When it comes to choosing the perfect tires for my vehicle, the decision often boils down to two well-known brands: Falken vs Michelin.
In this post, I’ll delve deep into their histories, dissect their performances in dry, wet, and snowy conditions, explore their mileage warranties and average lifespan, analyze their prices, and weigh their pros and cons.
By the end, we’ll uncover which brand reigns supreme.
Let’s embark on this thrilling comparison journey together.
Falken vs Michelin – Comparison Table
| Falken | Michelin | |
| Country of Origin | Japan | France |
| Year Founded | 1983 | 1889 |
| Made In | Buffalo, NY, Japan, or Thailand | Canada, France, Germany, Spain, and the United States |
| Parent | Sumitomo Rubber Industries (Japan) | Compagnie Générale des Établissements Michelin SCA (France) |
About the Brands
1. Falken
Falken is a renowned tire brand that originated in Japan in 1983.
It is a subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, a prominent Japanese company.
From its inception, Falken has strived to deliver high-quality tires that combine performance and durability.
Over the years, the brand has gained recognition for its innovative technologies and commitment to excellence.
Falken has made significant advancements in tire engineering, constantly pushing boundaries to enhance driving experiences.
With a focus on motorsport and extensive research and development, Falken has developed a diverse range of tires for various vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs.
With its Japanese precision and expertise, Falken continues to cater to the needs of drivers worldwide, earning a reputation as a trusted and reliable tire brand.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- Light trucks
- Medium trucks
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Crossovers
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 Falken Azenis FK510 vs the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S.
In my evaluation, I rate the dry performance of the Falken Azenis FK510 at 4.6 out of 5.
It excels in short dry braking distances, good handling speed, excellent grip and traction, and consistent performance at high speeds.
Similarly, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S receives a rating of 4.7 out of 5, showcasing exceptional dry grip, precise steering and handling, and short dry braking distances.
While both tires exhibit strong dry performance, I consider the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S the winner by a slight margin due to its endorsements from renowned manufacturers.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S vs the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4.
Based on my research and personal expertise, I would rate the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S tire’s wet performance at 4.6 out of 5.
It has received consistently positive feedback for its exceptional wet traction, all-season capability, resistance to hydroplaning, and handling in wet conditions.
On the other hand, the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 tire offers a commendable wet performance rating of 4.4 out of 5.
Its good wet traction, grip, and asymmetric tread pattern contribute to its overall performance.
Considering the minimal difference, I would declare it a tie between the two tires in terms of wet performance.
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 – Falken Espia EPZ II vs Michelin X-Ice Xi3.
Based on my research and personal rating, I would give the Falken Espia EPZ II tire a snow performance rating of 4.7 out of 5.
It offers strong traction and performance in various winter conditions, with positive reviews supporting its capabilities.
The incorporation of advanced technology in tread design and construction contributes to its impressive performance.
On the other hand, the Michelin X-Ice Xi3 tire receives a snow performance rating of 4.6 out of 5.
It excels in grip, hydroplaning resistance, and longevity, with a specialized V-shaped tread pattern.
Ultimately, both tires provide exceptional snow performance, making it a tie.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Falken | Michelin | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 90,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Falken tires are generally expected to last anywhere from 20,000 to 80,000 miles. | Michelin tires are designed to last between 45,000 to 85,000 miles on average. |
Based on my research, Falken and Michelin tires offer different mileage warranties and average lifespans.
Falken tires come with a treadwear warranty of up to 80,000 miles, while Michelin tires offer a warranty of up to 90,000 miles.
On average, Falken tires are expected to last between 20,000 and 80,000 miles, while Michelin tires have an average lifespan of 45,000 to 85,000 miles.
Therefore, Michelin tires tend to have a slightly longer average lifespan and a higher mileage warranty compared to Falken tires.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Falken 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:
| Falken | Michelin | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $67 to $579 /ea | $112 to $1,160 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Pro G5 Touring A/S goes from $67 – $150 /ea | X-ICE Snow goes from $112 – $493 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Wildpeak R/T01 goes from $277 – $579 /ea | Pilot Sport 4S goes from $236 – $1,160 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
Falken
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Performance and stability, especially at high speeds | ❌ No the best dry road braking performance |
| ✔ Generally more affordable compared to other premium brands | |
| ✔ Praised for their off-road performance |
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 Falken:
- Azenis FK510
- Ziex ZE950 A/S
- Wildpeak A/T Trail
Some of Michelin’s best tires are shown below:
- Pilot Sport 4S
- Defender T+H
- Premier A/S
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Based on the evaluation of dry performance, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S takes a slight lead due to its exceptional grip and endorsements from renowned manufacturers.
In terms of wet performance, it’s a tie between the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S and the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4, both offering commendable capabilities.
For snow performance, the Falken Espia EPZ II and the Michelin X-Ice Xi3 deliver equally impressive traction.
However, when considering the mileage warranty and average lifespan, Michelin tires have a slight advantage.
Therefore, overall, Michelin emerges as the better pick between the two brands.
