All Season Tires - Uni Royal Tiger Paw Touring or Michelin Destiny Tires? For a Rural Ontario Winter.....?

Question

I am trying to decide on 4 new all-season tires for my Pontiac Grand Prix.....Michelin or UniRoyal.....any preferences out there and why?

They are both on Sale right now for the same price....

Answer 1

Uniroyal is a Michelin owned brand - basically their entry-level brand name line without all of the technology and engineering that goes into Michelin branded tires. In the tire business we call them Uniwobbles because of the brands long reputation for tires that don't balance well.

The Michelin Destiny is sold exclusively through Discount Tire and America's Tire outlets according to the Michelin catalog. I've never been a fan of these "exclusive tires". Usually they are made on older generation molds and not with the latest technology as the comparable tire available through a greater variety of dealers - in this case the Michelin Harmony. The Destiny doesn't get as high of performance scores in Michelin's own catalog as the Harmony. The other advantage of the Harmony is that if you blow one out and have to get it replaced in a hurry it is much more widely available.

One more thing to consider - If you have a Gran Prix GTP or some models with a performance package then neither of those tires have the correct speed rating for your vehicle. You should look elsewhere.

If you live where it sees a lot of snow my first choice would be the Goodyear Assurance Tripletread (make sure its the Tripletread, not the "Comfotread") which will work on any model of Grand Prix. Probably the best winter traction of any all-season tire going and they have a long treadwear warranty.

If you live someplace wet like say Seattle I would recommend the Michelin Hydroedge. Michelin also claim low rolling resistance for this tire to promote good gas mileage but I can't substantiate that. I have never cared for this tire in snow however. Go for the Goodyear if you live in the snow belt.

At a lower price point the BF Goodrich Traction T/A in a T speed rating would be a preferable choice to the Tiger Paw although at about the same price point I would personally take the longer wearing Yokohama AVID TRZ or Pirelli P4 4-Season.

If you have a GTP model I would suggest the only alternative to the Goodyear is the new Bridgestone Turanza with Serenity as offering an outsanding balance of wet and dry traction, handling, ride comfort and wear. A sportier tire than the Goodyear.

I would add though that if I lived in rural Ontario, I would most definately own 2 complete sets of tires with one being a dedicated "winter only" set such as a Bridgestone Blizzak or Nokian RSi. Or if you insist on only 1 set of tires then the all-weather Nokian WR is the only choice on the market. "All-season" means rated for light snow only, not severe winter conditions as found in Canada or the northern U.S.

ASE Certified Automotive Service Advisor with extensive experience in the tire industry

Answer 2

Michelin Destiny

Answer 3

ALWAYS go with Michelin tires, they are superior to any other tire. I put about 85,000 miles on my van every year (I don't know what that is in km) and have tried 5 different makes of tire and none of them compare with Michelins. They are more expensive, but worth it. By the way alot of my traveling is in Ontario.

Answer 4

Uniroyal T.P.suck I had them on my S-10. (factory tires). I then got Michelins they were better but I wouldn't run either one in the winter.

Answer 5

He'll fit on a toilet, but not in one. Although I didn't try shoving him in headfirst, so further research may be necessary.