Michelin Pilot Sport 4S Vs. Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4'

[dal59]

Has anyone made the change from the 4S to the All Season 4', or run both depending on the season?

I am specifically and solely interested in ride quality / comfort. I know the 4S will handle a bit better in the summer and the All Season can be used in freezing temps.

I just want to know if anyone knows if the All Seasons offer a better, softer ride due to a change in their compound.

[c99]

I don't think all season are good for such car like RS5. Here is good review of them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjhAURyz_s4

[thadoggfatha]

I have the A/S 4 on my other car and can say they do daily duty well while being solid for performance, they are a great tire for comfort as-well (should also look into the Conti DWS06 plus, which in my opinion are a superior tire). However for the RS5 I would stick with the 4S as they are more suited for the car. I would recommend a dedicated set of winters for the cold/ snowy months. I am on the Pirelli Sottozeros which perform great in the winter.

[cadale]

I run PS4s in the summer and Conti DWS06 in the winter. DWS06 is awesome for winters with mild snow, but I burned them up in the summer with spirited driving. They're a little too soft for my taste in the summer. Stick with summer tires for summer. If you're still in Atlanta and are set on an all season tire, find an all season tire geared more towards summer. DWS06 are geared more as a "snow" - all season tire in my opinion. Not sure on the other Michelin s you mentioned.

Sent from my SM-G991U using Audizine Forum mobile app

[dal59]

I should have mentioned this to begin with, but I refuse to change tires / wheels due to changes of season. I even hate having to change my watch during Daylight Savings Time, so wheels and tires are out of the question.

I just want one tire to do it all, and everything that I have read points to the PS A/S 4'. As a matter of fact, they are OE on the C8 Vette and they are certainly performance cars. I am hoping that during the colder months these tires would give a smoother ride and help the RS5 hook up better from a launch. You cannot beat the PS4S during the summer, but as it gets colder, the compound hardens and you lose those summer benefits.

[cadale]

Well technically I think the Cup 2 are better for summer/track, but I digress. Get the PS4s. You'll be happy, and you'll get a couple years out of them depending on driving. All of my club members sport PS4s and a few with the Cup 2. I feel like the PS4s are becoming the standard, but there is no true "perfect" tire.

Sent from my SM-G991U using Audizine Forum mobile app

[RS5-TP]

I will be putting 275/30/20 AS4 on these wheels in the next couple weeks, will probably run them for awhile till I put my winter wheel and tires back on. I cannot stand the stretched look of the Contact6 (even though it's a fun tire). I've pushed the limit, hard, at MAST (Michelin) driving school on BFG/Conti/Michelin AS tires and they have all come a LONG way. Unless you are really trying to get in trouble on the highway, or at a track, you can't tell a difference.

[Bezlar]

I’m running 285/30 on mine. They are great tires. If your pushing your car that hard it should have cup 2’s on it. The as4 are fine for most.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[dal59]

Sorry, but every time I see responses, I realize there is more info I left out of my post. :(
I am currently running PS4S and they were fantastic during the summer. However, as temps have cooled, they seem to be riding a bit rougher (more road feel) and understandably, have lost grip during hard launches as the compound hardens.
I never do track days, or even curvy mountain roads. I can definitely give up a bit of handling for the all-season performance and not having to change tires. I was just wondering if I might get additional benefits of a more comfortable ride and better cold weather launches also.

RS5-TP - Just to be clear, you will be running the PS A/S 4' now for a short while, and then for all next spring, summer? If this is correct, would you please update with how they ride after you get the all-seasons put on?

Bezlar - Just to be clear, you are currently running and have been running all summer the PS A/S 4'? And if so, are you completely happy with the ride quality?

Thanks guys!!

[BRH]

Sorry, but every time I see responses, I realize there is more info I left out of my post. :(
I am currently running PS4S and they were fantastic during the summer. However, as temps have cooled, they seem to be riding a bit rougher (more road feel) and understandably, have lost grip during hard launches as the compound hardens.
I never do track days, or even curvy mountain roads. I can definitely give up a bit of handling for the all-season performance and not having to change tires. I was just wondering if I might get additional benefits of a more comfortable ride and better cold weather launches also.

RS5-TP - Just to be clear, you will be running the PS A/S 4' now for a short while, and then for all next spring, summer? If this is correct, would you please update with how they ride after you get the all-seasons put on?

Bezlar - Just to be clear, you are currently running and have been running all summer the PS A/S 4'? And if so, are you completely happy with the ride quality?

Thanks guys!!

Dal,

A few years ago, I had an M4. Ordered replacement PS4S tires and the dealer was out of the tire. He put a set of the Michelin All Season on until the 4S arrived. (Long story as to why.) The All Seasons had about 5,000 miles on them. Anyway, I don't do track days, but I do a lot of mountain and canyon driving. Very low traffic areas where you can really push the car. The All Season is not even close to the 4S for this type of driving. However, around town there is not much difference. The A/S 4 is a amazing tire for an all season. And, as you guessed, the All Season is much more comfortable in colder weather. And, it handles better than the summer tire in colder weather and/or ice/snow.

Based on my experience, I don't think you would be disappointed with the A/S 4 for a year-round tire based on your location and the type of driving you said you do.

[BRH]

Dal,

I forgot to mention that while the A/S 4 is standard on the C8 Corvette, the PS4S is standard with the Z51 handling package. But this sorta goes along with your thinking. If you want outstanding handling, get the PS4S. If you are OK with really good handling, the A/S 4 would be fine and provides some benefits that summer tires just can't match.

[dal59]

Dal,

A few years ago, I had an M4. Ordered replacement PS4S tires and the dealer was out of the tire. He put a set of the Michelin All Season on until the 4S arrived. (Long story as to why.) The All Seasons had about 5,000 miles on them. Anyway, I don't do track days, but I do a lot of mountain and canyon driving. Very low traffic areas where you can really push the car. The All Season is not even close to the 4S for this type of driving. However, around town there is not much difference. The A/S 4 is a amazing tire for an all season. And, as you guessed, the All Season is much more comfortable in colder weather. And, it handles better than the summer tire in colder weather and/or ice/snow.

Based on my experience, I don't think you would be disappointed with the A/S 4 for a year-round tire based on your location and the type of driving you said you do.

Mr. BRH :)
Now, there is some real-world feedback that I was looking for. And, yes, it helps if I write a complete post. The most "handling" I do with my RS5 is a highway entrance or exit ramp with a slight bend in it. So, no worries there. And, if I ever wind up on twisty mountain roads, I certainly would not be "pushing" it. However, a more comfortable ride is always appreciated!

Thank you, BRH

[Bezlar]

Sorry, but every time I see responses, I realize there is more info I left out of my post. :(
I am currently running PS4S and they were fantastic during the summer. However, as temps have cooled, they seem to be riding a bit rougher (more road feel) and understandably, have lost grip during hard launches as the compound hardens.
I never do track days, or even curvy mountain roads. I can definitely give up a bit of handling for the all-season performance and not having to change tires. I was just wondering if I might get additional benefits of a more comfortable ride and better cold weather launches also.

RS5-TP - Just to be clear, you will be running the PS A/S 4' now for a short while, and then for all next spring, summer? If this is correct, would you please update with how they ride after you get the all-seasons put on?

Bezlar - Just to be clear, you are currently running and have been running all summer the PS A/S 4'? And if so, are you completely happy with the ride quality?

Thanks guys!!

Yes as4 and have 2000 miles on them. No problems so far. We run these on all four of our cars. Mini Cooper s, golf gti, and the sq5.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[VVG]

I’m running 285/30 on mine. They are great tires. If your pushing your car that hard it should have cup 2’s on it. The as4 are fine for most.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

A word about Cup 2 tires. They are truly a steerable track tire, however, they are HORRIBLE even in warmer weather if the roads are wet. And if you happen to encounter cool weather and wet roads, they are downright dangerous. These are OEM on my Spyder, and yes, under the right conditions, they are simply amazing and noticeably so, but you will be seriously limited in when and how you can drive your car with these tires. When my Cup 2 are due to be replaced, probably next summer sometime, I will change to PS4S.

[dal59]

Yes as4 and have 2000 miles on them. No problems so far. We run these on all four of our cars. Mini Cooper s, golf gti, and the sq5.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Okay..... Well, anyone that puts the same tire on every car they own, must REALLY like those tires! Also, especially glad to hear you like them on your RS5. Thank you, Bezlar!!

[Yeoman]

If I lived in Atlanta I'd have PS4S's on year 'round.. The one or two days a year it snows I'd stay at home, unless I wanted to have some fun in a deserted parking lot. I live outside of DC and I have summers on all year and have never had an issue, and I drive like a bat out of hell.

[RS5-TP]

Sorry, but every time I see responses, I realize there is more info I left out of my post. :(
I am currently running PS4S and they were fantastic during the summer. However, as temps have cooled, they seem to be riding a bit rougher (more road feel) and understandably, have lost grip during hard launches as the compound hardens.
I never do track days, or even curvy mountain roads. I can definitely give up a bit of handling for the all-season performance and not having to change tires. I was just wondering if I might get additional benefits of a more comfortable ride and better cold weather launches also.

RS5-TP - Just to be clear, you will be running the PS A/S 4' now for a short while, and then for all next spring, summer? If this is correct, would you please update with how they ride after you get the all-seasons put on?

I'm in the tire business, and have AS4 on order, they arrive this week. Will have them put on my new aftermarket wheels this weekend. I will probably run them for a few weeks till we get more chances for snow, then I will take them off. I can update you how they feel.

[dal59]

I'm in the tire business, and have AS4 on order, they arrive this week. Will have them put on my new aftermarket wheels this weekend. I will probably run them for a few weeks till we get more chances for snow, then I will take them off. I can update you how they feel.

That would be great, thank you!!!

[dal59]

If I lived in Atlanta I'd have PS4S's on year 'round.. The one or two days a year it snows I'd stay at home, unless I wanted to have some fun in a deserted parking lot. I live outside of DC and I have summers on all year and have never had an issue, and I drive like a bat out of hell.

That' funny. That is the same advice my wife gave me. Just last night she said, "just leave on the tires you have and if it's a really cold day, take my car". It makes me laugh when she says very simple, smart things that never even occur to me. :) My concern was never snow, as we only get a little snow once every five years or so. It was mainly temperature related and how that impacts ride quality (comfort).

Anyone familiar with my previous posts knows I cannot tolerate any vibration in the steering wheel. It drives me insane, and that' what started to happen with the PS4S as the temps. dropped. The rubber got harder and I started to get more "road feel" in the steering wheel. However, I decided to let a couple pounds out of each tire and it seems to have resolved, or at least greatly improved the problem. I run my PS4S at 38F/34R, and now I have them at 36F/32R. I am guessing that letting a little air out somehow compensated for the harder rubber?? Anyway, I will try a few more test runs and see if adjusting the air pressure does the trick. If so, great. If not, the PS A/S 4' will go on.

Thank you for the input. It is much appreciated.

[Pterwilliger]

I just replaced the original 275/30/20 Pirelli P Zeros that came on my Black Optic wheels with the same size Michelin PSAS4. What an amazing difference! The Pirelli's looked very stretched, which I didn't like, while the Michelins have a very squared look. I'm surprised that the same size tires would have such different profiles. Ride-wise, things are greatly improved. Even in warm weather the Pirelli's felt very hard, with very little cushioning provided, resulting in a very harsh ride and highway road noise that was extremely loud. The Michelins are very quiet, and drive much smoother than the Pirelli's at the same tire pressures. I wouldn't have expected that a 30 profile tire would feel this comfortable. For street driving, this is a great all-season choice.

[RS5-TP]

I just replaced the original 275/30/20 Pirelli P Zeros that came on my Black Optic wheels with the same size Michelin PSAS4. What an amazing difference! The Pirelli's looked very stretched, which I didn't like, while the Michelins have a very squared look. I'm surprised that the same size tires would have such different profiles. Ride-wise, things are greatly improved. Even in warm weather the Pirelli's felt very hard, with very little cushioning provided, resulting in a very harsh ride and highway road noise that was extremely loud. The Michelins are very quiet, and drive much smoother than the Pirelli's at the same tire pressures. I wouldn't have expected that a 30 profile tire would feel this comfortable. For street driving, this is a great all-season choice.

I just wrote a thread on this very point, but comparing the Conti 6 versus the Michelin PSAS4 on a 20x10.5" Niche Wheel. Yes, there is a MUCH wider squared stance with the 275/30/20 AS4, and the ride, performance and quality is very good so far (200 miles/5 days installed)



Continental on same wheel


New AS4 on 10.5" wheels

[IamRacer X]

I got a set of Michelin PS4S on my previous car (Chev SS Sedan) and absolutely thought they were an incredible tire. I have read several times on forums owners that replaced the stock Continentals with them have said they are much noisier. I too have heard they are much wider in the same size as well.

[dal59]

I think these are PS4S owners switching over to PSAS4.

[RS5-TP]

Been two weeks now on the AS4 and absolutely love the tire. I've driven them with surface temps from 25-70*. We've had some snow, and had a lot of rain. I've driven the car moderately hard, at times and the performance of the tires fits my bill. Daily driving is very nice on them, they make very little noise, but not as quiet as the Continental that was the OEM tire(it was an AO tire with foam). Unless you are tracking the car I see no reason not to run them.

[dal59]

Awesome. Thank you for the update. My car is at the dealership now having a set installed. Stock size - 275/30/20, going on OEM wheels. Switching over from PS4S. The PS4S started picking up a little too much road feel for me in the cooler temps.

[dal59]

Been two weeks now on the AS4 and absolutely love the tire. I've driven them with surface temps from 25-70*. We've had some snow, and had a lot of rain. I've driven the car moderately hard, at times and the performance of the tires fits my bill. Daily driving is very nice on them, they make very little noise, but not as quiet as the Continental that was the OEM tire(it was an AO tire with foam). Unless you are tracking the car I see no reason not to run them.

Would you mind sharing what the final road force numbers were for all 4 tires, please?

[RS5-TP]

sorry, do not remember. They were anywhere from 4-15 I believe. I plan on spending some more time on them to see if I can get them all in the single digits like you have mentioned (you have peaked my interest). My wheels are hard to balance because how wide, deep concave and placement of the weight. Its heavily favored to the inside of the barrel

[dal59]

sorry, do not remember. They were anywhere from 4-15 I believe. I plan on spending some more time on them to see if I can get them all in the single digits like you have mentioned (you have peaked my interest). My wheels are hard to balance because how wide, deep concave and placement of the weight. Its heavily favored to the inside of the barrel

It has been my personal experience that single digits can be difficult to achieve, but that is where I believe they should be. The last set of PS4S I had put on about 6 months ago, the dealership could not get them under mid-teens. I personally called the "Hunter" rep. in my area, and he went to the dealership to go over all the features of the machine with them and got all four in the single digits. The car drove beautifully!!

I was supposed to pick up my car yesterday with the new PS All Season 4', but the dealership called and said that they once again were stuck in the mid-teens with the new tires. However, they said they would try again on Monday and if they could not achieve single digits, they would call the Hunter rep. and ask him to come to them and lend a hand once again.

I LOVE new tires, but HATE having to go through this every time.

[pwdrskr]

A little late to the party but thought I'd throw in anyway. I've been running the A/S 4 for ~7000 miles or so, 285/30. Originally put them on while still living in Seattle; now in San Diego. Love the tire. I'll occasionally take a 90 degree corner coming out of our development onto a 55 mph road (yay California and surface street speed limits!). tires grip just fine in both summer and...not summer. Let's face it, we don't really have winter here. I've taken the car to Mammoth once last winter and had zero issues with traction on lightly snow covered town roads.

Historically, I've run the Continental DWS line of tires on my Audis up in the PNW and switched to the A/S 4s a few years ago. Lots and lots of day trips to the local ski hills with snow driving. Both tires performed so well I never felt the need for a snow tire.

I'm about to switch to the A/S 4 on our A6 Allroad as well (going to a 21" BC Forged glossy black RS31 wheel and the DWS 06 Plus doesn't come in the size I'll need, while the A/S 4 does).

The sidewall profile of the A/S 4 tire looks great on the RS5. I will say I prefer the tread patter of the DWS tires. I consider the tires essentially equivalent for the type of driving I do.

[RS5-TP]

It has been my personal experience that single digits can be difficult to achieve, but that is where I believe they should be. The last set of PS4S I had put on about 6 months ago, the dealership could not get them under mid-teens. I personally called the "Hunter" rep. in my area, and he went to the dealership to go over all the features of the machine with them and got all four in the single digits. The car drove beautifully!!

I was supposed to pick up my car yesterday with the new PS All Season 4', but the dealership called and said that they once again were stuck in the mid-teens with the new tires. However, they said they would try again on Monday and if they could not achieve single digits, they would call the Hunter rep. and ask him to come to them and lend a hand once again.

I LOVE new tires, but HATE having to go through this every time.

tell them to mark the valve stem placement and index (rotate 180*) this is what I did. I did not use force match balance feature.

[dal59]

tell them to mark the valve stem placement and index (rotate 180*) this is what I did. I did not use force match balance feature.

I am far from an expert, but I believe the force matching feature (indexing) is where all the magic takes place. The Hunter will show you what your road force pounds are with the tire in its current location, and even tell you what it will be if you force match it to where the machine tells you to. It is often half the current amount. I think this is the part the tech is missing or ignoring. I feel he is using this high-tech machine just to balance and place the weights in the correct locations, but not force matching. I believe you have to hit a button called maximize. Then the machine will tell you where to line up the wheel and tire for the best match road force. Hopefully I will be able to give a review, my opinion on the PSAS4' soon.:)

[dal59]

A little late to the party but thought I'd throw in anyway. I've been running the A/S 4 for ~7000 miles or so, 285/30. Originally put them on while still living in Seattle; now in San Diego. Love the tire. I'll occasionally take a 90 degree corner coming out of our development onto a 55 mph road (yay California and surface street speed limits!). tires grip just fine in both summer and...not summer. Let's face it, we don't really have winter here. I've taken the car to Mammoth once last winter and had zero issues with traction on lightly snow covered town roads.

Historically, I've run the Continental DWS line of tires on my Audis up in the PNW and switched to the A/S 4s a few years ago. Lots and lots of day trips to the local ski hills with snow driving. Both tires performed so well I never felt the need for a snow tire.

I'm about to switch to the A/S 4 on our A6 Allroad as well (going to a 21" BC Forged glossy black RS31 wheel and the DWS 06 Plus doesn't come in the size I'll need, while the A/S 4 does).

The sidewall profile of the A/S 4 tire looks great on the RS5. I will say I prefer the tread patter of the DWS tires. I consider the tires essentially equivalent for the type of driving I do.

Never too late to chime in. Especially when providing a reassuring review and opinion. :)

[RS5-TP]

I am far from an expert, but I believe the force matching feature (indexing) is where all the magic takes place. The Hunter will show you what your road force pounds are with the tire in its current location, and even tell you what it will be if you force match it to where the machine tells you to. It is often half the current amount. I think this is the part the tech is missing or ignoring. I feel he is using this high-tech machine just to balance and place the weights in the correct locations, but not force matching. I believe you have to hit a button called maximize. Then the machine will tell you where to line up the wheel and tire for the best match road force. Hopefully I will be able to give a review, my opinion on the PSAS4' soon.:)

nope, I got the numbers even lower (from 28 estimate 15lb) with forcematch with a 180* index down to 4lb ;) Sometimes old school indexing works.

[dal59]

nope, I got the numbers even lower (from 28 estimate 15lb) with forcematch with a 180* index down to 4lb ;) Sometimes old school indexing works.

LOL - that is awesome! I did get a text from Audi today saying they are done with my car and that "we got single digits across the board". So, hopefully this is true, and I will be back on the road soon singing the praises of the smoothest ride I have ever had. Congrats. on your "old school" success!

[dal59]

Okay, my car is ready, and I am picking it up tomorrow. In the meantime, the dealership sent me a copy of the report generated by the Hunter road force balance machine.
My final road force nos. in lbs. are: 5/5/7/9. With the most weight required for balancing on one wheel was a total of 1.5 ozs. - with .75oz on the inner side and .75oz on the outer side. I am very pleased, and with numbers like this, the car should ride extremely smooth! However, I will find out tomorrow.

[dal59]

Okay, got the car and only have a few miles on it, but I like what I am feeling so far. As I have said, I never track my car nor corner very hard on the street. Therefore, for me, I do not feel any difference between these and the PS4S. However, now I get to drive in the winter and do not have to have a second set of wheels/tires. This is a HUGE bonus for those that use their cars for daily driving only.

But, like RS5-TP said, these tires are definitely wider than the PS4S. I did not measure them, but you can see the difference. Between the spacers and the wider tire, the car really looks lowered now. Even more so than before. I would say the potential for rubbing exists if I were to have passengers in the back (which I never do), or even if cornering real hard and hitting a bump.

Anyway, we will see how they feel after 500 miles or so, and how they feel next summer when they get softer from the heat. I think that will make them ride even better.

[ap610]

Add me to the list as well. Switched from PS4S (ran them year round for 20k miles, 4/32 left on all four, two were patched because of nails, a third had a bulge on the sidewall that I noticed a couple days ago) to A/S4 today.

I also live in Atlanta and while I enjoyed the PS4S performance, I think the A/S4 is better suited for a daily driver--especially in Atlanta where during the winter, it'll be in the 30s one day and literally next day it's in the 70s (dal can attest to our bipolar winter weather). I had the A/S3+ on my previous car and it handled the Suches Loop perfectly fine so I'm sure these will be great for what I need.

[dal59]

Add me to the list as well. Switched from PS4S (ran them year round for 20k miles, 4/32 left on all four, two were patched because of nails, a third had a bulge on the sidewall that I noticed a couple days ago) to A/S4 today.

I also live in Atlanta and while I enjoyed the PS4S performance, I think the A/S4 is better suited for a daily driver--especially in Atlanta where during the winter, it'll be in the 30s one day and literally next day it's in the 70s (dal can attest to our bipolar winter weather). I had the A/S3+ on my previous car and it handled the Suches Loop perfectly fine so I'm sure these will be great for what I need.

Yes, it was 75* here today and with the warmer weather the car drove beautifully. Smooth as can be. As with all tires, when it is colder the rubber is a bit stiffer and you can get a bit more road feel, but not today.

[JWreck]

The 4S tires stay on the RS5 year round, but I have the AS4s on the Model Y P, and they do fine in the cold.

However as linked in one of the first comments, even Michelin says the 4S’ are better for warmer weather in both the dry and the wet. But if you feel the need to compromise and “refuse” to switch tires based on the season then you do you, I guess.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Kerbouchard]

I’m in the same boat as OP, don’t really want to mess with storing and swapping tires.

Here in DFW it’s plenty hot during the summer, but during fall, winter, spring, there’s plenty of clear days in the 40’s and 50’s where I’d like to take the car out and not worry about the max perf summers hardening up. If it’s snowy or wet, the car stays in anyway.

Was leaning towards the A/S 4’s just for the expanded temp range, but Michelin A/S 4’s have been on back order since Feb with no sign of them showing up. Even if they do show up, what happens when you get a flat? Victims of their own success?

Sounds like DWS06 Plus is the next best for all season?

Is ps4 still the preferred max performance summer tire?

Dealer says I’m down to 3/32nds, so need to make a decision sooner than later