Michelin Pilot Super Sport Review: Is It The Best Performance Tire on the Market?

Last Updated: October 7, 2024

Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires are the ones that I’m the most familiar with. The first time I used them was in 2015 when I leased my 2015 F82 BMW M4, which came with them as a stock option. My first impressions were pretty good; however, it took me going through at least two sets of these tires to truly know their ins and outs. Altogether, I have done around 60K miles with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires on different BMW M4s.

Recently, I took my 2018 M4 ZCP to the Tail of the Dragon, and I can tell you that the car felt like it was on rails. This was also the time when I really understood how well they would perform on the track. The only true downfall of the Pilot Super Sport tires is the tread life; however, it strongly depends on your driving style.

Pros and Cons of Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tires

Pros

• It is a great performance tire that does very well in turns, even at high speeds
• Great track tire
• Great traction on dry and wet pavement
• Very quiet tires, comfortable even for longer trips
• It lasts a fair amount of miles for a performance tire

Cons

• Do not do well doing pulls from the dig; need wider or stickier tires like Toyo R888
• Does not grip well at all in cold weather (expected)
• When the tread gets low, they become fairly slippery on a wet surface

Testing Conditions, Equipment, Results

2015 BMW F82 M4 Base

• Front: 255/35 R19
• Rear: 275/35 R19
• Length of testing: 45,000 miles
• Terrain: Dry, wet, cold, light snow, gravel (minimal), donuts (had to do it)
• Extra info: Driven from New York City to Los Angeles

2018 BMW F82 M4 Competition

• Front: 265/30 R20
• Rear: 285/30 R20
• Length of testing: 25,000 miles
• Terrain: Dry, wet, cold, light snow, gravel (minimal), donuts (also had to do it)
• Extra info: Tested through Tail of the Dragon

Michelin Pilot Super Sport Testing Results

Scores taken into consideration:

• Wet Traction Rating: 4.0/5.0
• Dry Traction Rating: 4.8/5.0
• Cold Weather: 3.5/5.0
• Comfort: 5.0/5.0
• Noise Levels: 5.0/5.0
• Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0

The following scores were not counted toward the overall score because these are performance tires and not all-season, all-weather tires:

• Light Snow Rating: 0.5/5.0 (not relevant, therefore not counted in)
• Uneven Pavement Rating: 3.0/5.0 (not relevant, therefore not counted in)

Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tire Overview

The Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires are touted as high-performance, ideal for everyday driving and track days. Born from the endurance racing culture of iconic circuits like Le Mans and Daytona, these tires embody a blend of street and track performance, promising to deliver an extra edge on the track or the road.

Here are some key points regarding the Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires:

Performance in Various Conditions:

• They offer precise handling in wet and dry conditions, thanks to a bi-compound that provides a grip for hard, dry braking while enhancing wet grip with elastomers on the inner tread.

Technology and Design:

• Inspired by endurance racing, the tires feature a Twaron® belt package and Variable Contact Patch for long, even wear.
• The tread patterns are designed with less grooving to increase road contact, resulting in better handling.
• The tires also have an asymmetric design molded with Michelin’s Bi-Compound tread rubber, featuring a Le Mans-inspired dry compound outboard paired with a latest-generation wet compound inboard.

Durability and Longevity:

• They come with a 30,000-mile treadwear warranty, demonstrating Michelin’s confidence in the tire’s durability.
• The internal structure is fortified with twin steel belts reinforced by a spirally wound Twaron cord for enhanced high-speed handling, wear, and durability.
• These tires have shown remarkable tread life even in high-speed, high-stress conditions, as in endurance races.

Enhanced Handling and Traction:

• They promise up to 12% better handling than competitors, delivering unmatched grip, traction, and braking.
• The tires are also lightweight, with weight savings of up to 10% compared to other tires of similar dimensions, which improves handling by reducing unsprung weight.

Noise Reduction (Selected Sizes):

• The selected sizes of the Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires come with Michelin Acoustic Technology, where a layer of sound-absorbing foam is adhered to the tire’s inner liner to reduce cabin noise.

Warranty and Protection:

• Alongside the treadwear warranty, there’s an option for additional coverage down to 3/32″ of wear, including a replacement in the unlikely event of irreparable damage.

Price Range:

• They are priced between $368.00 and $439.00 per tire, with additional costs for installation.

Customer Ratings:

• With a 4.3 out of 5-star rating on the Discount Tire website, 100% of reviewers recommend these tires, indicating high customer satisfaction. I scored these tires at 4.5/5 since some of the tests were not relevant to them.

Certifications and Original Equipment (OE) Designations:

• It was initially introduced as Original Equipment on several high-performance vehicles, including exclusive models like the Ferrari 599 GTO, demonstrating the tire’s high quality and performance standards.

The Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires invest in ultra-high performance, even wear, and unmatched handling for driving enthusiasts who demand the best, whether on the track or the road.

Testing of Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tires

Purchasing Process – Where to Buy Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tires

There are many options when shopping for Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. If you try to get them through your dealership, they might cost 30%+ more than if you bought them yourself on sites such as Discount Tire or Tire Rack. I found it cheaper to get them on the Tire Rack website, for a very good reason, even if they cost slightly less at Discount Tire. Tire Rack includes Free Road Hazard Protection, which at Discount Tire would cost you around $70.

Also, unless you live in a house where you can receive a tire shipment, it’s probably not going to be very convenient to drag tires around an apartment complex, so shopping at Discount Tire might be a better fit. Because I currently reside in the Detroit area, I order from Tire Rack since the company has its main warehouse in Fort Wayne, IN, which helps me get the tires shipped to me in a day.

Installation of Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tires

This is an optional step; however, depending on where you got your tires from, you might want to visually inspect them to ensure no physical damage during transit. Since I do not fully trust myself with catching every detail, I called in for help from two of my cats, who inspected every inch of these tires. Jokes aside, you should inspect them to ensure that they are not damaged or old.

Installation of Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tires

Since these are performance tires, it is safe to assume that you don’t drive a regular car. I would highly advise you to install these tires at a reputable shop. I got used to going to Discount Tire since they seem to be the most qualified and experienced in the tire installation field. However, there are other higher-end shops that will do right by you when it comes to installing Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires properly.

Don’t cheap out and go to some guy on the street who promised you to install these tires for $10 a tire. The normal tire installation rate is between $20 and $40 plus tax. If you plan on driving pretty fast or taking your car to the track, being cheap is risky. Also, less experienced shops might mess up your car’s electronics. This recently happened when a shop did not set my brother’s Audi RS7 to the right mode while they were swapping its wheels out. The car left the shop raised too much, resulting in a broken sensor and the need to reprogram the car. That’s a bad way to get a $2,500 bill. The sad part here is that the shop had 4.8/5.0 reviews on Google but wasn’t one of the large tire shop chains like Discount Tire.

Dry Grip and Traction

At the core of this gripping performance is a Le Mans-inspired dry compound that adorns the outer tread of these tires. This unique compound is nothing short of a marvel when it comes to ensuring that the tires adhere to the road, lending a hand to drivers for that precise control and instantaneous responsiveness we all yearn for on a clear sunny day. One thing to note is that Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires might not give your car the best grip right off the line; it all depends on how much torque your car has. My rear tires on the 2015 M4 were 275 widths, and I always had trouble keeping the car from fishtailing; the same story happened with the 2018 M4 Competition.

I found a better grip from the Toyo R888 or Federal 595RS-RR (super budget but super grippy tire) than I did with the Michelin Pilot Super Sport. However, I would not take Federal tires to the track since God knows what would happen there. Tires that are great from the dig do not necessarily perform great in another racing setting, like track. Think of it more about American cars with all of the crazy horsepower: it might be great on a straight line, but that weight will get you on the first turn.

But the magic doesn’t stop at the compound. The Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires have a nifty technology called the Variable Contact Patch. It’s like having a smart companion that adjusts the tire’s contact patch as it deforms, ensuring a consistent handshake with the road. This subtle yet impactful technology plays a starring role in amplifying the tire’s grip and handling, making each drive a performance to remember.

Now, let’s talk about the Twaron belt these tires boast of. It’s a lightweight yet strong companion to the tire, enhancing stability even as the speedometer needle climbs. This belt ensures the tread stays flat and friendly with the road, a camaraderie that translates to better grip and traction.

The tread pattern on these tires also tells a tale of Michelin’s dedication to superior dry traction. With reduced grooving, the tires flirt more with the road, a design tweak that contributes to better handling and an assured grip, making every dry terrain a playground for driving enthusiasts.

As you rev up and hit the high notes on the speed scale, these tires hold their own, offering high-speed handling that instills confidence and evokes a grin. Michelin isn’t shy about their achievement, heralding a remarkable up to 12% better handling than competitors. It’s a statement of what superior dry grip and traction can bring.

And it’s not just the technical jargon that sings praises. Drivers have had their share of joy, voicing their appreciation for how these tires stick to the road, even when pushing the pedal a bit harder. This consistent performance makes the Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires a cherished choice among those who crave an unyielding grip and an exhilarating drive on dry terrains.

Wet grip, Traction, and Braking

There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to Michelin Pilot Super Sport use on wet pavement. When the tires are brand new, they might not be as grippy as when they have been broken in. This can happen for various reasons, such as mold release agents not having worn off completely, the surface of the tires still being too smooth, the curing process that has hardened the tires, etc. Many of these issues resolve themselves within the first 500 miles or so.

Once the tire break-in period has passed, you can tell that Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires are amazing when it comes to stopping distance, traction, cornering, and hydroplaning resistance. The only times that I felt like there was a possibility of hydroplaning were when the tires were already approaching the end of their life.

Keep in mind that if your car has a lot of torque and is light, you will have trouble taking off fast on wet pavement. Logically, if Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires do not grip too well when taking off from the dig on dry pavement, they will not stick any better on wet pavement. So, no surprises there.

Michelin Pilot Super Sport in Light Snow

This one I would not recommend. My car did not do good in the snow at all. There were a lot of scary moments where I thought that I’d need to get towed out from a completely flat road purely because my Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires wouldn’t grip on even light snow. To make things even better, the entrance to my previous garage is at an incline. I couldn’t get the car up to the garage when trying to get in at a regular pace. I had to pull out the 5-series and get a running start with the M4 to climb up that hill finally. It was scary, but I managed.

These tires are not meant to be used in snow, whether very light. If you want to drive in snow, you should stick to all-season tires for snow or get yourself a set of winter tires. Michelin Pilot Super Sports also do not do great on cold pavement. I used to find myself fish-tailing all of the time when the weather gets close to 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees Celsius. Chances are, you didn’t expect to tackle snow storms while rocking these Michelin PSS tires anyway, but I had to test it.

Handling and steering feel

What can I even say? These tires are incredible on dry pavement when going into turns. Handling feels like the car is on rails and makes me want to push it a little bit more and more with every successful turn. Below is an image of me cruising through the Tail of the Dragon in Tennessee. The car handled extremely well, and its stability was unmatched. I did not feel the “tire roll-over” or what others call “sidewall flex” at all. However, my tires comply fully with the exact manufacturer’s specs.

Unlike other performance tires that are more sticky than the Michelin Pilot Super Sports, these didn’t pick up too many rocks either. I would go as far as saying that these were the best tires that I have tested on such winding roads as the Tail of the Dragon. Now, if the roads were wet, I am not truly sure how they would have performed.

Comfort and Road Noise

Having traveled over 60,000 miles through the diverse landscapes and road conditions the United States offers, I’ve cultivated a profound appreciation for the Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires nestled under my vehicle. My journey, a blend of urban sprawls, quaint towns, and endless stretches of highways, was as much about reaching distant horizons as it was about the comforting whisper of my tires on the pavement.

The Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires are often lauded for their performance, but their road noise, lack thereof, and the comforting embrace they offer garnered my admiration. As someone who revels in the serenity of long drives, I believe that minimal road noise was more than just a comfort—it was an invitation to the open road. In the picture above, I had Federal 595RS RR put on the rear of the M4 for better grip. This experiment lasted less than 5k miles. While I love these tires’ grip, the road noise was almost as loud as the exhaust note.

Now, comfort is a companion of the quiet, and the Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires didn’t fall short. Their capability to dampen the harshness of the road contributed to a ride quality that was plush and forgiving. It was not just about the lack of noise but how these tires cushioned the blows of unexpected bumps and irregularities. Each mile was a testament to Michelin’s promise of delivering a tire that marries performance with comfort.

Thanks to these tires’ reassuring comfort, the long hours behind the wheel felt less taxing. Knowing that the tires are not just about gripping the road but about making the journey enjoyable was an assurance.

What are the Maintenance Indicators and Specifications?

Like almost any tire, the Michelin Pilot Super Sport comes with built-in Tread Wear Indicators, which are small rubber lines inside the grooves that will let you know when to change the tires. Once the tire’s surface is flat to the TWI, it’s time to change the tires. As you see in the picture above, that’s the Tread Wear Indicators of my tires at the moment, while I’m not at the replacement level yet, it’s coming up shortly. It’s not bad for tires that have 22k miles on them and a few donuts.

• Maintenance Indicators:
• Tread Wear Indicators (TWI): These are small raised bars in the tire tread grooves that become flush with the tire’s tread when it’s time to replace the tire. The TWI is crucial in ensuring that the tire tread depth is within a safe limit, which is essential for maintaining grip and performance.
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): This system alerts you when the tire pressure falls below the recommended level, ensuring the tires are always properly inflated, which is crucial for achieving optimal performance and longevity.

Abiding by the maintenance indicators and specifications not only ensures that the Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires deliver the performance they promise but also contributes to extending their lifespan. It’s about fostering a culture of routine checks and maintenance to enjoy these tires’ exhilarating performance over the long haul.

Michelin Pilot Super Sport Treadwear and Warranty

Michelin backs the Pilot Super Sport tires with a limited 30,000-mile treadwear warranty, providing an additional layer of assurance regarding their durability. 30K miles is not a whole lot; however, these are performance tires. One of the sets lasted under 15K miles for me. However, I was being a bit irresponsible and did donuts for quite a long stretch in them when they were brand new. I was pleasantly surprised that they lasted even that long.

Should I Purchase the Michelin Pilot Super Sport?

The answer will depend on your needs. If you want to take your car to the track, then yes. If you want to do drag racing from the dig, then no. If you want to balance speed and performance with everyday use, then yes, but as long as you are not facing a cold climate or snow.

Since I use my M4 only during warm weather, I stick to Michelin Pilot Super Sports tires, while my daily car is rocking the good ole Michelin CrossClimate2 tires. Michelin PSS tires are not extremely expensive, and they provide great value for mixed driving.

Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tire Size Options

For 17″ Diameter Wheels:

• 205/45ZR17 – (88Y)

For 18″ Diameter Wheels:

• 225/40ZR18 – 92Y
• 225/40ZR18 – 92Y
• 225/40ZR18 – 88Y
• 225/45ZR18 – (95Y)
• 245/35ZR18 – 92Y
• 245/40ZR18 – 97Y
• 245/40ZR18 – (93Y)
• 255/40ZR18 – (99Y)
• 255/40ZR18 – (95Y)
• 255/40ZR18 – (99Y)
• 265/40ZR18 – 101Y
• 265/40ZR18 – (97Y)
• 265/40ZR18 – (97Y)
• 275/40ZR18 – (99Y)
• 285/35ZR18 – (101Y)
• 295/35ZR18 – (103Y)

For 19″ Diameter Wheels:

• 245/35ZR19 – (93Y)
• 245/35ZR19 – 93Y
• 255/35ZR19 – (96Y)
• 255/35ZR19 – (96Y)
• 255/45ZR19 – (100Y)
• 265/35ZR19 – (98Y)
• 265/35ZR19 – 98Y
• 265/35ZR19 – (98Y)
• 265/35ZR19 – (98Y)
• 265/40ZR19 – (102Y)
• 275/35ZR19 – (100Y)
• 285/30ZR19 – (98Y)
• 285/40ZR19 – (103Y)
• 295/30ZR19 – (100Y)
• 295/35ZR19 – (104Y)
• 295/35ZR19 – (104Y)
• 295/35ZR19 – (100Y)
• 305/35ZR19 – (102Y)

For 20″ Diameter Wheels:

• 245/35ZR20 – (95Y)
• 245/35R20 – (95Y)
• 245/35ZR20 – (95Y)
• 245/40ZR20 – (99Y)
• 255/40ZR20 – (101Y)
• 265/30ZR20 – (94Y)
• 265/35ZR20 – (99Y)
• 275/30R20 – (97Y)
• 275/35ZR20 – (102Y)
• 285/30ZR20 – (99Y)
• 285/30ZR20 – (99Y)
• 285/30ZR20 – (99Y)
• 295/30ZR20 – (101Y)
• 295/30ZR20 – (101Y)
• 295/35ZR20 – (105Y)
• 305/30ZR20 – (103Y)
• 305/30ZR20 – (103Y)
• 315/35ZR20 – (110Y)
• 335/30ZR20 – (108Y)

For 21″ Diameter Wheels:

• 245/35ZR21* – (96Y)
• 265/35ZR21* – (101Y)
• 285/35ZR21 – 105Y
• 325/30ZR21 – 108Y

For 21″ Diameter Wheels:

• 275/35ZR22 – (104Y)
• 305/30ZR22 – (105Y)
• 305/35ZR22 – (110Y)

Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tire Review – Bottom Line

In conclusion, the Michelin Pilot Super Sport is one of the best performance tires you can get. There is a reason why Ferrari or BMW used Pilot Super Sport tires as an OEM option for their vehicles. After tens of thousands of miles driving BMW M cars on these tires, I can only said good things about them. Those few negatives that people face with these tires are often expected from performance tires. Do not expect performance tires to give you the same things as all-season tires and vice versa. They are built for different purposes.

The Car Data Tire Testing Methodology

We take pride in providing thorough and unbiased reviews of the latest tire models. To ensure our ratings are accurate and consistent, we have developed a methodology that considers various factors and incorporates statistical analysis.

1. Performance: We test tires for their performance in various driving conditions, including wet and dry roads, snow and ice, and off-road terrain. We also consider handling, braking, noise, and ride comfort factors. These tests are conducted using standardized procedures, and the results are analyzed using statistical methods to determine the mean and standard deviation.
2. Durability: We assess tire durability based on factors such as tread life, resistance to punctures and cuts, and sidewall strength. These tests are conducted using standardized procedures or data gathered from third-party websites where real users share their experiences with the products that we are reviewing. We then analyze the results using statistical methods to determine the mean and standard deviation.
3. Value: We consider the tire’s price and compare it to its performance and durability to determine its overall value. We pay close attention to the tire’s reported life span and the ratio of those metrics to the price.
4. Customer reviews: We consider the experiences and opinions of other drivers who have used the tire. We do our best to disregard what seems to be fake reviews (good or bad), and make judgement calls based on our ability to filter bogus reviews well. We are human; therefore, mistakes can be made. The best reviews we provide are always where we extensively test the products and share real-life experiences with our readers.
5. Expert opinions: We consult industry experts and gather their insights and opinions on the tire. An expert can even consist of a person with extensive knowledge of the use of tires and practical experience with them.

Our ratings are based on a scale of 1 to 5, with one being the lowest and five being the highest. We strive to provide detailed and comprehensive reviews that give drivers the information they need to make informed purchasing decisions. Overall, this methodology, which incorporates statistical analysis, allows us to provide accurate and reliable ratings for the tires we review on our site.