivers are willing to overpay a little, but in return to get a really high-quality product. Winter tires Michelin Alpin A4 combines modern technology and innovative compound. It is impossible not to say about the ecology, which is so eager in Europe. All this makes the production of the French tire manufacturer simply irreplaceable.

And you need to understand that many popular brands, such as BFGoodrich, are, in fact, the same "Michelin". But at the same time, no one canceled the inspection of the tire when buying. In particular, it is worth paying attention to the production date, because if the rubber is old, it will soon start to crack, delivering a bunch of inconveniences to its owner. In general, the A4 model was a success and will be an excellent choice for both everyday city driving and cross-country, despite the fact that there are no already familiar thorns.