Best wet performance over life time: Michelin Primacy 4+

Michelin Primacy 4+:So the long awaited successor of Primacy 4 has finally arrived after 5 years. I introduce to you the Michelin Primacy 4+. As we have observe over the last decade, Michelin has always prefer to keep the pattern while only changing the compound & construction for its next generation tire line. This has some clear advantages as the tire molds can be reused saving a huge amount of money while the performance gain can come from the compound & construction. This only make sense if you have one the best technical pattern out there which the Primacy 4 definitely can classified as.

Michelin Primacy 4+ vs Premium Competitors

For the test data comparison, we will use the independent test results from TÜV SÜD and DEKRA which was provided during the press briefing of the Primacy 4+. The test were all done with a 205/55R16 size which is commonly used by Volkswagen Golf (2018) and the Toyota Corolla Altis (2018).

The graph above shows the comparison between Primacy 4+ vs the premium competitors. Primacy 4+ was set as a reference hence at the 0% mark. Any positive percentage would indicate the competitor tire being better while vice versa for the negative percentage. The wear percentages were calculated assuming a 30,000 km life time for the reference.

Wet Braking (new & 1.6mm)

Wet has always been the main focus of Primacy 4 and this did not change when it comes to Primacy 4+. It has once again showed us really strong wet braking performance with a new tire but nonetheless trailed the Bridgestone Turanza T005 by 1% when it comes to wet braking distance. However when it comes to performance over life time, the 1.6mm tread depth Primacy 4+ outshined everyone by at least 10% showing that Michelin is the market leader when it comes to getting the maximum performance of the tire through out its life time.

Wet Braking (new) :

• +0.9% Turanza T005
• -1.3% Premium Contact 6
• -4.2% Efficient Grip Performance 2

Wet Braking (@ 1.6mm) :

• –13.5% Turanza T005
• -10.8% Premium Contact 6
• -11.3% Efficient Grip Performance 2

Aquaplaning

Another key criteria to ensure maximum safety during wet conditions is the avoidance of aquaplaning. With the new improved compound, Primacy 4+ did not disappoint being around 2% better in straight aquaplaning while crushing the competition in cruve aquaplaning.

Straight Aquaplaning :

• -2.3% Turanza T005
• -1.6% Premium Contact 6
• -2.1% Efficient Grip Performance 2

Curved Aquaplaning :

• –12.4% Turanza T005
• -18.8% Premium Contact 6
• -6% Efficient Grip Performance 2

Wear

The true performance decider came in the wear results as the handling of wet vs wear target conflict is revealed. Remember the strong wet braking performance Turanza T005 shown earlier, it has a deficit of over 50% against the Primacy 4+. while the Premium Contact 6 did not fair better (-19%). Only Goodyear’s Efficient Grip Performance 2 managed to outclass Primacy 4+ by 7%.

Wear :

• -53.3% Turanza T005
• -18.9% Premium Contact 6
• +7% Efficient Grip Performance 2

Summary

Michelin has has shown time over time on its target conflict management and the Primacy 4+ showcase a masterclass in this aspect. A strong wet braking & wear performance couple with market dominance in aquaplaning makes Primacy 4+ the clear winner !