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Michellin Crossterrain in 235/65/18

109K views 217 replies 63 participants last post by  Mrorida  
#1 ·
I got an email from Michelin this morning. They are coming out with the Michellin Cross Terrain SUV tire in 235/65/18 104T in August-September. A solution is in sight for those who have a hard time finding the 255/60/18 Toyos and who do not want to deviate from plus zero sizing.

UPDATE: In a followup email, there will be two Cross Terrain tires in 235/65/R18 size. The first will only have a S-speed rating (104S), rated up to 112mph - this is the version that will be released in Aug-Sep. Michelin is following up with a T-rated (104T, up to 118mph) version early 2006. Perhaps now would be a good time to email Michelin to urge them to release the 104T version before winter sets in and 3 year old Muranos go sliding all over the road with bald Goodyears.
 
#152 ·
craigster said:
And what is the real clinical difference between a car tire and an SUV tire anyways? If it has a proper load rating and is not restricted for any reason, then who cares?
C-

A "car tire" is usually one that has a softer, more compliant ride as compared to an "SUV tire" or "light truck" tire. It is usually manufactured with a bias towards ride comfort.

-njjoe
 
#153 ·
I have tested many tires in my previous job (I tested new cars for magazines here in Quebec) and I always found Michelin tires to give a softer ride than GYs.

Especially the LT tires where the Wrangler is no match to just about anything else.
 
#154 ·
As tires age, the rubber tends to harden, and ride quality deteriorates. As such, one cannot compare the ride quality of new Michelins with worn out Goodyears. While the Crossterrains fall into a "comfortable SUV tire" category, I'm not sure they are softer than brand new Goodyear Eagle LS's. But to each their own.
 
#155 ·
Eric - interesting point of view on these tires. Have you actually ridden on them?

I see you are running Geolanders which are classified as a Sport truck All Season Tire. Are these so called truck tires not harder too?

When one compares the Goodyears to the Geolanders and the Cross Terrains on Tirerack, the Geolanders AND the Michelins significantly outperform the GY in nearly all categories - and are amazingly similar to each other. My experience with the Michelins is they are indeed superior to the GY - and a little more money, but worth it.
 
#156 ·
craigster said:
Eric - interesting point of view on these tires. Have you actually ridden on them?

I see you are running Geolanders which are classified as a Sport truck All Season Tire. Are these so called truck tires not harder too?

When one compares the Goodyears to the Geolanders and the Cross Terrains on Tirerack, the Geolanders AND the Michelins significantly outperform the GY in nearly all categories - and are amazingly similar to each other. My experience with the Michelins is they are indeed superior to the GY - and a little more money, but worth it.
The Geolandars ride more harshly than the Goodyears, but a soft ride was not my objective when I purchased the Murano. I picked the MO because it had better handling than the Highlander and Pilot, and usually better handling comes at the expense of a firm ride. The Yokohamas have better traction than the Goodyears (especially in rain and snow), so I have been very happy with them.

For what its worth, I would pick the Crossterrains over the Goodyears anyday, because as you say, they appear to perform significantly better according to Tirerack's survey. However the question above was on ride quality (some folks care less about overall handling and like a soft ride), and I still think the Goodyears have the best ride quality, since the point of that tire is a comfortable carlike ride.
 
#157 ·
ok guys decided on Michellins Ct

Wow guys ,

Thanks all of you for great feed back. a lady could be lost without this site. Decided on Michellins. But now questions.

Have a Blue 03 Sl.

1- White letters showing or not showing? Nissanlove I heard you say you saw one with white letters showing and serrated and looked nice. But that was a silver one. So on the blue is the only way to go with black or the white not showing. Or would the white letters showing look terrible? Dont laugh guys:)

2- Serrated Edge or not? (depending on what I can get)

3 And Ome size better ? Yes?

Thanks ordering tires tomorrow. Going with Cts just get better traction in the rain. In Fl we get a bunch in summer as a torrential down pour is happening right now!! I know Eric/ Kris like the comfort of GYs but the extra traction of Cts would make me feel safer. Thanks guys await your answers.
Flmur
 
#158 ·
For the CT's, the OEM size would probably be the best option. I'd go for non white letters, since just a personal perference, but they remind me of whitewalls, which are decidedly non sporty.
 
#159 ·
Re: ok guys decided on Michellins Ct

flmur03 said:
Wow guys ,
Thanks all of you for great feed back. a lady could be lost without this site. Decided on Michellins. But now questions.
Some answers...

1) It's all a matter of personal preference. I like the all-black look , while others may prefer the white lettering showing.

2) Just make sure all four are the same. I think it was Homer who initially got three of one type and one of the other.

3) 235/65 (OEM) is good for the MO, but you can go up a size to 265/60 if you want. Unfortunately the larger tire has an traction/temperature rating of A/B as compared to the OEM-sized rating of A/A. Personally, I'd stick with the 235/65.

Good luck.

-njjoe
 
#162 ·
Thought I would drop by and

"update" my experinces with the 235/65-18Michelin CTs.
I now have about 10,000 miles on them.

This is a superior tire.

It has better dry grip than the GY.
It has way better wet grip than the GY.
It is a AT LEAST as good a riding tire as the GY!
It is AT LEAST as quiet as the GY!

I know people like to point out that is is a Light Truck Tire and the GY LS is a passenger tire.
All I know is, that the LS is a quiet, comfortable tire.
And the Michelin is at least it's equal in those matters.


It IS an all season tire, but I have no idea how it works in the snow.

In my opinion.

THe CT is superior to the Goodyear LS.
But, it does cost more.

The LS is About $30 less PER tire and we know it does some things well.

The GY "probably" represents a better"value".

But the Michelin is a better tire.

I am very, very satisfied with the tire.

Homer
 
#163 ·
Homer,

Thanks for the information. I wish you said it 12 months ago! You know I trust your opinion...my LS have 15k now and look good. Do not need to change them for a while. At least 20k or so. After that it is either CT's or.........a new car...;)
 
#164 ·
Some time ago took Homer's advice and looked at the CTs. On spec, they were much better than the GYs. I have about 8000 miles on mine and fully concur with all of Homer's observations PLUS I have the added advantage?? of having used them in the snow and ice. They performed quite well in the snow and noticibly better than the GYs. Admittedly real snow tires are much better than all seasons, but as a mainly urban driver, our roads are generally cleared quite quickly.

In short, I am VERY happy with the CTs and they are worth the extra few bucks.
 
#165 ·
Whoa, Homer, too bad you did not post this a couple of weeks ago. I went with the Goodyears. I was a little concerned about the ride/noise with the CT's as my SE does not need to hit the bumps any harder that it does with the GY's. And the best price difference I could find was about $60.

Homer, I am really glad to see that you posted. I have faded to an occasional lurker now, but when I come to look for info, I truly respect your opinions. I am positive there are a lot of members here who may not be very vocal but who do share my views about this. I tried to send you an e-mail when you left to say just that.

So what kind of wiper blades do you have?
 
#166 ·
Thanks for the kind words

But obviously there are other solid citizens here too.
IMO, this is the best forum I have ever been a member of and I have been a member of some good ones.......Corvettes, Miata (Miata.net Does do a good job) etc...


Let's make this perfectly clear...
There is nothing really wrong with the GYs.
There are good reasons that Nissan selected them.
BTW, one additional advantage is the GYs get about 1 MPG better economy than the CTs. Lower rolling resistance.
So it is not a Good vs Bad comparison.
It is Excellent vs Good IMO.

As to wipers........
I am still running the OEMs and they are still good!


Homer
 
#167 ·
Wipers......

after two years put new OEM blades. Worked fine.

A few weeks ago decided to "upgrade" and went with Bosch MicroEdge for both Murano and FX. The Bosch lasted only 2 weeks in the FX. My wife hated them. They were noisy. And there was nothing we could do about that. So a few days ago I purchased OEM blades inserts ($30) and went back to the original wipers. No more problems! I am still trying to put up with the Bosch in the Murano........but the OEM's are ready!

I lost trust in after-market parts. Even those from reputable suppliers....
 
#168 ·
Hello to All,

Newbie here. Great site !!

I have read all about the Cross Terrain tires and have enjoyed the insights/tips. And now i have 2 questions.

Have these tires proven themselves through a whole winter yet ? I live up here in Toronto, and after last year told myself i would buy some winter tires this year. For those living in snowy climes, do they deliver ?

If not, who can recommend a good winter tire ( preferably in the OEM size )

Thanks
RB
 
#169 ·
the cross terrains will be a tonne better than the goodyears in the winter. the have jagged sipes compared to the eagles and a more blocky, toothed tread pattern. being from edmonton, we get some pretty harsh winters. i personally put on a dedicated summer tire and a dedicated winter tire. i can't stand all seasons. too many compromises.

if you are looking a dedicated winter tires in the stock size surprisingly you have a number of options, yet they are pricey.

-bridgestone blizzak DM-Z3(previously only available in the 265/60/18 size)
-dunlop grandtrek SJ5 BSW(a very popular winter tire for the murano
-dunlop grandtrek WT M3(number 1 choice)
- Toyo Open Country G-02 plus
 
#170 ·
I am from Winnipeg originally and lived for years in Edmonton - Toronto does not have a real winter. ;)

I have the Cross Terrains - and have driven them in the winter. They are much better than the Goodyears in inclement weather - but they are no substitute for real snow/ice tires. If you travel into really bad areas, you may want real snows - but for winter city driving - especially in the Toronto area - then they are not bad.
 
#171 ·
Although we don't have real winters here, we do get ice storms and the occasional snow. I grew up on the East Tenn. mountains, so I think I can make a decent comparison.

First winter I had the MO, we got 18" of snow. I had Crossterrains on it and they performed quite well. As well as snow tires I used to run in winter in the mountains.

Took the Boss Lady to work the next day. The highway in our county was fairly clear, but the Charlotte streets had about 3" of packed snow and ice. The only time the MO got squirrely was when we had to stop on a patch of glazed ice. A bit of slip when we started and that was about it.
 
#172 ·
Well, admittedly Toronto does get ice and snow (from time to time) - versus the really cold and lots of snow in the west. And our snow tends to be wetter and heavier which makes for some challenging driving. The CTs handle our urban driving requirements just fine in the winter - and IMO better than the GY that I replaced.

I put Yokohama ICE radials on my other, 2WD, car for the winter and the stopping and turning performance in the ice and snow was ASTOUNDINGLY improved. Therefore, if you are driving in nasty conditions a lot, you should get the proper boots. Otherwise, with AWD, the CT are fine.
 
#173 ·
I went with the CTs and had them put on last Saturday - 235/65/18. I wanted to wait until it rained before reporting. The first thing I noticed immediately starting to drive was how quiet these tires are. Maybe the Eagles started out this quiet and were loud now because they had 64K miles on them. Whatever, these tires are quiet. The ride is good and pretty smooth. I have 35psi with the CTs compared to 33psi with the Eagles. I like the firmer ride. Good handling and stopping. And driving to work in the rain this morning I didn't feel like I was going to hydroplane any second like with the Eagles. Let the snow fly. My Mo and I are ready. I'm happy with these tires.
 
#174 ·
Comments on new CTs

After 27000 miles 2 of my Goodyears were worn down to 7/32" in the middle and 5/32" on the outside treads. The other 2 were almost worn down to the wear indicators (should have rotated more often). They all had a bit of dry rot cracking in the tread grooves. I probably could have kept them for a while longer, but they wouldn't have had enough traction remaining for the approaching mid-west winter. Actually, they never did have enough traction in the winter.

Based on comments from this site I purchased Crossterrains yesterday. I'm very pleased with them. They are quieter than the Goodyears which made a little buzzing noise on smooth pavement. They are smoother, I don't hear or feel tar strips like I did with the Goodyears. Cornering is very smooth and predictable. The serrated outer tread makes the CTs look more like a truck tire, but I don't mind the more aggresive appearance.

Thanks for the analysis and recommendations.

JeffC
 
#176 ·
Because the CTs only come in an S rating.
An S rating is good for sustained speeds up to 112 MPH.

The MO is capable of 118 MPH.

If you are going to cruise in excess of 112 MPH, I cannot recommend this tire.

Homer