When it comes to choosing the right tires for your vehicle, two brands often come to mind: Goodyear vs Michelin.
In this post, I’ll delve into the fascinating history of these tire giants and compare their performance in various conditions like dry, wet, and snowy surfaces.
We’ll also examine their mileage warranties, average lifespan, and pricing.
By the end, we’ll crown the reigning champion and decide which brand truly takes the lead.
Get ready to uncover the pros and cons of Goodyear and Michelin!
Goodyear vs Michelin – Comparison Table
| Goodyear | Michelin | |
| Country of Origin | United States | France |
| Year Founded | 1898 | 1889 |
| Made In | mostly in Akron, United States, but the company also has factories in Venezuela, India, Turkey, and Malaysia | Canada, France, Germany, Spain, and the United States |
| Parent | The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (USA) | Compagnie Générale des Établissements Michelin SCA (France) |
About the Brands
1. Goodyear
The Goodyear brand, founded in 1898 in the United States, is a renowned tire manufacturer and a subsidiary of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.
It has a rich history that spans over a century.
Goodyear has consistently displayed a commitment to innovation, quality, and performance.
Throughout the years, they have developed groundbreaking technologies and patented tire designs that revolutionized the industry.
The brand’s success can be attributed to its dedication to providing reliable tires for various vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and aircraft.
Goodyear’s products have garnered a reputation for their durability, traction, and superior handling.
Over time, the company has expanded its global footprint, establishing a strong presence in numerous countries.
Today, Goodyear remains a trusted and respected name in the tire industry, continuously pushing boundaries to meet the evolving needs of consumers worldwide.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Light trucks
- Commercial trucks
- Buses
- Motorcycles
- Racing cars
- Farm equipment
- Heavy earth-moving machinery
- Aircraft
- Bicycles
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 Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 vs the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S.
In terms of dry performance, as someone who rates it on a scale of 1 to 5, I would give the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 a score of 4.5.
This tire has received highly positive ratings for its short dry braking distance, good handling speed, and remarkable dry traction.
On the other hand, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S receives a slightly higher rating of 4.7.
It excels in various aspects, including exceptional dry grip, precise steering and handling, short dry braking distances, and its Multi-Compound Construction.
Considering these ratings, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S emerges as the winner in terms of dry performance.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady vs the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4.
Based on my research and personal evaluation, I would rate the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady with a wet performance score of 4.3 out of 5.
Its asymmetric tread pattern and traction grooves designed to evacuate water indicate its ability to provide reliable wet traction.
Positive feedback on handling and traction on wet roads from a review further support its wet performance.
Similarly, the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 receives a wet performance rating of 4.4 out of 5.
It offers good wet traction and grip, with its asymmetric tread pattern enhancing its capabilities.
Therefore, both tires demonstrate similar levels of wet performance, resulting 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 – Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT vs Michelin X-Ice Xi3.
As the one giving the snow performance rating from 1 to 5, I would rate the Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT tire at 4.4 and the Michelin X-Ice Xi3 tire at 4.6.
Both tires offer reliable snow performance, with unique features to enhance their capabilities.
The Goodyear tire utilizes Winter Reactive Technology and a Winter Grip compound, while the Michelin tire boasts a specialized V-shaped tread pattern and a Flex-Ice tread compound.
Considering the minimal difference in ratings and the strengths of both tires, it’s safe to declare it a tie.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Goodyear | Michelin | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 90,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Goodyear tires are expected to last anywhere between 30,000 to 65,000 miles on average. | Michelin tires are designed to last between 45,000 to 85,000 miles on average. |
Based on the research I have gathered, the mileage warranty and average lifespan of Goodyear and Michelin tires differ slightly.
Goodyear offers a treadwear warranty of up to 80,000 miles, while Michelin provides a warranty of up to 90,000 miles.
On average, Goodyear tires last between 30,000 to 65,000 miles, while Michelin tires are designed to last from 45,000 to 85,000 miles.
Therefore, Michelin tires generally have a longer average lifespan and a slightly higher mileage warranty than Goodyear tires.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Goodyear 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:
| Goodyear | Michelin | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $75 to $1,027 /ea | $112 to $1,160 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Eagle RS-A goes from $75 – $299 /ea | X-ICE Snow goes from $112 – $493 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Eagle NCT5 goes from $317 – $1,027 /ea | Pilot Sport 4S goes from $236 – $1,160 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
Goodyear
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Wide range of tire options for different types of vehicles | ❌ Goodyear tires can be more expensive compared to other brands |
| ✔ Goodyear tires are known for their high quality and durability | |
| ✔ Long history of producing specialized tires for racing |
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 Goodyear:
- Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3
- Assurance WeatherReady
- Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar
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 reviewing the dry, wet, and snow performance, as well as the mileage warranty and average lifespan, it is clear that both Goodyear and Michelin offer exceptional tires.
However, considering all factors, Michelin emerges as the better pick overall.
With slightly higher ratings in dry performance and a longer average lifespan, Michelin tires provide excellent traction, handling, and durability.
While Goodyear offers a wide range of options, Michelin’s reputation, advanced technologies, and overall performance make it the winner in this comparison.
