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225-345/25-55 R17-21 46 sizes 2012 Winter rated

Michelin Pilot Alpin 4

Name: Michelin Pilot Alpin 4
Brand: Michelin
Rating: 4.7 (28 reviews)

Previous Michelin Tyres Ultra High Performance Winter Next

The Michelin Pilot Alpin 4 is a Ultra High Performance Winter tyre designed to be fitted to Passenger Cars.

9.0

Tyre Reviews Score Based on Professional Tests & User Reviews

High Confidence View Breakdown

Dry Grip

92%

Wet Grip

95%

Road Feedback

93%

Handling

95%

Wear

93%

Comfort

91%

Buy again

99%

Snow Grip

92%

Ice Grip

91%

28 Reviews

93% Average

306,224 miles driven

11 Tests (avg: 3^rd)

Parameter	Value	Description
`safety_weight`	0.7	Weight multiplier for safety-related metrics
`performance_weight`	0.55	Weight multiplier for performance metrics
`comfort_weight`	0.4	Weight multiplier for comfort metrics
`value_weight`	0.45	Weight multiplier for value-for-money metrics
`user_reviews_weight`	0.15	How much user reviews contribute to the final score
`test_data_weight`	0.8	How much professional test data contributes to the final score
`consistency_weight`	0.05	How much score consistency contributes to the final score
`recency_decay_rate`	0.95	Rate at which older test results lose influence (higher = slower decay)
`min_test_count`	1	Minimum number of professional tests required
`min_review_count`	5	Minimum number of user reviews required
`score_version`	1.8	Current version of the scoring algorithm
`score_normalization_factor`	1.1	Factor used to normalize raw scores to the 0-10 scale
`confidence_factor_weight`	0.2	How much data confidence affects the final score
`position_penalty_weight`	0.2	Penalty applied for poor test positions
`gap_penalty_threshold`	8	Score gap (%) that triggers additional penalties
`min_metrics_count`	2	Minimum number of test metrics needed per test
`limited_data_threshold`	2	Number of tests below which data is considered limited
`single_test_penalty`	0.1	Score multiplier when only one test is available
`critical_metric_penalty`	0.7	Penalty for poor performance on critical safety metrics
`critical_metric_threshold`	70	Score below which a critical metric penalty applies
`position_exponential_factor`	1.2	Exponent used to amplify position-based scoring
`position_exponential_threshold`	0.9	Position percentile below which exponential scoring applies
`gap_multiplier_critical`	3	Multiplier for critical gap penalties
`max_category_weight`	2	Maximum weight any single category can have
`max_score_limited_data`	9.5	Score cap when data is limited
`bayesian_prior_weight`	1.5	Weight of the Bayesian prior in smoothing
`bayesian_prior_score`	7	Prior score used for Bayesian smoothing
`evidence_test_multiplier`	1.9	Multiplier for test evidence in confidence calculation
`evidence_metric_divisor`	3	Divisor for metric count in evidence calculation
`evidence_review_divisor`	10	Divisor for review count in evidence calculation

Test	Publication	Date	Size	Position	Metrics
2019 19 Inch Performance Winter Tyre Test	Auto Bild Sportscars	2019	255/35 R19	6/12	10 metrics
2017 Sport Auto Winter Tyre Test	Sport Auto	2017	225/40 R18	3/10	6 metrics
2017 AMS Performance 18 inch Winter Tyre Test	Auto Motor Und Sport	2017	225/40 R18	4/10	9 metrics
2016 AutoBild Winter UHP Tyre Test	Auto Bild Sportscars	2016	245/40 R18	5/8	0 metrics
2015 Sport Auto 19 Inch Winter Tyre Test	Sport Auto	2015	235/35 R19	2/7	0 metrics
2015 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tyre Test	Auto Bild	2015	225/40 R18	4/8	0 metrics
2014 AutoBild 235/35 R19 Winter Tyre Test	Auto Bild	2014	235/35 R19	2/6	0 metrics
2012 Sport Auto Winter Sports Tyre Test	Sport Auto	2012	225/40 R18	3/8	0 metrics
2012 Auto Bild Sports Winter Tyre Test	Auto Bild	2012	225/40 R18	2/6	0 metrics
2011 AMS Winter Tyre Test	Auto Motor Und Sport	2011	205/55 R16	3/14	0 metrics

All Tests

View Test Results

Tests

3^rd

Average

1^st

Best

6^th

Worst

Latest Tyre Test Results

2019 19 Inch Performance Winter Tyre Test

255/35 R19 • 2019

6^th/12

Stable safe handling on wet and dry roads, precise steering, good feedback, short snow braking.

Understeer in the snow, average comfort, expensive.

2017 AMS Performance 18 inch Winter Tyre Test

225/40 R18 • 2017

4^th/10

Reliable grip on snow, balanced behavior on wet surfaces, very well balanced on dry surfaces

Relatively long braking distances on wet surfaces, weak resistance to transverse aquaplaning

Recommended

2017 Sport Auto Winter Tyre Test

225/40 R18 • 2017

3^rd/10

Good results in the wet, good handling in the dry

Relatively weak resistance to aquaplaning, long dry braking distances

Recommended

Alternative Tyres

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

9.7/10

Michelin Pilot Alpin 5

9.5/10

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P

9.2/10

Hankook Winter i cept evo3

9.2/10

Dunlop Winter Sport 5

8.7/10

Pirelli P Zero Winter 2

8.7/10

Vredestein Wintrac Pro plus

8.3/10

Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro

6.9/10

Continental WinterContact 8 S

6.0/10

Show All Winter Ultra High Performance tyres

Size	Fuel	Wet	Noise
18 inch
245/40R18 97 V XL	D	C	70
255/35R18 94 V XL	D	C	71
19 inch
235/35R19 91 W XL	D	C	70
20 inch
245/35R20 95 W XL	D	C	70

View All Sizes and EU Label Scores for the Michelin Pilot Alpin 4 >>

Questions and Answers for the Michelin Pilot Alpin 4

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November 20, 2016

I have Michelin pilot Alpin PA4s on my car but I'm unsure if they are mounted correctly. The Outside is correctly on the outside with the curved part of the tread pattern always on the inside of the tyre. However because the rotation is different on one side of the car than the other because the wheels are mounted the opposite way round the curved part of the tread faces the opposite way too. Is this just how this asymmetric tread pattern works? Seems strange that the rotational direction should allow the curves splines to be facing what looks like the wrong way on one side of the car. I guess only way to solve would be if two different tread patterns were made for left and right side of the car. But mine are all the same. Would welcome any views?

This is normal, and while it might seem counter productive it apparently has no notiable impact in performance. The Uniroyal Rainsport 3 and Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta are more extreme examples of this.

October 23, 2017

This is probably a lame question, but are these tyres Run Flat? Some Tyre stores list then in the Run Flat section and Michelin themselves say nothing about such feature. I would like to put a set of these on a BMW X3, where there is no spare wheel.

There are both runflat and non-runflat versions of the Michelin Pilot Alpin 4. Michelin name their runflat technology ZP, for zero pressure.

September 10, 2018

I am currently looking at winter tyres for my Nissan Juke Nismo RS of which the fitment of tyre I need would be 225/45R18 Y 95. I was wondering if you have any suggestions as to what tyre I should be looking at in this fitment as I would have preferred the Michelin Pilot Alpin 4 as I love my Michelin Pilot Sport 4's which I currently have and would have thought the Pilot Alpin 4's would have been the ideal winter equivalent to my current tyre, but from the research I have done I cannot find the Alpin 4's in this size nor can I even find a Michelin winter tyre in this size (I do know about the Michelin CrossClimate+ and they do make it in my fitment but I am looking for a pure winter tyre and not an all-season tyre). To cut a long story short I am looking for a premium brand of winter tyre and although my preference would have been a tyre from Michelin I am open to other suggestions as I really do want a decent winter tyre that is the next best class leading alternative.

If the Michelin isn't available in your size then there is only one answer, the Continental WinterContact TS850P, which is available in 225/45 R18.

September 6, 2019

Im currently looking at purchasing new winter tyres for my Mercedes E63 wagon. 285/30 r19 There isnt much choice imo, especially winter tyres. Im Currently running Pirelli slottozero II but fancied the alpin4 or conti 830P but wasnt sure which model was newer and any reason why newer model tyres arent being launched in some sizes for powerful vehicles, i also wondered if dropping a size would be ok(more choice 275/35 r19) Or would it mess about with the traction control? Thanks

I believe the Michelin is newer, though the Conti has won more tests. Regarding changing sizes, officially I can't recommend anything due to the amount of variables involved, but it might be worth checking an owners forum.

September 26, 2019

I’m considering winter tyres this year in the UK. Ideally, I wanted an all season tyre but the Michelin Cross Climate+ are not available in 225/40 R19. Therefore, I am thinking about the PA4’s. Some US tests suggest they are fine under temperatures of 15C and make a great all season tyre. That’s a different climate/location though. Or are they really that good in the dry? I want an all season solution. Thanks

From the testing I've seen, the Continental WinterContact TS 860 S might make the better all season, winter tyre option as it's more dry optimised.

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YouTube Review

Review Summary

Based on 26 user reviews

Drivers overwhelmingly praise the Michelin Pilot Alpin 4 for delivering ultra-high-performance winter behavior with summer-like precision in the dry and outstanding confidence in the wet. Snow and even light ice traction are consistently described as secure to excellent, while comfort, quietness, and steering feel earn frequent compliments. Many note exceptional tread life with minimal wear over multiple seasons and tens of thousands of kilometers. A few mention slightly higher road noise or isolated high-speed balance sensitivity, but these are minority observations.

Strengths

Dry grip and handling
Wet grip and braking
Snow traction and stability
Comfort and low noise
Long tread life and durability
Precise steering feedback
High-speed confidence

Top 3 Michelin Pilot Alpin 4 Reviews

Given 86% while driving a BMW 330D Touring (255/35 R18) on mostly town for 3,100 spirited miles

Bought the tires at the start of this winter season (2023). Fronts are 225/40/R18 rears 255/35/R18. We didn't get too much snow or cold temperatures but still managed to test them on a mountain road with a fair bit of snow which by the end of the day had been blown away and left a thin layer of ice. Tires performed superbly. Car is xDrive which certainly helped going uphill but handling and grip downhill were still very predictable. Noise is decent, our road surfaces are poor but compared to other tires they do seem to generate more road noise but nothing bothersome.
For a winter tire road feedback and feel is very good, the best I've ever felt. Cannot comment on wear yet as I've only put about 5000km on them so far. But thread is barely worn so I expect they will have a pretty good life.
Only downside is that after ~3000km the car developed a very slight vibration when cruising at above 120kph and a very noticeable shudder under braking from the same speeds and it was fixed by balancing all four tires again. Have never had such behavior before with any car. But a simple balance took care of it and I have had other tires need a second balancing after some initial break in. Overall extremely happy with the tires. Recommend them to anyone that wants a sporty tire with amazing snow performance.

Ask a question | Helpful 922

March 3, 2023

Given 98% while driving a Mercedes Benz S class 350 (275/35 R20) on a combination of roads for 400 easy going miles

Exceptionally comfortable, silent tires with excellent road feedback both on dry and wet surfaces. I haven't tried the snow yet and I can't comment on wear.

Ask a question | Helpful 871

December 17, 2022

Given 96% while driving a BMW (225/45 R18) on a combination of roads for 500 average miles

The best tires I have ever tried. They feel like my Pilot Sport 4S. I love how the handle, they feel so sporty. The handling on snow is like if there is no snow. On ice, the car feels planted, and on dry is where they shine. I love them. I used to have Continental ts830 RFT and honestly I changed them after 1 winter because i felt that they were dangerous. I am glad I picked the Michelin PA4 and not the Michelin X-Ice.

Ask a question | Helpful 910

January 19, 2022

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Latest Michelin Pilot Alpin 4 Reviews

Given 95% while driving a (235/45 R18) on a combination of roads for 30,000 spirited miles

Dry braking - very very good stable and safe, even in higher temperatures and speeds.
Dry handling - amazing. Literally better than a high end touring tyre. In 30°C, and speeds of up to 120kph, on a twisty road, they do not give up the grip, not even a little
Wet braking - very secure. Never had an issue with wet braking no matter the temperature.
Wet handling - impressive. In almost 0°C in a kind of wet\almost frozen roads, I am able to drive safely and with high confidence of the grip, even with higher speeds. Something I am not able to do in my Tesla M3 Dual Motor with Conti All season contact 1. The term UHP tyre definitely fits them.
Snow breaking - nothing impressive but secure.
Snow handling - I've only had the chance to drive the car once for almost 8 years on snow, they handled it, but not with impressive confidence. The fact that it's a UHP winter tyre, kind of takes a little from the snow performance to give to wet and dry, which I really like, especially for a central European UHP winter tyre
Ice - never used them on ice.
Comfort - very comfortable and quiet tyres, despite the car not being a quiet one. No high pitch noises, no weird resonance, no issues at all.
Wear - like all other Michelin tyres that I have used, splendid. Used for about 50k km and still have more than 5mm left. Still perform as new.

Definitely recommend them, if you can still find them.

Ask a question | Helpful 116

December 7, 2025

Given 88% while driving a Volkswagen MK8 Golf R (225/40 R18) on mostly town for 3,000 spirited miles

First time I'm getting a performance winter tire on a performance car apart from Pirelli Scorpion on Audi SQ5 which were not so good.
Summer are on 19" so opted for 18" winter setup on PA4. Comfort is good compared to studdless tire (Blizakk, X-ice, GSi6), bumps on roads is well absorbed as a winter tire, and they are not more noisy than my summers. Dry handling is superb for winter tires, same in the wet, it's really good. The road feel is the highlight of those tires, sharp sterring, I forget I'm driving winter tire in good conditions. In to my surprise in wintery conditions, I feel really safe, they car stays controllable. I opted for the PA4 instead of the PA5 by choice. The PA5 might expel water / slush faster as they are directionnal, but they had less feedbacks when I bought.

Ask a question | Helpful 142

December 1, 2025

Check out how the BEST all seasons tyres perform against premium summer and winter tyres!

Given 88% while driving a BMW X3 2.0d Sport (225/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 12,000 average miles

Fantastic winter tire for everyday use. I have the ZP / run flat version, while using Pirelli P7 run flat for summer. I considered several times not changing the tires back from winter to summer just because how good Michelins are: comfortable, good road feedback, good braking distance, decent road noise (actually can't hear them much ..). Make sure you do a proper tire alignment to avoid unequal tire wear. During 5 years of use, equal wear for all tires, without caring too much about rotating them. Used them between -20 and +10 (occasionally +20) and performed beautifully. Thread also looks very nice. About 5-6mm left after 20k km. Never had issues with snow or ice.

Ask a question | Helpful 784

March 25, 2022

Given 100% while driving a BMW 520d M Sport (245/45 R18) on a combination of roads for 0 miles

Bmw 520d (190hp) 2013 year. It's perfect tyre !!!!!

Ask a question | Helpful 821

October 23, 2021

Given 92% while driving a Skoda (225/40 R18 W) on mostly motorways for 23,424 easy going miles

I drive these tyres since 2014 on my Skoda Octavia Combi vRS TDI M6 FWD 184PS/380NM MY2014. Now they are rolling their 7th season / 37697 km / 23424 mi, still have 5 mm profile and I plan to drive them during the next winter till 2022. My verdict: a very reliable tyre on all weather conditions - great balance of good grip on dry, wet, snow and ice, comfortable and somehow quiet for a winter tyre (just a bit louder at 40/80/160km/h). Sporty handling on dry and cold weather, below 10-15*C, if above 15*C slippery). Not slippery on wet and cold/warm (in contrast to my old summer tyres Bridgestone Potenza S001 (same size, Y speed index). Very reliable on snow (and maybe ice). I am keen on sporty night driving through the snowy mountains... I actually got in the car and just drive some hundred kilometers just to "slide" on the snowy roads. Those tires are really confident if it comes to active driving on snow. ESP off, side-sliding in the corners, the car keeps its directional stable behaviour... No seesaw pattern at all (I rotate my tyres every season)! Because this is a outdated model I plan to replace this set of tires either with Continental Winter Contact TS 860 S or its successor - the TS 870 in its performance/sport asymmetrical version. The Michlines (Pilot Alpin 5 or the upcoming 6) are out because of their symmetrical pattern.

Ask a question | Helpful 850

January 16, 2021

Given 98% while driving a BMW 525D (245/45 R18 V) on a combination of roads for 30,000 average miles

Best winter tyre on the World !!!

Ask a question | Helpful 790

January 15, 2021

Given 92% while driving a BMW 428i m sport coupe (225/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 10,000 average miles

These were the most expensive and even the most beautiful (thread/sidewall) winter/all season tires I have found for my car. The comfort is superb from the begin to years after. They are also very quiet no matter the road you drive on. Road feedback couldn't be any better that I wish I had that combination of comfort/stability in a track tire. These are marked for speed up to 240 km/h, but don't even think about taking them anywhere over 190 km/h because the deep thread cannot cope with such speeds and starts to shake and wander on the road and probably rapidly wear out. Speaking of thread wear characteristics, it wears somewhat more in the middle exactly where it has less material which could be because I had them mostly lightly overfilled. Driving with these tires on lower specified tire pressure is great when going on bad roads or daily it where you need less responsive ride, but put another 0.2 bar (or equivalent) per tire for a higher specified pressure and it turns the car into a precise sports machine. Would buy them again...

Ask a question | Helpful 752

January 7, 2021

Given 89% while driving a Audi A3 (225/40 R18 W) on mostly town for 4,500 average miles

It's a top level winter tyre except the above average noise level. It's because of the thread pattern.
Michelin Alpin A4 tyres which I had before are quiter than these and a bit better when climbing uphill (They had V shaped pattern).
Very good in the dry and wet, good in snow and ice.
If you do not have a sporty car with lots of power and stiff suspension I think these tyres are too much for you, and expensive. I recommend cheaper (not sporty) versions such as Alpin A5.

Ask a question | Helpful 890

May 3, 2019

Given 91% while driving a BMW 520d M Sport (225/45 R17) on mostly country roads for 30,000 spirited miles

I run Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4 all year round, getting a full year out of them, that's about 30k open road miles. They give great confidence which why they have been my tyre of choice for about 4 years. I put new on in December ready for my trip to the Alps and then they stay on all year round (UK). The tyre and Bimmer electronics combo makes driving in slippery conditions a breeze (and fun), even when others are struggling.

Despite being RWD (I prefer it) I've never got struck. I also carry chains but have never fitted them other than to prove they will fit. In the mountains on compulsory chains or winters, winters every time! Unfortunately, those with chains inevitably get in the way.

I'm aware they â€œsoftâ€, so I don't abuse them apart from the necessary blast when entering a dual carriageway from a minor road. Most of my miles are morning and evening,not mid day sun. I tried Yokos, half the price, half the mileage and no confidence so the Michelin's cost no more per mile plus they are nice to drive and grip better.

Ask a question | Helpful 926

January 27, 2019

Given 100% while driving a Audi A4 TDi Quattro Sport (255/35 R19) on a combination of roads for 10,000 average miles

This is the third winter these tyres are back on the car. Tread depth is still 6mm. Just as comfortable as the michelin ps4 taken off but when the roads get greasy and wet these will keep you safe. Last winter drove the car from leeds to Norwich and back in the worst snow and no drama or fuss, that's how good these tyres are. Superb and will buy another set when these are worn out.

Ask a question | Helpful 936

November 27, 2018

Given 99% while driving a Toyota RAV4 (235/55 R18 H) on mostly town for 4,000 spirited miles

I got to tell you that I am amazed by this tyres performance. I bought immediately after car purchasing equipped with all season Dunlop Grandtrek ST30 which by the way, do not use it even somebody give its for free, but this will be another topic. PA4 is quite expensive,as it should be a high performence tyre but overall worth the money. I drove 4000km on icey roads, wet and what I've liked the most on -10 degree dry surface and I had no wear what so ever, no significal noise and great grip in 10cm of snow. Brake on wet and dry is also great . I will say this tyres are great for FWD and AWD and higly recommend for Central East European weather.

Ask a question | Helpful 934

October 4, 2018

Given 89% while driving a BMW 525i (245/40 R18 W) on a combination of roads for 3,000 average miles

I purchased these tyres in December 2017 for my BMW525i Tourer as this is the car we use to transport my two little kids. Within weeks of delivery the snow started to fall & I was eager to test them. Overall far exceeded my expectations. I climbed hills no problem at all for a rear wheel drive car leaving other cars in my wake. We then had the beat from the east in March 18 & I did feel extremely smug as these tyres handled & performed flawlessly. I cannot stress how important the safety aspect of these tyres when driving I. Winter conditions. I reverted to summer tyres in April 18- little or no where after 3000 miles or so. All in all highly recommend

Ask a question | Helpful 857

July 8, 2018

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Michelin Pilot Alpin 4