This blog compares Les Schwab Tires and Michelin Tires. It looks at their features, performance, and variety. By discussing each brand’s pros and cons, it helps you pick the right tires for your needs and budget. You’ll also find tips to make your tires last longer. Whether you seek comfort, safety, durability, or efficiency, this guide has you covered. Look inside to boost your tire care knowledge and find the best tires for your vehicle.
Benchmarks Between les Schwab Tires vs Michelin Tires
| Criteria | Michelin | Les Schwab |
|---|---|---|
| Warranty | Varies by tire model, some have limited warranty up to 85,000 miles | Varies by tire model, some have limited warranty up to 80,000 miles |
| Tread life | Not specified | Not specified |
| Satisfaction guarantee | 60-day satisfaction guarantee on all tires | Free peace of mind tire protection and lifetime tire and mileage care |
| Price range | Depends on tire size and type, can range from $166 to $875 | Depends on tire size and type, can range from $166 to $197 |
| Country of origin | France | USA |
| Year foundation | 1889 | 1952 |
| Made in | 26 countries, including USA, France, Canada, Mexico, and others | Several countries, including USA, Mexico, China, and others |
Les Schwab Tires
Founded in 1952 in Oregon, Les Schwab Tire is a well-known American retailer and service provider. It’s famous for its focus on customers. The company has more than 520 locations. It offers tires, wheels, and accessories for various vehicles. Services include tire changeovers, balancing, and more. The goal is to offer great service and competitive prices. The aim is to meet the needs of every vehicle, weather condition, and customer.
les Schwab Tires Family:
Open Range A/T
- Load Rating Index: 121/118
- Speed Index: S (up to 180 km/h)
- Traction Rating: A
- UTQG Rating: 600 AB
- Tread Life Warranty: 60,000 miles
The Open Range A/T tires are versatile and durable. They have a high load rating of 121/118 and a speed index of S, supporting speeds up to 180 km/h. Their A traction rating and 600 AB UTQG rating ensure good traction and lasting performance. Plus, they come with a 60,000-mile tread life warranty. As a result, these tires are a top choice for drivers needing reliable all-terrain performance.
Back Country QS3 Touring HT
- Load Rating Index: 114
- Speed Index: T (up to 190 km/h)
- Traction Rating: A
- UTQG Rating: 740 AA
- Tread Life Warranty: 75,000 miles
The Back Country QS3 Touring HT tires are for high-performance touring. They have a load rating of 114 and a speed index of T, allowing speeds up to 190 km/h. Their traction rating is A, and UTQG rating is 740 AA, showing excellent wear and performance. Also, they come with a 75,000-mile tread life warranty. These features make them perfect for drivers looking for durability and reliability in touring.
Extreme Performance Sport
- Load Rating Index: 94
- Speed Index: W (up to 270 km/h)
- Traction Rating: AA
- UTQG Rating: 300 AA
- Tread Life Warranty: 30,000 miles
The Extreme Performance Sport tires are for high-speed driving. Their load rating index is 94 and the speed index is W, enabling speeds of up to 270 km/h. With a top traction rating of AA and UTQG rating of 300 AA, they offer excellent grip and handling. Their warranty covers 30,000 miles, making them ideal for those who prioritize performance and responsiveness.
Michelin Tires
The globally known Michelin Tires is famous for innovation, quality, and performance. Founded in 1889, it offers top tires for cars, trucks, motorcycles, and bikes. Its range includes tires for all conditions and needs, from all-season to off-road or winter use. Safety, durability, and fuel efficiency are its top priorities. Michelin is a trusted brand, focusing on sustainability and technology. It leads in tire manufacturing.
Michelin Tires Family:
Pilot Sport 4S
- Load Rating Index: 91
- Speed Index: Y (up to 300 km/h)
- Traction Rating: AA
- UTQG Rating: 300 AA A
- Tread Life Warranty: 30,000 miles
The Pilot Sport 4S tires offer high performance and speed. They have a load rating of 91 and a speed rating of Y, up to 300 km/h. Also, they boast an AA traction rating and a UTQG rating of 300 AA A. This means they provide great grip, handling, and performance. Perfect for sports and high-performance cars, they come with a 30,000-mile tread life warranty. Thus, they are ideal for drivers seeking top performance.
Defender LTX M/S
- Load Rating Index: 115
- Speed Index: T (up to 190 km/h)
- Traction Rating: A
- UTQG Rating: 800 A B
- Tread Life Warranty: 70,000 miles
The Defender LTX M/S tires are tough and long-lasting. They have a load rating of 115 and a speed rating of T, up to 190 km/h. Their traction is rated A, and their UTQG rating is 800 A B. This means they resist wear and perform well in all conditions. Also, there’s a 70,000-mile tread life warranty. These tires are ideal for drivers seeking durable, reliable all-season options.
Primacy Tour A/S
- Load Rating Index: 97
- Speed Index: V (up to 240 km/h)
- Traction Rating: A
- UTQG Rating: 620 AA
- Tread Life Warranty: 55,000 miles
The Primacy Tour A/S tires offer luxury and comfort. They have a load rating of 97 and a speed index of V, allowing up to 240 km/h. Their traction and wear ratings are A and 620 AA, respectively, promising excellent grip and durability. Moreover, they come with a 55,000-mile tread life warranty. Thus, they are perfect for those looking for all-season tires that balance performance, comfort, and durability.
Tread Design Comparison:
Les Schwab tires come with versatile tread patterns. They offer symmetrical and directional designs for various roads and terrains. These tires have tough sidewalls and rugged treads, ensuring both durability and performance. In contrast, Michelin tires have larger, heavier tread blocks. This design enhances grip and stability off-road. They also use advanced siping technology. This feature improves traction and braking on wet, snowy, and icy roads.
Michelin, a leader in tire engineering, focuses on innovation. They aim to boost fuel efficiency, handling, and safety. Their efforts also reduce hydroplaning and CO2 emissions. Meanwhile, Les Schwab emphasizes adaptability and robust performance. Michelin stands out for its tech solutions. It enhances driving safety and promotes sustainability. Both brands offer unique benefits to match various driving needs and preferences.
Which one is best?
| Criteria | Michelin | Les Schwab |
|---|---|---|
| Technology used | Acoustic technology that reduces noise by 20% | Siping technology that improves braking and traction |
| Wet Traction | Excellent | Good |
| Snow Traction | Very good | Good |
| Comfort | Very good | Good |
| Off road capability | Good | Moderate |
| High speed tires | Yes | No |
| Highest Load rating | 3,750 lbs | 3,640 lbs |
Winter Performance: Winner – Michelin Tires
Michelin Tires outperform Les Schwab in winter. This is due to advanced technology, unique treads, and special rubber. They offer better grip and handling on snow and ice. Additionally, Michelin tires are quieter and more comfortable. Their noise level is only 50 dB. Sizes range from 15 to 63 inches.
Durability: Winner – Michelin Tires
Michelin Tires are known for being durable, resisting wear, and lasting long. They also offer great warranties. Plus, the brand provides affordable damage and service options. Their use of premium materials ensures reliable performance in all driving conditions.
Wet Performance: Winner – Michelin Tires
Michelin Tires excel in wet conditions. They stand out for their great performance. Especially in water evacuation and reducing hydroplaning. With deeper grooves and sipes, they boost braking, handling, and stability in the rain. Moreover, they cut down road noise by 20%. This makes for a quieter ride.
Dry Performance: Winner – Michelin Tires
Michelin Tires are known for their grip, precise handling, and control on dry, hot roads. They cut rolling resistance, boosting acceleration, speed, and fuel efficiency. This also reduces CO2 emissions. A wider contact area makes rides smoother and improves traction.
Off-Road Performance: Winner – Les Schwab Tires
Off-road fans love Les Schwab Tires. They are tough and have reliable treads. These tires excel on mud, sand, gravel, and dirt. They also outlast Michelin, offer smoother rides, and perform better. Thanks to their aggressive treads and sizes from 20 to 42 inches, they provide more stability and coverage on rough terrain.
Tread Life: Winner – Michelin Tires
Michelin Tires last 80,000 miles, boosting performance and cutting costs. They also include more maintenance. In comparison, Les Schwab tires only last 60,000 miles.
Riding Comfort: Winner – Michelin Tires
Michelin Tires are famous for their smooth, comfortable rides. They achieve this through smart design and advanced tech. These tires weigh 20–35 pounds, reducing noise and enhancing comfort. They also improve alignment and balance, ensuring a stable and pleasant ride.
Price Comparison: Winner – Les Schwab Tires
Les Schwab Tires are great for budget-minded drivers. They offer quality tires at $166 to $197. These tires are reliable and a better deal than Michelin. Plus, buyers get the Best Tire Value Promise. This includes rotations, air checks, flat repairs, and free tire protection.
Which one is best?
When choosing between Les Schwab and Michelin tires, consider technology, noise level, size, weight, availability, durability, convenience, performance, and cost.
Les Schwab tires use siping technology for a smoother ride and longer life. In contrast, Michelin tires cut road noise by 20%, making driving quieter. Les Schwab tires are heavier but easier to find. Michelin tires are known for practicality and durability.
Les Schwab tires perform slightly better than Michelin. However, Les Schwab tires cost between $166 and $197, while Michelin tires can reach $875.
In summary, both brands have their strengths. Les Schwab shines in availability and performance. Meanwhile, Michelin excels in noise reduction and durability.