Jan 26, 2015
Updated by gakini I had changed all 4 tyres of my Honda city to Michelin energy XM2 From Goodyear at a Honda service center in Bangalore after hearing its much hyped performance on road. XM2 price is at least 30% more than Goodyear.
Pros of Michelin tyres: The noise level is less. Pick up is somewhat better.
Cons: The road grip is less compared. At high speeds, braking is less as the friction between tyre to road seems to be less. Vehicle slips if the road is rough. Slipping even happens when you move the vehicle from stall on inclined roads. Very uncomfortable situation. A number of small stones get stuck between the tyres thus affecting the balancing of wheels at high speeds.
While I was continuing despite all the above issues, after running for about 15000 KMs the treads (all 4 tyres) consistently started cracking and some treads started getting chipped off. The tread depth is still 6 mm at the edges. I had logged a complaint with Michelin India and an inspector came and checked the tyre. My claim was simply rejected stating aggressive road conditions. In my 10 years of driving experience I have seen wear and tear of tyres due to whatever aggressive roads or aggressive driving or poor alignment or poor inflation of tyres. But very surprised to hear that treads crack or chip off due to aggressive road conditions. I drive the vehicle in Bangalore where I can not cross 40 KMPH due to heavy traffic, and I treat this reason given by Michelin as illogical. I am not sure how to escalate this matter to Michelin higher authorities. But the cracks are aggravating day by day making the driving very uncomfortable. May be I should simply throw them away.
One more thing, just 1 month before I bought the tyres, my colleague too replaced his car tyres with Michelin energy XM2. He is also seeing the same problem of cracking & chipping recently.
So, in my opinion, it is some defect in the tread material if not I can conclude that Michelin XM2 is suitable for Indian roads, even in cities like Bangalore where roads are in relatively better condition.Please see the photos of cracked tyre treads.
I am not able to upload the photos, tried many times, else would have shared some nice pictures of tyre & deteriorated treads.
Ganesh<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
Something wrong with the model and manufacturer defect.