Michelin Pilot Sport 3 PS3

The Michelin Pilot Sport 3 PS3 is a Ultra High Performance Summer tyre designed to be fitted to Passenger Cars.

This tyre replaced the Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 and this tyre has been replaced by the Michelin Pilot Sport 4.

Dry Grip 90%
Wet Grip 88%
Road Feedback 84%
Handling 84%
Wear 74%
Comfort 83%
Buy again 80%

Tyre review data from 298 tyre reviews averaging 83% over 3,982,887 miles driven.

The Pilot Sport 3 PS3 is ranked 17th of 143 Summer Ultra High Performance tyres.

Reports

Latest Tyre Test Results

Michelin Pilot Sport VS EV Specific Performance Tyres - 3rd of 3 tyres

  • Positive - [Tesla OE Tyre] Very good aquaplaning resistance, good handling on dry and wet roads.
  • Negative - Long wet and dry braking distances, average rolling resistance, limited ride comfort.
  • Overall - Ok.
View Full Test >>

2016 ADAC Tyre Test - 225/45 R17 - 10th of 16 tyres

  • Positive - Particularly good on dry roads, good in the wet
  • Negative - Relatively high wear
View Full Test >>

2016 Test World Performance Tyre Test - 7th of 13 tyres

  • Positive - High resistance to aquaplaning
  • Negative - Poor lateral grip on wet surfaces, longer braking distance on dry roads
View Full Test >>

Size Fuel Wet Noise Weight
0/0 R0 0         10.53kgs
0/0 R0 0         9.44kgs
0/0 R0 0         9.48kgs
195/50 R15 82V   E A 71 7.37kgs
195/50 R15 82V   F A 71 7.58kgs
195/45 R16 84V XL   E A 71 7.81kgs
205/45 R16 87W XL   E A 71 8.08kgs
215/45 R16 90V XL AODT1 E B 71 8.51kgs
205/50 R16 87V   E A 71 8.47kgs
215/40 R17 87W XL   E A 71 8.79kgs
245/40 R17 91Y   F A 71 10.25kgs
205/45 R17 88V XL   C A 70 8.70kgs
205/50 R17 93W XL   E A 71 9.24kgs
225/50 R17 98Y XL   E A 71 10.34kgs
245/35 R18 92Y XL   E A 73 11.32kgs
255/35 R18 94Y XL   E A 71 11.18kgs
255/35 R18 94Y XL   C A 73 12.65kgs
275/35 R18 95Y MO F A 71 12.00kgs
285/35 R18 101Y XL MO1 E A 73 12.18kgs
225/40 R18 92Y XL   C A 73 11.31kgs
225/40 R18 92W XL   E A 71 9.40kgs
225/40 R18 92Y XL   E A 71 9.81kgs
225/40 R18 92W XL   E A 71 9.53kgs
225/40 R18 92Y XL   C A 70 9.50kgs
235/40 R18 95Y XL   E A 71 10.31kgs
235/40 R18 95Y XL MO E A 71 10.10kgs
235/40 R18 95W XL   E A 71 10.05kgs
245/40 R18 97Y XL AO E A 71 11.15kgs
245/40 R18 93Y AO F A 71 11.15kgs
245/40 R18 93Y MO F A 71 10.80kgs
255/40 R18 99Y XL MO1 E A 71 11.40kgs
215/45 R18 93W XL   E A 71 9.30kgs
225/45 R18 95V XL   E A 71 10.25kgs
225/45 R18 91V   E A 71 10.07kgs
225/45 R18 91W   E A 71 10.20kgs
235/45 R18 98Y XL   E A 71 10.58kgs
245/45 R18 100W XL   E A 70 11.00kgs
235/35 R19 91Y XL   E A 70 10.90kgs
255/35 R19 96Y XL   E A 73 13.03kgs
255/35 R19 96Y XL AO E A 71 12.10kgs
225/40 R19 93Y XL   E A 73 11.70kgs
245/40 R19 98Y XL   E A 71 11.77kgs
245/40 R19 94Y   E A 71 11.70kgs
255/40 R19 100Y XL AO E A 71 13.20kgs
255/40 R19 100Y XL MO E A 71 13.26kgs
275/40 R19 105Y XL MO E A 71 13.83kgs
275/40 R19 101Y MO C A 71 13.20kgs
235/45 R19 99W XL   E A 71 11.62kgs
245/45 R19 102Y XL A T0 C A 71 12.33kgs
245/45 R19 102Y XL MO C A 71 11.98kgs
275/30 R20 97Y XL *MOE C A 73 12.51kgs
245/35 R20 95Y XL *MOE C A 70 12.30kgs
245/35 R20 95Y XL A*MOE C A 70 12.30kgs
285/35 R20 104Y XL MO E A 73 14.65kgs
255/40 R20 101Y XL MO E A 71 13.27kgs

Questions and Answers for the Michelin Pilot Sport 3 PS3

2016-05-26 - Currently I am using 235/45/18r and planning to change all 4 tyres. Can I replace all 4 tyres to 235/50/18r?

Whether you can make the swap depends on your vehicle suspension layout offering clearance. Usually there should be enough room, but remember changing tyre size affects your vehicle speedo, and is classified as a modification so will need to be declared to the insurance company.

2018-12-31 - Which tyres are better for those who tried these 3? RE003 potenza by bridgestone or michelin ps3 or Hankook Ventus 12 evo 2? There is no ps4 option for 15 inch rims.

As far as I'm aware, no one has tested all three officially. The RE003 gets great reviews in America, but the people I know in the UK tend to prefer the Michelin.

2022-05-21 - I have mazda mx5 nb with 195/50/15 and looking for best tyres performance and feel(balance) wise. Comfort/noise/fuel are low on priority. Looking for best grip on wet and dry and best balance on wet and dry. Currently stuck between Michelin PS3, Dunlop sport bluresponse, Hankook ventus prime 3 and Hankook ventus prime v12 evo2. Of these 4 the michelin, hankook v12 and dunlop are in uhp range, though ventus prime 3 seems to beat dunlops in most tests and dunlops beat v12 in one test. There is little data on ps3 as they are old now. So could ventus prime 3 (which is basically touring tyre) beat older models of uhp tyres?

Newer tyres generally have better wet grip and braking results which are high priority tests in an overall test result, which is why you might see the Prime 3 doing well. If available we recommend looking into the Maxxis HP5 as that is a nice handling tyre in the smaller wheel sizes.

2022-12-22 - Between the Pilot Sport 3 and the Pilot Exalto PE2, which is Michelin’s best performing sporty tyre in a 15 inch size in the absence of a 15 inch PS4? Or would a 15 inch Primacy 4 offer similar levels of performance due to it being a newer tyre compared to the PS3/Exalto?

This is a question I get asked a lot, but sadly haven't tested it myself. I know a lot of Clio RS owners love the Pilot Sport 3 in their small wheel size so that might be the best option from the Michelin range.

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Size Price Range  
195/50 R15 £75.18 - £92.65 (5 Prices) Compare Prices >>
225/40 R18 £115.98 - £143.99 (2 Prices) Compare Prices >>
245/40 R18 £139.26 - £154.82 (4 Prices) Compare Prices >>
Available in 27 tyre sizes - View all.

Top 3 Michelin Pilot Sport 3 PS3 Reviews

Given 86% while driving a BMW 530i (235/45 R17 W) on mostly country roads for 10,000 spirited miles
AWESOME.
Stick like stuff to a blanket in the wet, brilliant feedback it's like they are one with the tarmac.
Comfortable, great stopping distance feedback nice understeer. What more can I say.

Replaced Eagle F1's which had developed a nasty vibration due to collapsed casings, even with 5K still left to go.

Purchasing again.

Helpful 133 - tyre reviewed on July 13, 2016
Given 31% while driving a Kia Motors ceed (225/40 R18 W) on a combination of roads for 7,300 average miles
Worst tyres I have ever used. Bought a Kia cee’d 1.6 gt as an ex demonstrator in July 2018 as a 6m old car. Front tyres replaced at 7300miles. Shocking, I dont drive the car hard nor throw into corners.
Bought Vredestein Ultrac as replacement and will report on longevity. PS3 are shockingly bad
Helpful 59 - tyre reviewed on February 10, 2019
Given 96% while driving a Volkswagen Polo 6R 1.6 (215/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 50,000 average miles
The best tyres ever. Has been drive total of 800,000km with my 3 cars. RE003, ZE914, UC6, Pilot Sport, my fav still PS3. Best handling and Price worthy.
Helpful 56 - tyre reviewed on December 31, 2022
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Latest Michelin Pilot Sport 3 PS3 Reviews

Given 86% while driving a Renault (205/45 R16) on a combination of roads for 250 spirited miles
Quality tyres on a 182 Cup are a given. The PS3s are as close as you can get to the bespoke Michelin Exaltos the car came on from the factory. I've had this car for over 15 years, tried various tyre brands, but having just put the PS3s on brings it alive & no understeer. Expensive but worth it.
Helpful 6 - tyre reviewed on July 19, 2023
Given 87% while driving a Opel Calibra V6 (205/50 R16) on mostly country roads for 12,000 spirited miles
The PS3 was the perfect fit for my Calibra. Rides smoothly, yet grips very well and gives good feedback!
The wear (as most Michelins) has also been outstanding.

I will definitely fit them again, because this size doesn't get the newest tyres and I'll happily run them again for another 6-8 years!
Helpful 2 - tyre reviewed on July 8, 2023
What to know the BEST All Season Tyres for 2023? Click to find out!
Given 54% while driving a Nissan Juke (225/50 R17) on a combination of roads for 12 average miles
With these four tires from 2014 to 2022, a total of 19,600 km was driven in the summer (April to October).
Excellent handling and stability on both wet and dry surfaces. Even with strong cornering. Also with the turbo in sport mode.
Big minus. Completely rejected in 2022 at the APK inspection. Profile depth okay.
But all four tires had cracks all the way around the tire sidewalls inside and out. Such that you could see the canvas.
Big disappointment and bought four new tires (Vredestein Ultra Satin).
So never again these Michelin tires!
Helpful 2 - tyre reviewed on June 15, 2023
Given 81% while driving a Renault (205/45 R16) on mostly country roads for 15,000 spirited miles
Performance tyre choice in 205/46/16 size is limited, but I've always sworn by Michelin tyres and the PS3 live up to my expectations fully for spirited country road driving in the summer and low temperature, wet motorway driving. The Clio 182 originally came on specially developed Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 tyres, the Pilot Sport 3 replaced them in roughly 2013, so it's absolutely old tyre technology, I don't do trackdays like most Clio Sport owners, mine is a daily, so a semi-slick isn't an option. Very happy with the performance, they're a little noisy and not all that fuel efficient, but that's the price you pay for good tyre performance in the dry with this old tyre spec. Highly recommended for anyone still daily-ing their old MK2 Clio Sport.
Helpful 6 - tyre reviewed on February 12, 2023
Given 73% while driving a BMW (275/30 R20) on mostly town for 20 average miles
20,000km distance, Rear tyres due for change now. Normal driving, not trashing tyres. Good tyres for comfort and handling , wear was even. One tyre has slow puncture split in tyre. Split is on upper surface towards edge, not the side wall. Would use again but will try Hankook next.
Helpful 17 - tyre reviewed on February 7, 2023
Given 96% while driving a Suzuki Swift (205/50 R16) on a combination of roads for 13,000 spirited miles
Using these tires in my Suzuki Swift Boosterjet mostly on dry tarmac but whenever I get into wet tarmac they grip extremely good.
Helpful 6 - tyre reviewed on September 7, 2022
Given 96% while driving a Alfa Romeo 145 1.6 Boxer (195/50 R15) on mostly town for 1,000 spirited miles
Amazing tyres.. Had Falken Ziex ZE914 before and thought they were great until I tried the PS3.
Helpful 12 - tyre reviewed on June 19, 2022
Given 86% while driving a Volkswagen Golf GTI (195/50 R15) on a combination of roads for 22,000 spirited miles
These tyres were the perfect match for my GTi, they have a lot of controlled flexion of the sidewalls but when you start to trust them you can go very very fast, the lifespan is incredible for me, my car is all use like spirited driving daily use etc… and these are on 35k km and still going another round! For me the best tyre for all round use if i could use some ps4 i would buy them asap because this is my best all round match since it’s awesome wet handling and also on dry surface when you warm them up
Helpful 9 - tyre reviewed on June 2, 2022
Given 63% while driving a Ford Focus (235/40 R18) on a combination of roads for 0 spirited miles
Weak sidewalls but not the worst. Good grip in the dry. Have never pushed the tires in wet conditions so can't speak for that. Low noise. Nice comfort.
Helpful 24 - tyre reviewed on May 9, 2022
Given 93% while driving a Westfield FW (195/50 R15) on a combination of roads for 2,000 spirited miles
Not many reviews for tyres on a Westfield so here goes; I replaced my fairly fresh set of Toyo T1R's which were quite possibly the worst tyres you could have especially on a car with 270 BHP per tonne, they understeer and oversteer and were generally terrifying. I picked up a set of second hand 5 year old PS3's which transformed the car. Even though these were 5 years old they offered more grip, were more comfortable and well priced. Only downside would be they maybe aren't the hardest of sidewalls, so handling could be slightly better. The tyres are now 7 years old, and have 6mm of tread remaining, I will only be replacing them with a fresh brand new set next year as these are now past their best - however I am very happy with them considering they were still most likely past their best when I purchased them. I cannot comment on wet performance as I do not drive this car in bad weather, however I know these are used a lot as wet tyres on track for Westfields and are raved about. If you cannot get PS4 for your car, these are the ones to have.
Helpful 24 - tyre reviewed on December 26, 2021
Given 82% while driving a Renault Clio 182 Cup Pack (/45 R16) on a combination of roads for 2,000 average miles
Really impressed with the PS3's, IMO the best summer road tyre for the MK2 Clio sports, although apparently now impossible to find in this fitment, hopefully a temporary supply issue.
Helpful 10 - tyre reviewed on November 17, 2021
Given 87% while driving a Mazda 3 MPS (215/45 R18) on mostly country roads for 6,000 spirited miles
Driving in the dry felt always safe, sticky, even when cold. It's surprisingly good in the wet. I wasn't event sure if it's noticeable slower than in the dry. I never experienced Aquaplaning with these tires. The feedback from the tires is very progressive as long as u have the right tire pressure. Once the tire got temperature/rising pressure the performance gets expectantly worse. But as soon as I corrected the pressure with hot tires they were mind blowing. They lasted pretty much one season for me with about 10.000km. Driving to work everyday I was still using the tires about 80% because I got some nice curves on the way. In the night I was using them 100% with hard braking, hard acceleration, maximum speed through corners with lift off oversteer, handbrake drifts and a couple burnouts at the traffic lights. Even at the end of the rubber with lower temperatures in autumn they still performed safe and reliable. Comfort was okay, as it's a UHP and not a Touring tire. I would buy them again for a good price since they're older. But I'd rather try newer generations from Goodyear.
Helpful 10 - tyre reviewed on November 2, 2021