TireTerrain

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What is 3PMSF Symbol?

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Every car owner knows that choosing the right tires is crucial. Among various tire markings, there’s one that stands out especially for winter conditions: the 3PMSF. But what exactly does it signify?

3PMSF Symbol

What is 3PMSF?

The 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) symbol on a tire denotes its winter rating for the tire compound. When a tire carries the 3PMSF marking, it signifies that the tire’s compound is designed to maintain its functionality even when the temperature drops below 7 degrees Celsius or 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

Importance of 3PMSF

Tires are composed of a blend of rubber and various other materials, with silica being a crucial component that significantly impacts wet and winter performance.

Silica serves to lower the tire’s freezing point, enhancing its capabilities in cold conditions. However, it generally results in a softer tire, which can translate to relatively shorter tread life.

Returning to the importance of the 3PMSF marking, it serves as proof of the winter performance potential of your tire compound. It’s vital to emphasize the tire compound aspect, as having a 3PMSF-marked tire doesn’t mean it’s a dedicated winter tire.

So, why is this marking important?

It essentially verifies the cold-weather performance of your tire compound. In practical terms, this means that if your tire’s design is capable enough, a 3PMSF-marked tire can provide consistent performance in wet, dry, and snowy conditions, even when the temperature drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

3PMSF Rated Tires

In reality, all tires have the potential to receive the 3PMSF marking. However, this marking is commonly found on all-season, all-terrain, and winter tires.

For winter tires, having the 3PMSF marking is a requirement. On the other hand, instead of the 3PMSF marking, you might come across M+S (Mud and Snow) markings on all-season and all-terrain tires. Additionally, all-season tires that bear the 3PMSF marking are often referred to as all-weather tires.

To sum it up, tires that can be marked with 3PMSF include all-weather, all-terrain, and winter tires. Towards the end of this article, I’ll provide a list of tires that carry the 3PMSF marking.

3PMSF vs M+S Tires

The M+S (Mud and Snow) marking, dating back to the 1970s, can still be found on some all-terrain tires. But what exactly does it signify?

M+S indicates that a tire with this marking is expected to perform better than others, particularly in adverse conditions. However, can it be relied upon, especially in snowy conditions? In my view, it’s not something to solely rely on, particularly when it comes to snow performance.

M+S tires, in essence, signify that these tires have a 25% larger void area compared to other tires. It’s important to note that we’re discussing the broader category of all-terrain tires. So, while M+S marking suggests improved performance, it doesn’t guarantee superior performance in mud or snow. It primarily pertains to void area.

In contrast, the 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) marking is a more dependable indicator because it guarantees the tire’s compound performance, especially in winter conditions. 3PMSF tires are designed to provide at least 10% better performance on snow, but it doesn’t necessarily ensure mud performance.

In summary, while the M+S marking might hint at improved performance on loose terrain, it doesn’t provide any snow performance guarantee, the 3PMSF marking offers a more reliable assurance of at least 10% better winter performance compared to tires without this marking.

Disadvantages of 3PMSF Tires

There aren’t many disadvantages to 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) tires. The only drawback worth mentioning is their tread life.

Tires with the 3PMSF marking typically feature a softer compound. Consequently, they tend to offer approximately 10% less tread life compared to tires with harder compounds.

3PMSF All-Season Tires

3PMSF-marked all-season tires are indeed often referred to as all-weather tires. This term has gained popularity, especially as more tires now feature the 3PMSF marking. Here’s a list of a few examples:

  1. Michelin CrossClimate 2
  2. Bridgestone Weatherpeak
  3. Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive
  4. Nokian WR G4

Additionally,  I’ve created another article that highlights the best all-weather tires for snowy conditions, which can be found at the following link: Best All-Weather Tires for Snow.

3PMSF All-Terrain Tires

The snow performance of all-terrain tires can indeed be a bit more complex because these tires are often used on heavy vehicles where load-carrying capacity is crucial. Manufacturers may opt not to use 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) tires to prioritize longevity. As a result, most rugged terrain tires do not carry the 3PMSF marking.

However, the 3PMSF marking is popular among on-road and off-road all-terrain tires, such as:

  1. Falken Wildpeak AT3W
  2. Toyo Open Country AT3
  3. Vredestein Pinza AT
  4. Sumitomo Encounter AT

For more detailed information and recommendations on the best all-terrain tires, including a section on the best all-terrain tires for snow, you can refer to the following article: Best All-Terrain Tires.

Conclusion

The 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) marking provides assurance of the tire compound’s elasticity even in temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. While not all 3PMSF-marked tires are dedicated winter tires, they generally offer relatively better snow performance.

From my perspective, having this marking is essential, even if you don’t frequently encounter snowy conditions but experience cold weather.

I hope this article has been informative and helpful. If you have any further questions or require additional assistance, please feel free to reach out. Drive safely!

Find Tires by VIN Number

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When it comes to keeping your vehicle safe and performing at its best, understanding your tires is paramount. Each tire possesses a unique set of specifications, encompassing size, load capacity, speed rating, and manufacturing date. While these details can often be found etched on the tire sidewall, did you know that the vehicle identification number (VIN) can unlock a wealth of tire information? In this article, we’ll embark on an exhilarating journey into the world of tires, delving deep into the mysteries of VIN decoding to unearth essential tire details that elevate your driving experience to new heights of safety and efficiency.

At a Glance

Table of Contents

What is VIN Number?

Your vehicle’s VIN number acts as its one-of-a-kind code, much like a fingerprint. This alphanumeric 17-character sequence holds a treasure trove of information, including the vehicle’s make, model, year of manufacture, and more. But here’s a little-known secret: the VIN also indirectly contains vital insights into your tires. By unraveling the code, you can access specific tire details without ever laying eyes on each tire individually.

Understanding the VIN's Language

Its full name is ‘Vehicle Identification Number’. Before we embark on our voyage through the labyrinthine paths of VIN decoding for tire information, let’s take a moment to understand what the VIN number is and how it’s structured. The VIN, a unique 17-character alphanumeric code, is assigned to every manufactured vehicle. Acting as a distinctive identifier, it facilitates effortless vehicle identification and tracking. Typically found on the driver’s side of the dashboard, visible through the windshield, the VIN reveals its secrets to those who know how to unlock its power.

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)

The first three characters are the WMI. This bad boy unveils the vehicle’s manufacturer and the country where it was born.

Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)

Characters 4 to 9 make up the VDS. This section spills the beans on your ride’s attributes, like the body style, engine type, and restraint system.

Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS)

The VIS is where things get real interesting, spannin’ characters 10 to 17. It’s the final piece of the VIN puzzle and reveals deets like the model year, production plant, and serial number of your precious ride.

How do I Find My Tire Size with My Vin Number?

The VIN number is the fingerprint of your vehicle but sadly, tire size information isn’t included in this number.

However, there is a way to find the right size for your vehicle by using the VIN number.

Step 1: Using NHTSA’s VIN Decoder

NHTSA(National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) has released a tool for vehicle owners. You can simply put your vehicle’s VIN number here and reach detailed information about your vehicle.

NHTSA Decoder’s link: https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/decoder

Note: If your vehicle is tuned (lifted, installed body kit, etc.), this information is invalid and you may experience fitment issues).

If your vehicle is made before 1981, your VIN number might be shorter

After entering your VIN number, click decode VIN. Scroll below and you’ll see something similar to the below image.

Basic information about your vehicle

From here note:

  • Model
  • Model Year
  • Make

After noting these two, keep scrolling below. You’ll see the other information section.

In fact, all the data in this section are combined to find the appropriate tire size. But that's the job of vehicle and tire manufacturers. We will choose the shortcut.

Even though some lines don’t contain any data, it is most probably because I was using a fake VIN number. 

Anyway, we are going to need only Trim from here. If you’re confused, you can check this article out the see what trim or even SE means for cars.

Note only trim from this section.

Now we have,

  • Model year
  • Make
  • Trim

It’s time to use the unique tool by DiscountTire.

Step 2: Using Tire Finder by Discount Tire

Step 4
Step 4
Step 5
Step 5
Step 6
Step 6
Step 7
Step 7
Step 8
Step 8

We’ve already finished the hard part. Now we’re just going to enter the data we have.

  • Step 1: Visit Discount Tire’s website: https://www.discounttire.com
  • Step 2: Click the ‘Tires’ menu on the top left.
  • Step 3: Select ‘Shop by Vehicle’
  • Step 4: Enter the year data you’ve noted from NHTSA’s decoder or you can simply enter your license plate number and skip the step 5 and 6
  •  Step 5: Enter the make of your vehicle
  • Step 6: Enter the model of your vehicle
  • Step 7: Enter the trim level of your vehicle
  • Step 8: See your tire size!
A side note here: Your VIN sticker is often on the driver’s side door jamb. I also explain how to read tire size and where can you find it in this article.

Conclusion

It’s possible to find your tire size by using your VIN number. However, there are easiest ways like checking the driver’s door sticker containing the VIN number or using the Discount Tire tool and just entering your license plate.

I hope the article was helpful. If you need any further support about tire selection, please leave a comment below. Have a safe ride folks!

All-Terrain vs All-Season Tires: The Engineer’s Guide to Choosing Your Daily Driver Tire

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Comfort + long lasting or winter + puncture resistance

“My Crosstrek’s all-terrain tires ruined my commute—they roared like a monster truck. But when I switched to all-seasons, I got stuck on a gravel road. What gives?” – u/SubieStruggles on r/Subaru

As a former Bridgestone engineer who tested tire compounds in Arizona’s 120°F heat and Hokkaido’s ice, I’ve seen this debate rage in labs and on forums. Let’s settle it with data, not dogma.

Tread Design Showdown: All-Terrain vs All-Season

When it comes to tread design, all-season and all-terrain tires couldn’t be more different—each engineered for a distinct driving purpose.

All-Season Tread:
These tires come with moderate tread blocks and thinner sipes (small slits in the tread) to enhance grip on both dry and wet pavement. Their focus is on comfort, reduced road noise, and consistent handling in varying weather conditions, including light snow. However, this smoother tread pattern compromises traction on loose surfaces like dirt and gravel.

All-Terrain Tread:
All-terrain tires, by contrast, feature larger and deeper tread blocks with wider gaps. This aggressive design enhances grip on uneven surfaces such as mud, rocks, sand, and snow. While they excel off-road, the trade-off is increased road noise and a slightly harsher ride on asphalt.

Feature
All-Terrain Tires
All-Season Tires
Tread Depth (32nds)
12–14
9–11
Void Ratio
25%
15%
Sipes per Square Inch
18
28

Key Insight: All-terrains rely on wider grooves for gravel traction but sacrifice the dense siping that boosts wet pavement grip.

“All-seasons are death traps on forest roads!” – u/OverlandOrBust

Rebuttal: Not all all-seasons are equal. The Toyo Celsius CUV, an all-season tire, scored 4.1/5 on gravel in Tire Rack testing—proof that hybrid designs can deliver balanced results.

Winter Performance Deep Dive

All-weather tires have a more notched rubber. Hence, they provide better grip in slippery conditions

When it comes to winter traction, the 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) symbol indicates that a tire has met the minimum requirements for snow performance. However, it’s important to understand that there are notable differences between all-terrain and all-season tires, even when both carry this symbol.

All-Terrain Tires (e.g., Falken Wildpeak AT4W) excel in light snow and off-road conditions but fall short in more extreme scenarios, especially on icy surfaces. While they provide solid traction on packed snow, they struggle with slush and can lose grip on icy hills due to their more aggressive tread design, which is optimized for rough terrain rather than paved roads.

All-Season Tires (e.g., Michelin CrossClimate 2), also marked with the 3PMSF symbol, handle light snow well but outperform all-terrain tires in slushy conditions. Their road-focused tread pattern offers better contact with wet surfaces, making them more suitable for slush. However, like all-terrain tires, they’re not designed for icy surfaces and don’t perform as well as dedicated winter tires, which offer superior traction in extreme winter conditions.

As one Reddit user shared, “My KO3s killed it in Utah powder but slid on icy driveways. Swapped to Blizzaks and problem solved.” This reflects a common sentiment among those who rely on all-terrain tires in snow: they perform well in powder but fall short on icy surfaces.

In summary, while both all-season and all-terrain tires perform adequately in mild winter conditions, neither is a substitute for dedicated winter tires on icy surfaces. If winter performance is your top priority, consider winter or all-weather tires for better traction, especially in snow and slush.

Rubber Compounds Decoded: Why Hardness Matters

All-terrain tires look great. Though, their on-road manners aren't good as all-season tires

One of the most crucial elements in tire performance is the rubber compound used in the tread. While both all-season and all-terrain tires use specialized formulations, their chemical makeup reflects their intended environments.

All-Season Rubber:
Typically built with a balanced, medium-hard compound, all-season tires are designed for stable handling, fuel efficiency, and long-lasting tread life across a range of temperatures. This composition maintains flexibility in moderate cold and supports a quiet, smooth ride. However, its softer nature can reduce durability on gravel or rocky terrain.

All-Terrain Rubber:
All-terrain tires use a stiffer compound that prioritizes durability and off-road traction. These harder rubber formulas are ideal for resisting punctures from rocks and debris, but they often trade comfort and wet-road performance for toughness. The firmer build also increases road noise and can reduce grip in icy or extremely cold conditions.

Bridgestone Lab Tests

  • All-Terrain: Silica + carbon black blend (Shore A 68) — engineered to resist chipping and chunking on rocky surfaces.

  • All-Season: High-silica compound (Shore A 62) — offers cold-weather flexibility but shows 20% faster wear on unpaved roads.

Real-World Impact

  • Too Soft: All-season tires like the Cooper Discoverer HT3 show chunking on sharp gravel over time.

  • Too Hard: Popular all-terrains like the BFGoodrich KO2 can skid on icy inclines—an issue noted by Vermont winter drivers.

Real-World Testing: Reddit Debates vs. Lab Results

To truly understand the trade-offs between all-terrain and all-season tires, let’s look at two standout models from each category:

Tire
Road Noise
Gravel Traction (Tire Rack Score)
Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail
70 dB
4.3 / 5
Michelin CrossClimate 2
66 dB
3.8 / 5

Verdict: Is a 4% loss in gravel traction worth a quieter 4 dB ride? That entirely depends on your commute. For those navigating city streets with the occasional gravel road, the trade-off might be worth it. But if you frequently tackle rougher trails, that extra grip becomes more valuable.

Reddit is full of passionate debates on this topic. Some users argue that all-terrain tires are overkill in urban settings, while others swear off all-season tires after a single muddy detour. However, Bridgestone’s real-world testing often challenges these binary takes.

In controlled tests and field reports, all-season tires perform admirably on dry and wet pavement but fall short off-road—especially on loose or uneven surfaces. All-terrain tires, meanwhile, dominate in rugged terrain but come with compromises in comfort and cabin noise, as echoed by numerous Reddit drivers and off-road enthusiasts.

Bottom Line: Tire choice should always align with your actual driving environment—not just forum chatter. What works in rural Colorado might be unnecessary in suburban Dallas.

Fuel Efficiency & Noise: The Hidden Trade-Offs

When choosing tires, fuel efficiency and road noise are often overlooked—but they can make a significant impact on long-term comfort and operating costs. Let’s break down the data:

Tire Model
MPG Loss vs OEM
Noise (dB)
BFGoodrich KO2 (All-Terrain)
2.1 MPG
72 dB
Michelin Defender (All-Season)
0.3 MPG
67 dB

Pro Tip: For every 1 dB reduction in tire noise, expect roughly a 0.5 MPG gain due to lower rolling resistance.

All-Season Tires:
With smoother tread patterns and lower rolling resistance, all-season tires typically offer superior fuel economy. Bridgestone’s internal testing supports this, showing that all-seasons reduce friction with the road, making them ideal for city commuting and long-distance highway driving—especially for fuel-conscious drivers.

All-Terrain Tires:
All-terrain models, on the other hand, are built for off-road traction—not efficiency. Their aggressive tread blocks and increased surface contact cause more rolling resistance, which lowers MPG. On highways, these deeper grooves also contribute to noticeable road noise, a common concern for daily drivers who rarely leave paved surfaces.

Long-Term Durability & Wear

Will Your Tires Last 60,000 Miles? Treadwear Secrets Exposed

Bridgestone Treadwear Tests:

Tire Type
Treadwear Rating
Real-World Mileage (Pavement)
All-Terrain
640
45,000–55,000
All-Season
780
65,000–75,000

“Rotate every 5k and my KO2s hit 50k miles!” – TacomaWorld user @TireHoarder

Key Insight: All-terrains lose 30% lifespan if used 80%+ on highways.

Vehicle-Specific Recommendations

Section: Best Tires for Your Ride: From Subarus to Silverados

  • Subaru Outback:

    • All-Terrain: Geolandar A/T G015 (P-metric, 68 dB).

    • All-Season: Michelin CrossClimate 2 (66 dB, 3PMSF).

  • Ford F-150:

    • All-Terrain: Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S (quietest LT option).

    • All-Season: Continental TerrainContact A/T (best for towing).

🔗 Internal Link: “For RAM 1500-specific picks, see RAM Tire Upgrades Guide.”

Niche Use Cases

Section: Tires for Overlanders, Commuters, and Oddballs

  • Overlanding: Nitto Nomad Grappler (65 dB, self-cleaning lugs).

  • Electric Vehicles: Pirelli Scorpion AS Elect (low rolling resistance for Tesla Model Y).

  • Towing: Toyo Open Country A/T III (10-ply sidewalls, 3,195 lbs capacity).

Case Study: The Cost of Compromise

Section: Why I Regretted My All-Terrain Tires (and How to Avoid It)

“I bought KO2s for my Honda CR-V ‘just in case’—lost 4 MPG and hated the noise. Switched to Defenders and never looked back.” – u/CRVCommuter

Engineer’s Take: Calculate your off-road/pavement ratio before choosing.

Use formula: (% Off-Road x 10) + (% Highway x 1) = Tire Score

  • e.g., 20% dirt = score 21 → all-season

Technical Deep Dive: Load Ratings & Ply Count

Vehicle Type
Max Load Range
Example Tire
Subaru Outback
P-metric
Yokohama Geolandar G015
Jeep Wrangler
C-load LT
BFG KO3

Section: LT vs P-Metric: Why Your SUV Isn’t a Jeep

Bridgestone Sidewall Stress Tests:

  • LT tires (10-ply) on unibody SUVs increase suspension wear by 40%.

  • P-metric tires fail after 3+ rock-crawling trips (WranglerForum surveys).

When to Choose All-Terrain (Even for Pavement)

All-terrain tires aren’t just for off-roaders—they’re for anyone who needs rugged performance, even if they spend some time on the pavement. Here are some situations when all-terrain tires may be the right pick:

  • Adventure Seekers: If you regularly take your vehicle off-road, exploring dirt trails, rocky paths, or muddy fields, all-terrain tires provide the best traction and stability for those environments.

  • Harsh Weather Areas: All-terrain tires are also a good choice for regions that experience heavy snowfall or ice. Their tread design offers better traction in deep snow compared to all-season tires.

  • Heavy-Duty Use: For those who haul heavy loads or tow frequently, the durability and strength of all-terrain tires provide peace of mind in tough conditions, even when driving on paved roads.

If you need a tire that handles diverse terrains, from highways to dirt tracks, all-terrain tires are an excellent choice—just be ready for a less quiet ride.

When All-Season Tires Are the Smarter Pick

Even though all-season tires can handle the first two conditions, if they have a contact with the snow or slush, their traction capability is significantly decrease

All-season tires are the ideal choice for drivers who primarily use their vehicle on well-maintained roads and highways. Here are the conditions that make all-season tires the smarter choice:

  • Urban and Suburban Driving: For daily commutes, city driving, and highway miles, all-season tires are the most comfortable and fuel-efficient option.

  • Mild Weather Regions: If you live in an area where the weather doesn’t fluctuate drastically—no extreme snowstorms or intense heatwaves—all-season tires provide reliable performance year-round.

  • Lower Maintenance: All-season tires require less maintenance and are generally less expensive to replace than their all-terrain counterparts, making them a smart pick for budget-conscious drivers.

FAQs: Answering Reddit’s Most Heated Debates

Q1: Are All-Terrain Tires Worth It for Daily Driving?

A1: If you don’t plan on driving off-road regularly, all-terrain tires may not be the best choice due to increased noise and reduced fuel efficiency. However, if you occasionally drive on unpaved roads or need added traction in tough weather, they could be worthwhile.

Q2: Can All-Season Tires Handle Snow?

A2: All-season tires can handle light snow but are not designed for severe winter conditions. For deep snow or ice, winter tires or all-weather tires are more effective.

Q3: How Much Do Fuel Efficiency and Road Noise Matter?

A3: Fuel efficiency and road noise are essential for drivers who spend a lot of time on highways or in urban areas. All-season tires typically offer better fuel economy and a quieter ride compared to all-terrain tires.

If you wanna check quietest AT tires: https://tireterrain.com/on-road-all-terrain-tires-highway/

Q4: What Is the Lifespan of All-Terrain Tires Compared to All-Season?

A4: All-terrain tires tend to wear out more quickly on paved roads due to their aggressive tread pattern. On the other hand, all-season tires typically have a longer lifespan when used on highways and city streets.

Conclusion

All-terrain tires offer grit, snow confidence, and off-road durability—but often at the cost of noise, fuel economy, and long-term wear. All-season tires dominate on-road comfort and mileage but falter when terrain or deep winter hits. Bridgestone lab data and real-world tests confirm: your lifestyle, not online debates, should guide your choice. Run the numbers, factor in your driving mix, and choose a tire that fits your pavement-to-dirt ratio—because compromise only gets costlier with miles.

Run Flat Tires vs Regular Tires

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Run flat and regular tires are the two different types of passenger tires. They look the same from the outside, however, when it comes to the inner structure, they become dissimilar significantly. 

Regular tires are vulnerable to any outside effects like nails or even sharp rock. If you get flat, you have to change this tire immediately unless you don’t wanna break your wheel. Of course, this is not always possible. Maybe you don’t know how to change tires or you may be inadequate in terms of equipment. As a result, you have to wait for the road assistant or one of your friends who may help. That’s the point where the ‘Run-Flat’ tire idea comes up.

The internal structure of run-flat tires is designed differently. These tires can be driven at a maximum speed of 50MPH up to 50KM in case of punctures. So, run-flat tires are basically made for security and safety issues. But the trade of what? As a former Bridgestone engineer, I’m going to expose the difference between regular and run-flat tires.

At a Glance

Choosing between the run-flat and regular tires is totally up to your expectations. In this case, you have to decide between safety or performance. Well, it doesn’t mean that run-flat tires can’t provide decent performance or that regular tires aren’t safe.

These two have different focuses. The below points will explain the situation better.

Run-Flat TiresRegular Tires
In case of puncture, it’ll take you to tire mechanicIn case of puncture, you should replace it asap
You don’t need spare tireYou should have spare tire
Durable to external impactsLasts longer
Increase your fuel consumptionOffers a slightly smoother and quieter ride
You should have tire pressure monitoring system(TPMS)Offers better handling, more responsive
Irreparable
Some of the are now repairable
(Repairability Table)		Repairable

I do highly recommend checking the below link before making any run-flat tire purchase. Since these are concept tires, following the people’s buying trend is crucial:

https://www.discounttire.com/trending/run-flat-tires

The run-flat is basically the system that keeps you on the road for a while even if your tire gets flat.

In order to properly understand how this system works, you first need to know the working principle of the tire.

I’m trying to explain this as simply as I can.

Table of Contents

Working Principle of Tire

The idea of the tire is coming from the verb roll. Rolling is the movement of objects with the least energy expenditure. In fact, most of the action happens because of the weight of the object itself. That’s why most vehicles have tires.

So, the real thing you should know out here is how tires carry the load.

Unlike most people think the answer is by the help of air pressure inside.

In order to provide traction, tires should contain fluffy materials like rubber. The rubber itself is elastic. Hence, it flexes with the load and lost its shape. In order to avoid this, rubber is supported by solid materials like steel. But that’s not enough on its own.

At this time production has two options, make a fulfilled circle that contains tons of rubber and steel or use rubber and steel as a shell and fulfill it with high-pressure air.

The first option doesn’t make sense at all because the tire becomes so heavy and even making it roll is back-breaking.

So, the second option works best. Unlike most people think, compressed air has a very high load-carrying capacity.

I explain all of this because I wanted you to know that the air pressure inside of the tire does all the work regarding load carrying. So, if you get a flat tire it basically means that one of your tires can’t carry the load anymore, and your wheel kinda runs ashore.

What does Run-Flat Mean in Tires?

Run-flat tires are tires that can still be used after a puncture.

The main idea is to get you to a mechanic or a tire dealer. Hence, after the puncture, you can use this tire for 50 Miles at a maximum speed of 50 MPH.

How does Run-Flat Tires Work?

The run-flat system absorbs the load-bearing disadvantage of the flat tire. It undertakes the tire duty for a while.

So, the idea is to support the inner structure and help the tire keep its shape and loading capability at the maximum possible level.

There are two different types of run-flat systems.

Self-supporting and support ring system. Even though these two provide the same feature, due to their way of making it, they have advantages and disadvantages. Let’s talk about them one by one.

Self Supporting Run Flat Tires

You can click to image for reaching a great article from DiscountTire

This system is mostly used for low-profile tires. In fact, that’s the reason most sports cars have run-flat tires.

Self-supporting run-flat tires have reinforced and stiffer sidewalls that are capable of temporarily carrying the vehicle load. 

I hear the question says if it’s that easy, why other tires aren’t run-flat?

Here is the deal, reinforced sidewalls extremely decrease the riding comfort. The robust sidewalls don’t flex that much. Hence, they provide a rough ride. In fact, that’s the reason this system is generally used for low-profile tires.

Low-profile tires are used on sports vehicles because they’re lightweight tires because of their shorter sidewalls.

Since these tires are used on fast cars, they should have strong sidewalls for safe cornering. The short sidewall also helps in this case. The flexing capability of the short sidewall is limited. Hence, they provide decent cornering stability at high speeds.

About the low-profile run-flat tires, things are quite the same. The only difference is these short sidewalls are thicker. Hence, they offer more secure cornering but less comfortable rides.

Self-supported run-flat tires are a good option for aggressive drivers who put performance and security over comfortable rides.

The below video shows how self-support run-flat tires work.

Support Ring System Run Flat Tires

The self-supported run-flat system was invented by Bridgestone. The system had minor issues. Yet, it was doing its job and providing those extra miles that will take you to the mechanic.

As their biggest rival, Michelin wanted to give an answer to this technology. So, they did what they do always, put the bar higher and invented a support ring system.

Unlike the self-support system, this system has an extra element which we call a support ring.

Run-flat tires with a support ring system don’t have reinforced sidewalls. Hence, they provide a smoother drive compared to self-supported run-flat tires.

You all probably see the regular tires before mounting. Circle-shaped tires are hollow on one side and this part is designed to match the rim.

However, there is no hollow part for support ring system run-flat tires. In this section, there is a ring of hard rubber or another robust material that provides extra support in case of a puncture.

So, basically, if you get a flat tire with a support ring system, the support ring doesn’t let the rim touch the tread and keeps to tire usable.

So, the support comes from the center section, not the sidewalls. In fact, this makes these tires more comfortable than other run-flat tires. Though worth reminding, this system generally uses on high-profile tires. The low-profile tires don’t have enough place for a support ring.

The support ring system is better for daily driving.

What are the Benefits of Run-Flat Tires?

Implementing a new technology always comes up with disadvantages and advantages.

Run-flat is the technology that provides safe driving. Hence, it’s easy to say that safety is the biggest asset of this technology.

Even though the idea is to keep you safe, this technology has many benefits.

Safety, Safety, and Safety

Let’s say you’re going through Utah to Los Angeles at 70 mph. Do you think that you can save yourself if one of your tires gets punctured? No way.

First of all, this kind of accident is extremely rare. Yet, not impossible.

When your tire suddenly gets flat, if you’re at the high speed, you may juggle six things at the same time. It might be deadly.

At this point, run-flat technology gets into the game and provides the durability you need for this moment. Your tire still covers its shape and this decreases the force difference between the left and right sides. For this reason, the main advantage of run-flat tires is safety.

The Time Saver

Not all of us know how to change tires. For this reason, if we get a flat tire, we generally call one of our friends or road assistance. In an optimistic way, that means at least 1,5 hours. Moreover, you may even find someone or don’t have communication.

That’s where run-flat tires become a time or even lifesaver.

These tires can be running 50 miles after the puncture. For this reason, it can take you to a mechanic or any place you can change your tire.

You Don’t Need Spare Tires Anymore

The run-flat technology can take you to a mechanic in case of any puncture. For this reason, the spare tire isn’t necessary anymore. This feature brings some advantages also.

  • Decreasing the total vehicle weight, hence, offers relatively better fuel economy (since run-flat tires are heavier than regular tires, the equation is so presumptive)
  • You create extra space for yourself
  • Spare tire cost isn’t any more part of your budget

What are the Disadvantages of Run-Flat Tires?

In order to understand the disadvantages of run-flat tires you may look into their internal structure.

I read tons of articles about this online. It seems like people find information online and share it without any fact-checking.

Here is the deal, run-flat tires have disadvantages. However, to say something for sure, you should look for the technology behind it.

I’ve already mentioned the two different methods have been using. I prefer to evaluate these two methods on their own.

Offers Rougher Ride

Riding comfort is related to the flexibility of the tire. For this reason, reinforced sidewalls always decrease riding comfort (think about all-terrain tires).

In that case, self-supported run-flat tires generally have a huge disadvantage. However, I can’t say something about support ring system run-flat tires.

Unlike self-support run-flat tires, these tires don’t have reinforced sidewalls, which means smoother drive. Though worth reminding, since these tires relatively have less air inside, they still offer slightly rougher rides than regular tires.

Weight More

Since these tires are heavier than regular tires, they consume more fuel. However, as I’ve mentioned in the advantages section, if you don’t use spare tires anymore, it might even become an advantage.

Note: Under the same conditions run-flat tires offer worse MPG than regular tires. For this reason, saying that they aren’t economical isn’t that wrong.

Responsiveness

Since the run-flat tires are heavier, they generally have a slower steering response.

TPMS System is Must

If you’d like to use run-flat tires, you should assemble a TPMS system, or your vehicle should have a TPMS system.

Since most newly manufactured vehicles have this system as a default, this isn’t an issue. However, if your vehicle doesn’t have this system, you need an extra budget.

Cornering Stability

While self-supported run-flat tires offer decent cornering stability, support ring run-flat tires provide a slight drop in that case.

Cost

Run-flat tires cost more. It’s because of the extra material inside.

Not Repairable Repairable

Even though I found this part a bit hyped. I still have to share it.

Run-flat tires aren’t repairable.

Good news! Run-flat tires are repairable now.

This is a perfect improvement because it also affects riding comfort. 

New system run-flat tires have more flexible sidewalls but stiffer compounds. That increases the riding comfort also.

There is still a way to go for manufacturers. For this reason, they have some restrictions on run-flat tire repair.

Please check the below table for details.

BrandReparabilityRestrictions
BFGoodrichPermitted1 repair maximum
BridgestonePermittedOnly if 15 psi maintained
ContinentalDoes not recommendMfg. Road Hazard Program
DunlopPermitted1 repair maximum for H- and greater speed ratings
FirestonePermittedOnly if 15 psi maintained
GoodyearPermitted1 repair maximum for H- and greater speed ratings
HankookPermitted
KumhoPermitted
MichelinPermitted1 repair maximum
PirelliNot endorsedMfg. Road Hazard Program
YokohamaNot to be repaired if run-flat

No matter you have a run-flat or non-run-flat tire, if anything happens close to the shoulder section, you can’t repair the tire.

Conclusion

After the latest developments in run-flat tires, they are similar to regular tires. Even though they have disadvantages, compared to the past, these cons are minor.

  • If you put security over comfort, run-flat tires are good options for you
  • I’m not going to stay behind run-flat tires provide poor grip. These tires just don’t make for all weather conditions. If they’ll have soft and extremely notched compounds, they provide the poorest MPG which makes them path less chosen.
  • Obtaining these tires isn’t an issue as before
  • You should have TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) for using these tires

I hope the article was helpful. If you have any further questions, please leave them in the below section. Have a safe ride folks!

Bridgestone vs Michelin

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Bridgestone and Michelin are top-notch tire brands that have been in competition since Bridgestone was founded in 1931. While both are great tires, what customers should expect from them is a little different.

As a former Bridgestone Engineer, I think that these are close-rated brands. However, I believe that both brands have pros on cons. The good news is it looks like they share the market by categories.

Michelin vs Bridgestone: Comparetive Comparison

With the developments in the tire industry, tires began to be classified in more detail. For instance, 5 years ago there is no all-weather tire. But now, we separated all-weather and all-season tires. So, there are tons of other tire categories. Nevertheless, I’ll share the most popular ones and compare them one by one.

Before starting, I’d like to briefly talk about different tire families by brand.

Bridgestone vs Michelin Tire Family Comparison (Imported From Table Press)

BridgestoneMichelinUsage
EcopiaMichelin Energy, PremierHighway eco friendly
Turanza, DriveGuardCrossclimate, Primacy, DefenderHighway traction oriented
PotenzaPilot SportHighway performance oriented
DuelerLatitude, Defender LTXOn/Off road
BlizzakX-IceWinter Highway

From that point, I’m going to share my best tire selection by brand and compare them to each other.

Affordable Tires

Premium brands know that they should also compete with affordable tire brands. Hence, they create tire families.

So, in this section, I’m going to compare these families and help you to find the best one for yourself.

Our tire families will be Michelin Primacy and Bridgestone Ecopia for this section.

Let’s start with the summer tires;

Grand Touring Summer:

Michelin and Bridgestone don’t offer any affordable tires for this segment. The only tire available in this segment fits in only a couple of electric vehicles.

Grand Touring All-Season:

Passenger All-Season:

Crossover/SUV All-Season Touring:

All-Season Tires

Crossclimate 2 has a wide groove that throws the water out with ease

The last section is for the money savers, and the remaining sections are coming for those who are looking for something special!

So, unlike most people think, all-season tires can’t perform perfectly in the winter. Most of them can handle mild winter conditions, though, there is another segment between winter and all-season tires that offers better winter performance with a little sacrifice from deaf driving. All-weather tires!

In my point of view, all-weather tires stay on the top of the all-season tires rating chart. Hence, I’ll compare all-season to all-season and all-weather to all-weather.

Let’s move on!

Standard Touring All-Season (balanced, relatively cheaper):

  • Michelin Defender T+H – Great on everything but severe winter performance
  • Bridgestone  – I don’t recommend any tire from Bridgestone

The market is shallow for this category. My favorite tire in this segment is Goodyear Assurance MaxLife.

Grand Touring All-Season (longevity focused):

Grand Touring All-Season (performance-focused):

All-Weather Tires (best for severe winter conditions):

Crossover/SUV All-Season (longevity focused):

Crossover/SUV All-Season (performance-focused):

Performance Tires

Potenza R980+ extremely commutative tire

The tires in this segment are mostly used on sport utility vehicles. Unlike all-season tires, these tires promise different features.

Since these tires are used on high-torque and powerful-engine vehicles, their main goals are to grip the surface and provide reliable handling. Hence, they have reinforced sidewalls and relatively fluffier compounds. So, they last short but provide excellent driving experience.

Max Performance Summer:

Extreme Performance Summer:

Ultra-High Performance Summer:

Ultra-High Performance All-Season:

High-Performance All-Season:

Street/Sport Truck Summer (SUV, CUV & Performance Pickups):

Winter Tires

Blizzak WS90's wide shoulders work pretty well on deep snow

If you’re living in a snow belt, all-weather tires won’t be enough to get decent traction in winter. Well, you need dedicated winter tires.

Here are my best picks!

Studless Ice & Snow Tires:

Performance Winter / Snow Tires:

All-Terrain

Michelin and Bridgestone mostly provide all-terrain tires via sub-brands.

Besides these brands, Bridgestone has one unique all-terrain tire that I generally recommend to comfort-focused customers.

Bridgestone Tires Overview

Bridgestone is a brand that can perfectly carry the promise of ‘safety’ with its quality, performance, and service guarantee from production to sale. Combining its ability to develop superior tire technology and the experience of producing tires suitable for the road conditions of 150 different countries of the world, Bridgestone offers superior performance and comfort for all types of vehicles and users, from motorcycles to automobiles, from construction machines to airplanes.

As an insider, I would like to briefly talk about Bridgestone’s priorities. Let’s move on!

Trust and Prestige

Bridgestone, which is sold in approximately 150 countries around the world, from Japan to the USA, is the leader of the world tire market with its global know-how, suitability for all world roads, and high-standard and quality products. Producing tires suitable for all types of vehicles, from motorcycles to automobiles, from construction equipment to aircraft, Bridgestone has combined its strength and global experience with Firestone in the US.

Innovation and Dynamism

One of Bridgestone’s main goals is to transfer all of its huge investments in research & development over the years and the technology it has developed during many motorsport sponsorships to all its products. Being able to offer these distinguishing features to all its users is one of Bridgestone’s most important values. Bridgestone always carries the flag of innovation and dynamism with the highest scores in eco projects and independent tests.

For instance, Bridgestone is the first company that uses ‘Run-Flat’ tire technology. Even though I don’t personally like run-flat tires, this is the biggest development in the tire industry in recent years. 

Pro Tip: If you’d like to learn more about the difference between run-flat and regular tires, you can check this article out!

Customer Satisfaction

Developing a tire is a complex business. It takes at least three years.

While the design phase takes a year, the remaining 2 years are spent on field tests.

Well, I was part of this process. I can confidently tell you that customer satisfaction is the foremost main topic of these three years. Besides that, nothing changes after the product is released.

So, I can’t tell you that you’re gonna satisfy with all Bridgestone tires, though, if you’ll have any issue, Bridgestone will fix it!

History

  • Founded in 1930
  • The first time listed on the stock exchange was in 1961
  • Bridgestone acquired Firestone in 1988. So, yes, Bridgestone and Firestone are the same company
  • Bridgestone acquires Bandag, Inc. in 2007 (one of the world’s leading tire retread businesses)
  • Bridgestone acquired Europe’s largest digital fleet solutions provider, TomTom Telematics (currently Webfleet Solutions)

Note: Numerically, Bridgestone is the biggest tire manufacturer.

Michelin Tires Overview

Michelin is the most popular and in my opinion best tire brand in the market.

Unlike Bridgestone, they put comfort is the top of their ‘to-do list’. Besides that, the brand itself is a test killer. If you ever read a tire test report, Michelin is probably the winner of that test.

But how can they do this? Here are the answers.

Internal Testing

Every tire manufacturer puts its tires to the test. In fact, this is a world-class necessity. Fulfilling this quality standard may be possible with standardized tests. However, Michelin has greatly exaggerated this event in order to understand in the best way what kind of difficult conditions the product it produces can actually withstand, and what kind of results it may encounter beyond the foreseen. In a year, Michelin tests its tires in such a way that 1 billion miles, yes you heard it right, 1 billion miles (1609344000 km) tire models are put to the test. This figure is equivalent to going around the planet 40 times.

Unique Compound & Design

When you are going to buy a tire, you may think about how much scientific studies have been done on it, but you cannot predict how detailed it can be. Thanks to the tread patterns developed by Michelin R&D engineers, you can provide superior performance and safety even in rainy and difficult weather conditions. This patented tread pattern, which belongs only to Michelin, has emerged with special design and design studies together with the tests. With models such as Michelin CrossClimate or Primacy you buy, you not only buy that model, but you also buy high Michelin technology.

Zero-Defect Policy

Michelin subjects it to many processes until it produces a tire. The most important of these is quality and control. Every product that is mass-produced in the world always produces faulty products. Michelin never sells faulty production from the production line. Incorrectly manufactured tires are immediately sent for recycling. Michelin has also produced its own patented machines in order to achieve the desired quality on the production line. Thanks to these special production machines, control safety has been increased and production error rates have been reduced. That’s why Michelin is the world’s best tire manufacturer today.

History

  • Founded in 1889
  • Invented the first radial tire in 1949 (now, radial tire takes 100% of the market share)
  • Michelin acquired BF Goodrich in 1989. So, yes, BF Goodrich and Michelin are the same company
  • Michelin acquired Uniroyal US in 1989. Though, they’re not the same company because Bridgestone bought Uniroyal Australia in 1982.
  • Michelin acquired Camso in 2018
  • Michelin bought 99.64% of Achilles and Corsa Tires in 2019. Affordable Michelin brand is loading!!!

Note: Numerically, Michelin is the second biggest tire manufacturer in the world.

Michelin vs Bridgestone: What to Expect

Bridgestone and Michelin respect each other strong points. This competition is the biggest factor in the development of the tire industry in recent years.

Even though both are reliable in all aspects, they meet with different customer expectations.

Let’s dig into features and find which one is best for you.

Traction

Traction is basically the grip capability of your tire. In this case, compound selection and tread design play the biggest role.

However, since dry, wet, and snow traction requires different features, separating this section into three will give us the best results.

  • Dry Traction: Both brands are performing excellently in dry conditions. However, if you’re living in a dry region, I believe that Bridgestone is a better option due to its generally stiffer compound selection.
  • Wet Traction: While Bridgestone is above average in this case, Michelin is leading the market.
  • Snow Traction: Even though some of Michelin’s tires racks, yet, Bridgestone is the safe side pick.

Handling

Since handling is the most important safety metric, both company pays huge attention to this feature. Well, the market wants it all at once. However, it’s really hard to reach.

So, depending on the tire category, handling is affected by different features.

While softer compound decrease the handling, strong sidewalls, and compact pattern creates a huge advantage.

The competition is tight in this section. If the handling is your priority, I recommend,

  • Bridgestone for summer tires
  • Michelin for all-season tires
  • Michelin for winter tires

Longevity

Longevity is what Bridgestone promotes more. Well, there is a reason behind that.

As I’ve mentioned before, Bridgestone prefers stiffer compounds. This is a huge advantage for better mileage. However, Michelin tires are always lighter. Hence, they generally have lower rolling resistance which can slower tires’ wear.

If I were not spending 5 years in the tire industry and finding everything online, I would say, it’s a tie game. But, I’m not. So, I prefer to separate categories and share my personal experience with you.

  • Summer Tires: I prefer Bridgestone tires again. I think summer tires are the weakest point of Michelin
  • All-Season Tires: Michelin the whole day long. They’re the inventor of all-weather tires. They know how the combine summer tire pattern with all-season compounds.
  • Winter Tires: Michelin tires will last longer. Yet, I still recommend Bridgestone tires.

Comfort and Noise

Noise reduction and comfort are the most important metrics for passenger vehicles. 

These two are related to different things. While comfort is mostly related to the inner structure, noise reduction is directly related to the pattern and the void area ratio of your tire tread.

Regarding comfort, Even though Bridgestone is one of the best in this case, Bridgestone tires always have a stiff ride because of their highly durable inner structures. So, if you ask me I trade this slight decrease in comfort for a more durable tire. Yet, we’re talking about comfort. Michelin is a slightly better tire.

Regarding noise reduction, there is no competition. Michelin leads the market with their unique pattern designs. In my point of view, the rest of the market is copycat.

So, I have to admit that Michelin is a better tire if we combine noise reduction and comfort. Yet, the difference isn’t significant.

Warranty

Both brands offer great warranties. However, I’ve experienced both. I can confidently say that Bridgestone overperforms Michelin in this case.

If the attention shown to you is important to you, I recommend Bridgestone tires.

Note: You’ll probably don’t need to warranty with Michelin tires. LOOOL!

Price

I know I’ve been promoting Michelin in this article. Though, all the features I’ve been mentioning are meanless if the tire is too expensive.

We all know that Michelin tires are the most expensive tires by far. So, the real question out here is ‘ Are they worth it?’.

Yes, they’re. Well, only if you don’t wanna think about your tire in the next 3-5 years. On the other hand, Bridgestone is at the top of the Price/Performance curve.

Compared to Bridgestone, Michelin is a high-ticket brand. Yet, in my point of view, it totally worth it. However, if you’re in financial difficulty, Bridgestone will meet your expectations.

Conclusion

In recent years, the tire market expands and develop so quickly. Well, the companies influence each other and reverse engineering works perfectly in this case.

So, regarding these two tire manufacturers, both are reliable and trustworthy. However, they are unique in some cases.

  • Bridgestone is a better tire for summer usage
  • Michelin is a better option for all-season usage. However, Bridgestone WeatherPeak gonna be an expected
  • Both are equally good in winter. Yet, Bridgestone focuses on traction but Michelin focuses on longevity.
  • Bridgestone tires generally offer longer tread life
  • Michelin tires are generally smoother

I hope the article was helpful fellows. Let me know if you need any further support. Have a safe ride!