
Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3 Tire Review
Winter Tire
By Tabitha
The Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3 is one of the most desirable tires if you want to achieve real power and precision during the winter with your high-performance vehicle. Featuring an asymmetrical tread pattern, sunflower-enriched Helio compound, and VTS (variable thickness sipes) technology wherein wider sipes are placed on the inside portion while narrower sipes are placed outside, this tire is able to provide better snow traction, braking, and handling.
Most of the tire sizes under the Pilot Alpin PA3 model pass the Michelin Green X Standard. This means the tire offers low-rolling resistance and, consequently, reduces your fuel consumption and CO2 emission. This tire’s width ranges from 205-285mm while its rim diameter ranges from 17"-19”. With its size and diameter, this tire is most suited for the lighter sports cars, sedans, and coupes.
The Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3 got a 6th place ranking in the 2011 Auto Build Performance Winter Tire Test (225/40 R18). With V-speed ratings and materials that withstand the industry’s severe snow requirements, this tire is branded with the mountain/snowflake symbol. Its MSRP ranges from $170 to $300 depending on size and vendor.
Winter Tire
By Tabitha
The Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3 is one of the most desirable tires if you want to achieve real power and precision during the winter with your high-performance vehicle. Featuring an asymmetrical tread pattern, sunflower-enriched Helio compound, and VTS (variable thickness sipes) technology wherein wider sipes are placed on the inside portion while narrower sipes are placed outside, this tire is able to provide better snow traction, braking, and handling.
Most of the tire sizes under the Pilot Alpin PA3 model pass the Michelin Green X Standard. This means the tire offers low-rolling resistance and, consequently, reduces your fuel consumption and CO2 emission. This tire’s width ranges from 205-285mm while its rim diameter ranges from 17"-19”. With its size and diameter, this tire is most suited for the lighter sports cars, sedans, and coupes.
The Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3 got a 6th place ranking in the 2011 Auto Build Performance Winter Tire Test (225/40 R18). With V-speed ratings and materials that withstand the industry’s severe snow requirements, this tire is branded with the mountain/snowflake symbol. Its MSRP ranges from $170 to $300 depending on size and vendor.

This tire fits the following cars (and some additional not listed here)
The Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3 comes with two warranties that are worth noting:
Tire Test Results
With all the hype surrounding the Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3, it must offer the most outstanding performance, right? That’s usually what prospective buyers will think after encountering this tire model. After a rigorous test, here’s what we found out:
Pros
Conclusion
In the end, the Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3 is a great tire for those who frequently drive on roads that are either dry, wet, slushy, or have light snow and you drive fast. The performance is top notch and right up there with the best in the winter tire category. The price is on the slightly higher end of the spectrum, but definitely worth it and there are frequent $70 Michelin discounts available for this tire.
- Audi A4, A6
- Toyota Camry
- BMW 3, 5, 7 Series
- Honda Accord
- Ford Mustang
- Nissan Maxima
- Mercedes Benz C, E, S Class
The Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3 comes with two warranties that are worth noting:
- Standard Limited Warranty—this covers defects in workmanship and materials throughout the lifespan of the original tread or for 6 years from when you bought it, whichever comes first.
- 30,000 Mile Manufacturer's Treadwear Limited Warranty—Michelin guarantees that your tire will take 30,000 miles before it needs to be replaced. However, it’s important to remember that for the set of tires to reach this mileage, the front and rear tires must be of the same size.
Tire Test Results
With all the hype surrounding the Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3, it must offer the most outstanding performance, right? That’s usually what prospective buyers will think after encountering this tire model. After a rigorous test, here’s what we found out:
Pros
- The tire produces minimal noise, regardless if it’s used during the winter or summer season.
- It offers excellent handling, braking, cornering, and traction, especially on icy and slushy roads.
- The wear rate is above average for this type of tire, so it should last a long time.
- It is an overall comfortable tire to drive it in the most intense conditions
- In deep snow, the tire can occasionally struggle; it appears to be produced with fast, highway driving snow / ice in mind.
Conclusion
In the end, the Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3 is a great tire for those who frequently drive on roads that are either dry, wet, slushy, or have light snow and you drive fast. The performance is top notch and right up there with the best in the winter tire category. The price is on the slightly higher end of the spectrum, but definitely worth it and there are frequent $70 Michelin discounts available for this tire.
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All Season Performance Tires
Excellent response and handling in wet and dry conditions, as well as light snow.
Excellent response and handling in wet and dry conditions, as well as light snow.
Performance Summer Tires
Low profile tires provide great handling and traction for both dry and wet conditions
Low profile tires provide great handling and traction for both dry and wet conditions