Re: Michelin

["Fred Munro" <munrof@isys.ca>]

-----Original Message-----
From: AMZ <amz@eskimo.com>
To: 'Quattro List' <quattro@coimbra.ans.net>
Date: Thursday, July 09, 1998 4:54 AM
Subject: Michelin


>I don't mean to get people "started" on this question, but...
>
>What is wrong with Michelins, especially Energy MXV4's?
>
>Before I joined this list, I did a net search and found some sort of a
>hybrid FAQ/mailing list/survey about various brands of tires.  Most of the
>comments collected seemed to be from driving enthusiasts (various car
>brands, driving types).  While there were some detractors, the general
>consensus seemed to be that MXV4's were among the better choices for
>daily-driven tires that coped well with snow.  Also, a highly-respected &
>recommended multi-brand tire dealer in Seattle (Upenieks Tire) said they
>were excellent for my '88 5ksq in our usually wet weather.
>
>The more I read this list & check the archives, the more I find negative
>about Michelin.  Are they just bad for Audis?  Quattros?
>
>BTW, I paid $400 for a set (w/install) a couple months ago and am quite
>happy with them.  This is more for future reference.  My wife's '94 Jetta
>GLS has Michelin Alpines on the front and we've done well with them in all
>kinds of weather.


    Depends on the kind of driving you do. IMHO, the Energy MXV4 is a good
tire for a daily driver - it is quiet, should be durable, and gives
reasonable steering response. A performance tire it is not, and many
qlisters are enthusiasts who drive their Audis in an enthusiastic fashion. I
commute 150 kms daily in my '91 200q on mostly straight paved highways and
fitted Energy MXV4's last year - the daily plod to work far outweighs the
enthusiastic part of my driving, but I have to admit driving the quattro
makes the daily drive quite enjoyable! The "Energy" designation, oddly
enough, seems true - the fuel consumption decreased 10% over the old MXV2's
that were on the car.
    I would not use these tires in snow. They may be OK in areas with
occaisional snowfall if you drive carefully, but they are not a good snow
tire. I use Michelin Alpins in winter.


HTH

Fred Munro
'91 200q  255k km