When it comes to choosing the right tires for your vehicle, the decision can often be overwhelming.
That’s why I decided to delve into the world of tire brands and compare two major players: Dunlop vs Michelin.
In this post, I’ll take you on a journey through their fascinating histories, analyze their performance in dry, wet, and snowy conditions, explore their mileage warranties and average lifespan, consider their prices, and weigh up the pros and cons.
By the end, we’ll uncover which brand reigns supreme.
Let’s dive in!
Dunlop vs Michelin – Comparison Table
| Dunlop | Michelin | |
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom | France |
| Year Founded | 1889 | 1889 |
| Made In | Germany or Japan | Canada, France, Germany, Spain, and the United States |
| Parent | The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (USA), Sumitomo Rubber Industries (Japan) & Continental AG (Germany) | Compagnie Générale des Établissements Michelin SCA (France) |
About the Brands
1. Dunlop
The Dunlop tire brand, founded in 1889 in the United Kingdom, has a rich and storied history.
It was established by John Boyd Dunlop, who invented the first practical pneumatic tire.
Dunlop quickly gained popularity and became a leading tire manufacturer, known for its innovative designs and high-quality products.
Over the years, the company expanded its operations globally, offering a wide range of tires for various applications.
In 1999, Dunlop became a subsidiary of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, a prominent American tire manufacturer.
This acquisition brought together two industry giants, combining their expertise and resources.
Under Goodyear’s ownership, Dunlop continued to thrive, benefiting from the parent company’s global reach and advanced technologies.
Today, Dunlop remains a trusted and respected brand in the tire industry, known for its commitment to performance, durability, and safety.
It continues to innovate and develop cutting-edge tire technologies, catering to the diverse needs of drivers worldwide.
With its strong legacy and the backing of Goodyear, Dunlop continues to be a symbol of excellence in the tire market.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Light trucks
- Motorcycles
- Commercial trucks
- ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles)
2. Michelin
The Michelin brand has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1889 in France.
Originally established by the Michelin brothers, André and Edouard, the company quickly gained recognition for its innovative tire designs.
Over the years, Michelin has become synonymous with excellence in the tire industry.
It has pioneered numerous advancements, including the first removable pneumatic tire, the radial tire, and the run-flat tire.
These innovations have revolutionized the automotive industry, enhancing safety and performance.
Michelin’s commitment to quality and durability has earned the brand a reputation for producing high-performance tires trusted by drivers worldwide.
As part of the Compagnie Générale des Établissements Michelin SCA, the brand continues to push boundaries, constantly striving for excellence and remaining at the forefront of tire technology.
Today, Michelin remains a global leader in the tire industry, providing a wide range of high-quality tires for various vehicles and applications.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Light trucks
- Commercial trucks
- Motorcycles
- Bicycles
- Racing cars
- Aircraft
Differences
1. Dry Performance
I’m going to compare the performance of two summer tires as they are the ideal type in dry weather.
I’m taking a look at the Dunlop SP Sport MAXX RT2 vs the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S.
In my evaluation, the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx RT2 receives a dry performance rating of 4.4 out of 5.
It boasts a solid reputation for dry performance, excellent grip and handling, short braking distances, as well as optimal handling on wet and dry roads.
On the other hand, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S achieves a rating of 4.7 out of 5.
It stands out with exceptional dry grip, precise steering and handling, and short braking distances.
Additionally, its Multi-Compound Construction and endorsements from prestigious manufacturers hint at impressive dry performance.
Thus, I declare the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S as the winner, albeit by a small margin.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Dunlop Signature HP vs the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4.
In my evaluation of the wet performance of the Dunlop Signature HP and the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 tires, both receive a rating of 4.4 out of 5.
These ratings indicate that both tires offer good wet traction and grip, performing well in wet conditions.
The Dunlop Signature HP is praised for its all-season performance, while the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 is marketed as a versatile tire with comparable performance to summer tires.
Therefore, considering their similar wet performance ratings, it is difficult to declare a clear winner.
This comparison results in a tie.
3. Snow Performance
We all know that you need dedicated winter tires if you’re going to be driving on harsh winter conditions.
That’s why I’ll be comparing the snow performance of two specialized winter tires – Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 vs Michelin X-Ice Xi3.
As an individual who has thoroughly researched and evaluated the snow performance of the Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 and Michelin X-Ice Xi3 tires, I find both options to be highly impressive.
I personally rate the snow performance of both tires at 4.6 out of 5.
Both tires exhibit reliable traction, offering confident and excellent grip on snowy surfaces.
The Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 showcases a remarkable rubber compound and asymmetric tread design, while the Michelin X-Ice Xi3 boasts a specialized V-shaped tread pattern and a Flex-Ice compound for enhanced performance.
Consequently, I declare this comparison a tie, as both tires demonstrate exceptional snow performance.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Dunlop | Michelin | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 60,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 90,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Dunlop tires have an average lifespan of 15,000 to 50,000 miles. | Michelin tires are designed to last between 45,000 to 85,000 miles on average. |
Based on my research, the mileage warranty and average lifespan of Dunlop and Michelin tires differ.
Dunlop offers a treadwear warranty of up to 60,000 miles, while Michelin provides a warranty for up to 90,000 miles.
On average, Dunlop tires last between 15,000 to 50,000 miles, while Michelin tires are designed to last around 45,000 to 85,000 miles.
Therefore, Michelin tires tend to have a longer lifespan and higher mileage warranty compared to Dunlop tires.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Dunlop vs Michelin.
I’ll be using one of the biggest tire and wheel retailers in the US for this comparison – Discount Tire.
Here is a comprehensive table that showcases each brand has to offer:
| Dunlop | Michelin | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $86 to $857 /ea | $112 to $1,160 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Winter Maxx 2 goes from $86 – $162 /ea | X-ICE Snow goes from $112 – $493 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | SP Sport Maxx GT goes from $315 – $857 /ea | Pilot Sport 4S goes from $236 – $1,160 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
Dunlop
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Dunlop tires have good handling | ❌ Complaints about their tread life |
| ✔ Solid overall performance | |
| ✔ Low pressure |
Michelin
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Probably the most reputed brand in the industry | ❌ Some of their tires can get very expensive |
| ✔ Michelin tires are known for their high quality and durability | |
| ✔ Their tires are equipped with advanced technologies that provide maximum fuel-saving, noise reduction, and performance |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from Dunlop:
- Direzza ZIII
- Signature HP
- Grandtrek AT20
Some of Michelin’s best tires are shown below:
- Pilot Sport 4S
- Defender T+H
- Premier A/S
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
After evaluating the dry performance, wet performance, snow performance, mileage warranty, and average lifespan of Dunlop and Michelin tires, I declare Michelin as the overall better pick.
Michelin’s Pilot Sport 4S excels in dry grip, steering, and handling.
Both brands perform similarly in wet and snow conditions.
However, Michelin offers a longer lifespan and higher mileage warranty.
Despite some expensive options, Michelin’s reputation for high quality and advanced technologies make it the winner.