Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus Tire Review: Ultra-High-Performance All-Season

The Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus is an ultra-high-performance all-season tire designed for drivers of high-end sports cars, sporty coupes, and sedans looking for excellent dry grip and acceptable traction and short braking distances in wet circumstances.

This model was introduced in 2016 to replace the Pilot Sport A/S 3. It has the same performance-oriented tread pattern as the previous iteration but with a few tweaks to improve its overall performance.

In this review, we’ll look at some of its key features and technologies, as well as its performance in dry, wet, and snowy conditions and ride quality.

Without further ado, let’s get started and see if this is the right UHP tire for your vehicle!

Features of the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus 

According to Michelin, the Pilot Sport A/S 3+ tire provides superior dry and wet grip and winter confidence. To accomplish this, the company used its advanced Helio+ Technology, which consists of an Extreme Silica technology tread compound with sunflower oil. This combination improves tire traction on wet roads and in colder temperatures.

The silica-infused tread compound is complemented by an aggressive performance-oriented asymmetric tread pattern for enhanced dry and wet traction and handling all year.

Moreover, the tread features rugged blocks on the outboard shoulders, which increase the tire’s lateral grip and dry cornering capabilities. On the inside, the tire features four wide circumferential grooves designed to minimize hydroplaning and increase traction on wet and slippery surfaces.

In addition, Michelin used its exclusive Variable Contact Patch 3.0 technology in this tire, which was taken from its endurance racing tires. This technology reduces heat distortion by evenly distributing contact patch pressures and temperatures. As a result, drivers get to enjoy increased cornering grip and responsiveness at every speed.   

The tire’s internal structure includes two high-tensile, lightweight steel cord belts reinforced with spirally wrapped polyamide cord for more predictable handling, high-speed durability, and improved tread life and ride comfort.

Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus Performance 

Performance in Dry Conditions 

The Pilot Sport A/S 3+ delivers outstanding traction and grip in dry conditions, as well as excellent tire response, thanks to Michelin’s use of race-inspired technologies.

The tire’s performance is on par with the best offerings in the ultra-high-performance all-season category.

Its steering and cornering response are particularly impressive. The tire immediately responds to the driver’s input, demonstrating its prowess. 

Performance in Wet Conditions

Some ultra-high-performance tires tend to lose traction in slick, damp, or wet conditions. However, the Pilot Sport A/S 3+ delivers one of the most reliable performances under these circumstances.

This tire handles wet conditions well due to advanced hydroplaning resistance, improved wet traction, and decent cornering performance.

Furthermore, the tires feel smooth and balanced, with no understeer or oversteer. So, the ride remains safe and secure even if you push your car to its limits. Ultimately, this tire offers some of the shortest braking distances in the rain.

Overall, this is one of the best tires for wet-weather driving. It accelerates effortlessly, corners beautifully, and brakes at very short intervals. 

Snow Performance

Although ultra-high performance all-season tires are not intended for use in winter conditions, the Pilot Sport A/S 3+ has the features and capabilities to provide dependable traction in light snow.

Michelin actually claims that this tire has a 28% increase in snow grip over its predecessor, the Pilot Sport A/S 3. It handles tight corners well while maintaining reasonable stopping distances compared to other tires in this class.

However, if you live in an area that experiences heavy winter snow, the Pilot Sport A/S 3+ will not suffice, and you should instead consider purchasing specialized winter tires.

Ride Quality

While the Pilot Sport A/S 3+ is a pleasure to drive, its responsiveness detracts from its comfort. It feels stiff and hard whenever you come across potholes and bumps, as is typical of ultra-high-performance tires.

There’s a noticeable tread growl, especially during highway driving, but it’s still better than many other competitors in the category. 

The Pros and Cons of the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+

Pros

• The steering feels exceptionally responsive and positive.
• Superior cornering grip 
• Excellent straight-line tracking and high-speed stability
• Good tread life and long treadwear warranty
• Exceptional dry traction
• Reliable traction and handling in wet and slick conditions
• Decent traction in light snowy conditions

Cons

• Below-average ride quality
• There is a noticeable tread growl at higher speeds
• Expensive

Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ Warranty

Treadwear warranty: 6 years or 45,000 miles. Half mileage if different sizes are used on the front than on the rear.

Uniformity warranty:  first year or first 2/32 inch of wear.

Materials and workmanship warranty: 6 years. Free replacement during the first year or first 2/32 inch of wear, then a prorated amount is given for the remaining period or down to the final 2/32 inch of tread depth.

Vehicles That Are Compatible with The Michelin Sport A/S 3 Plus

Michelin offers the A/S 3 Plus in a wide range of sizes starting from 16 to 22 inches. Some of the vehicles compatible with this tire model include: 

• Buick: Regal, Lucerne
• Honda: CRZ, Civic
• Chevrolet: Impala, Camaro, Monte Carlo SS, Corvette, Cobalt, Cruze, Malibu
• Ford: Contour, Fusion, Mustang GT, Explorer, Focus
• Mazda: RX-8, Mazda3, Miata
• Dodge: Challenger, Avenger, Charger
• Hyundai: Veloster, Sonata
• Nissan: Maxima, 370Z
• Lincoln: LS
• Subaru: Impreza, Legacy, BRZ, Outback 
• Jaguar: XKR, XK8
• Volkswagen: Passat, Jetta, GTi, CC Sport
• Mercury: Milan
• Acura: TL, RL, RSX
• Audi: A6, A4, A8L, TT
• BMW: 135i, 545i, 550i, 750Li, M5, M3, 330i
• Chrysler: 200
• Lexus: GS350, GS430, IS300, LS460L
• Mercedes-Benz: E550, SL55, SL500, SLK320, CLK430
• Pontiac: GTO, G8, G6, Grand Prix, Trans Am

Should You Buy the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+?

The A/S3 Plus is arguably one of the best ultra-high-performance all-season tires on the market. It simply checks all of the boxes for what most drivers want from this type of tire, and it excels at all of them.

Overall, if you want to improve the performance of your sports coupe or luxury sedan, this is one of the best options. It performs as expected and comes highly recommended.

Trail Tire Auto Centers offers competitive prices on Michelin tires, including the rest of the Pilot Sport line-up and other well-known brand tires. We offer low-cost shipping, vehicle maintenance, and tire and wheel installation services throughout Western Canada. 

You can purchase a set of Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ tires at a Trail Tire location near you or you can shop online today!