Tires, you know, those black, round things that you car sits on, the things we only pay attention to when they are flat?
We often get asked what are the “best” tires out there. Now “Best” and “Cheap” don’t really belong in the same sentence, so let’s pick another term “Best Value“. Value in terms of cost, durability and ride handling, for the next 3-5 years you own your car.
Without a doubt, and what we’ve based our business on, the “Best Value” in tires is Michelin. Hands down. It’s what I run on my own car, and my wife’s car, and it’s the only tire brand we sell. Be it an Audi, BMW, Infiniti, Mercedes, Lexus, Volvo,
Why Only Michelin
We are a Michelin only dealer, and not being a company owned tire store, we are free to choose what we feel is best for the customer, and the car. I am often asked why I recommend only Michelin tires. Those that know me also know that I do not recommend them because I sell them. On the contrary, I sell them because I know the quality they represent. See the distinction there?
Most people realize that lower quality tires do not ride as well or last as long. Perhaps they may reason, with the price savings (usually less than $25-50 per tire) they can justify the lack of performance. What many do not realized is one reason low quality tires ride badly is that they are often not round. Bad or “cheap” tires often have a condition known as radial run-out, sometimes called “conicity” meaning cone shaped. Think of an egg shape rather than a perfect circle.
Reeking Havoc
If poor ride and faster wear were the only problem, that would be bad enough. Much worse, is the side we see as import service specialists. The constant vibration from out of round tires reeks havoc on expensive suspension components.
Your vehicle’s suspension tries to absorb the vibration, as it is designed to do. This can very quickly destroy expensive or safety components. Leaking steering rack, worn ball joints, shocks, struts and even wheel bearing and hub damage can occur. Hundreds or even over a thousand dollars in damage can be done by an out of round set of tires. Yes really.
Warranty, A Real One
Consider tire life, a proper set of Michelin tires, properly balanced and rotated, will net you a minimum of 55-60,000 miles of use. And if you don’t make that, Michelin offers a warranty, when was the last time you had a tire company warranty a set of tires? In the rare occasions it happens, Michelin can and will.
When the overall cost is looked at, cheap tires are just too expensive. Save $150 on tires and you might do $800 damage to the vehicle. Go with the best and you will never be sorry. Great tires, properly mounted and balanced, Atlantic Motorcar and Michelin, a winning team.
Respectfully,
Bruce and the AMC Team