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My wife had a disaster driving across railroad tracks yesterday. Some piece of metal protruding from the tracks ripped the sidewalls of both right side tires!
I've been considering new rubber this summer but delayed, now thankful I did. We towed to the shop I'd been talking to and they are installing a set of Michelin Pilot Sport AS4. Anyone running these?
I would find out who maintains that rail road crossing and see if you can file a claim for damages. Contact that towns City hall. Take photos and document the crime scene.
You may not be the only one. Contact your local news station about it if you dont get anywhere. Shouldnt have tires damaged like that if you are just driving down the street normally.
Cali, which model tires are you comparing regarding Michelin vs Continental?
My experience differs to yours. I found the Conti DWS 06 to have softer sidewalls than the Michelin PS All Season 4. Although, it might not have been a proper comparison, because the Michelins were were XL rated, while the Continentals were SL.
My wife had a disaster driving across railroad tracks yesterday. Some piece of metal protruding from the tracks ripped the sidewalls of both right side tires!
I've been considering new rubber this summer but delayed, now thankful I did. We towed to the shop I'd been talking to and they are installing a set of Michelin Pilot Sport AS4. Anyone running these?
MICHELIN AS4’s ALL THE WAY!
I get mine from Discount Tire Co. with the warranty certificates and if you ever happen to find debris in the shoulders or sidewall of your tires, or blow them out, and you're above 3/32nds of tread, all you pay the is certificate cost which is like $49 for a brand new tire.
They can’t align there, but they seem to have the best price outside of maybe Tire Rack. Plus they will balance and rotate for free.
Last edited by johnfranciscog; May 8, 2026 at 06:14 PM.
Cali, which model tires are you comparing regarding Michelin vs Continental?
My experience differs to yours. I found the Conti DWS 06 to have softer sidewalls than the Michelin PS All Season 4.
Although, it might not have been a proper comparison, because the Michelins were were XL rated, while the Continentals were SL.
I am comparing the factory mounted Michelin with Conti DWS 6 Sport Plus.
Extreme Contact Extra Plus Sport... drive ok!
245 /45 / ZR-17 99 Y Z MS Radials
CONTACTS DWS 06 PLUS
Sport Plus technology Thread 560 Traction AA Temp A
These CONTINENTAL don't shade shunks of rubber like 4x SETS of SIXTEEN Michelin premium tires on 3x different cars...
No need to deal with pro-rated nickel & dime warranty. Michelin multilayered design
Done with the expensive marketing:
"CONTINENTAL BECAUSE SO MUCH IS RIDING ON MY TIRES!"
Yokohamas can be great too!
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; May 9, 2026 at 12:51 AM.
I wanted to add that the two Michelin’s that I just had replaced at 5/32” of tread remaining were purchased in March of 2025 and I had put over 40,000 miles on them with no visible alignment wear.
To be fair, it was mostly straight Texas highway driving, so not a lot of low speed turns, but I’ll other hand I’ll cruise at 80+mph for extended periods of time which typically isn’t good for Tire longevity.
I could have easily gotten 60,000+ miles out of them at the rate I was wearing them out.
Last edited by johnfranciscog; May 9, 2026 at 04:24 AM.
Sorry to see those tires . Good thing , the rims are OK . Well, I have been running Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tires . I have also heard many good things on the Continental DWS too
Sorry to see those tires . Good thing , the rims are OK . Well, I have been running Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tires . I have also heard many good things on the Continental DWS too
First impressions, the Michelins are softer feeling over expansion joints and a bit quieter than the Contis which had about 60k kms on. Probably will wear faster though.
First impressions, the Michelins are softer feeling over expansion joints and a bit quieter than the Contis which had about 60k kms on. Probably will wear faster though.
I think so too . Well, speaking of wearing out of the Michelin tires , I have to tell you something : When tires are worn out , treads also are getting thinner and reduced . This could badly affect braking performance . I have heard that Michelin tires could be exempted from those bad effects of the tire . Tread depth has not any malicious effects . I don't know I have not tested the tires to that condition to make a fair comparison between Michelin and others .
That is true of wet braking performance, but I think reduced tread will improve dry braking grip due to more available rubber making contact with the road.
My wife had a disaster driving across railroad tracks yesterday. Some piece of metal protruding from the tracks ripped the sidewalls of both right side tires!
I've been considering new rubber this summer but delayed, now thankful I did. We towed to the shop I'd been talking to and they are installing a set of Michelin Pilot Sport AS4. Anyone running these?
Dang, I am so sorry to see that kind of damage. Is the aluminum rim Okey ?
Tread depth is important when driving conditions deviate from ideal. An M+S rated all season tire will exhibit diminishing traction in snow as its tread depth decreases, and any worn tire will be more susceptible to hydroplaning. If tread depth was irrelevent, tire manufacturers would make nothing but treadless tires.
I think so too . Well, speaking of wearing out of the Michelin tires , I have to tell you something : When tires are worn out , treads also are getting thinner and reduced . This could badly affect braking performance . I have heard that Michelin tires could be exempted from those bad effects of the tire . Tread depth has not any malicious effects . I don't know I have not tested the tires to that condition to make a fair comparison between Michelin and others .
Full disclosure, the tread depth of those Contis was still good but they were original to the car from new! Its hard to see how age had anything to do with the blow-outs but perhaps the sidewalls were more fragile when struck by the metal debris. When we were into ORR rally racing they had a strict 4 year age limit on tires, from date of manufacture, due to rubber degradation. Had to be careful to confirm the date stamp on the tires when purchasing because they could sit in a warehouse for a couple years. Favoured Michelin Pilots then so I was leaning that way now.
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Dang, I am so sorry to see that kind of damage. Is the aluminum rim Okey ?
