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ChicagoT5

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I have read several negative comments on the Synchrones. I am just wondering what everyone thinks of the Synchrones.
 
Re: Michelin Synchrones - Good or Bad? (ChicagoT5)

I think there is strong feeling both ways on these tires. I have just a hair over 30K and they have been absolutely fine. I am looking at replacing them in the next few months. Not many options out there. I've read a lot of reviews of tires people are buying and can't find one that is consistently well liked. Of replacements I read-noisy, reduced fuel economy, rough, can't balance. So in the end I might just replace them with another set of Synchones.

Curt
 
Discussion starter · #4 ·
One thing that I find interesting is that there has been a ton of complaints on SS regarding the tires for all of my last 3 cars (Pirelli P6, Pirelli P-Zero, and Michelin Synchrone). However, I have had no issues.
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
Re: Michelin Synchrones - Good or Bad? (Legend)

Quote, originally posted by Legend »
I got rid of them the first week I had the car.

Why?
 
Re: Michelin Synchrones - Good or Bad? (ChicagoT5)

Noise and lack of snow traction. Traded them in on Goodyear Fortera Silent Armor. Much nicer ride, and better snow traction. Dealer gave me a nice trade in because of the high price of the synchrones. No regrets on the trade.
 
i thought when new they were amazing in the snow (as any new tire should be) and more than adequate with 20k. But I never use dedicated snows on any cars, and have been known to let my tires go wayyy too far. I prefer to have some cord showing on my VW...but I am the only driver of that.

I have the Pirelli Scorpians on our 2005 and they seem a bit louder, but ride nice and have a more aggresive look that I like.
 
Will have a set for sale next week

For sale shortly - set of 4 stock Michelin Synchrones 235-65-17. They have only 12,000 miles on them. no plugs or patches. I ordered some Nokians WRs because I need a more snow oriented tire for skiing and mountain travel.

Shoot me a reasonable offer if interested. Shipping would be about $75 or pickup in the Seattle area. Thanks
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2004 Nautic Blue XC90
 
Discussion starter · #12 ·
Re: Will have a set for sale next week (XC90 Black Saphire)

Quote, originally posted by XC90 Black Saphire »
BAD
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. They were bald at 28k, we've had the Nokian WR's for 13k so far.

Is early wear your only complaint?

How do you like the Nokians? Can you compare the two?
 
Re: Will have a set for sale next week (ChicagoT5)

First of all, they're from France.

Secondly, Michelin used to be my tire of choice, but I've since gone to Bridgestones or firestones, and I'm particularly fond of the Bridgestone line right now due to peformance and price.

For the XC90, however, my prior research indicated the Yoko Geolander was "the value" and since there are two Geolander tires out there, one more truck based, and the other more auto and SUV based, I suspect that's the difference we're hearing on the "noise factor".

Since I'm never buying anything again from France, unless it's a component on a manufactured product like a volvo headlight assembly, Michelins won't even be considered, at any price. Please don't ask why, and I won't offer why.

Our Michelins have 22,000 on them and I think they'd go to 30,000 if given the chance. Since we live on a hill where traction is sometimes pretty critical, our Michelins may not see their full potential. If so, we'll hoist the American flag and give em a proper and respectful burial.

Regards, Mr. P
 
Re: Will have a set for sale next week (Mr. P)

We used michelins till 42k on the 2003, lots of tread left. No problems during summer, great tire.
Lousy for winter, we use snow tires for 4.5 months a year, may have something to do with the longevity of the michelins.

Personally I like Michelins over other tires anyday, don't ask Mr P.
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Re: Will have a set for sale next week (obiwan)

They performed horribly in the snow, it was really sad. They only had about 12k too during the first winter. They did wear nice and evenly though..... The Nokians have been great but a bit soft and "squishy". Then again this is not a Porshe, its and XC90 so that aspect is up to the driver. They seem to be ok, they "should" be able to make it to 30k. I'm not sure if I'd get them again. The Michelins were so bad that we went to the other extreme and bought the Nokian all-season snow tire. I think in the future they might just be replaced with a good all-season...but time will tell. Overall the Nokians are a great tire.
 
Re: Will have a set for sale next week (XC90 Black Saphire)

Without putting to fine a point on it - they are crap. I agree with Black Saphire XC90. Ours were terrible on snow and wore out pretty quickly. When the snows come off in the spring we are going to upsize to 18 inch rims and the new Yokohamas.
 
Re: Michelin Synchrones - Good or Bad? (ChicagoT5)

Quote, originally posted by ChicagoT5 »
I have read several negative comments on the Synchrones. I am just wondering what everyone thinks of the Synchrones.
They have been fine 3-season road tires and pretty good off-pavement. I've had 2 flats that were repaired easily. I switch to winter tires as I live in the snow zone and don't find the Synchrones confidence-inspiring on ice but, of course, that's not what they are designed for. Complaints about poor tread life seem to be mixed--I've gotten over 30k on them like some other owners--so I suspect that rapid wear has to do with driving style or maintenance. There are many more choices now than there were a couple of years ago so I'm not sure what I'll replace the Synchrones with but more of the same is certainly a possibility.
 
Re: Michelin Synchrones - Good or Bad? (ChicagoT5)

Pretty good tire for two full seasons (including winter)...but terrible in the ice and snow. Even in more temperate climates in Vancouver BC, the Synchrones could not handle slush or ice without the ABS aggressively engaging on. I'll replace them with something else...probably Yokohamas G052s which are probably just a good tire and less expensive.
 
Discussion starter · #19 ·
We got a fraction of an inch of snow today. I drove the XC90 to the nearest empty parking lot and did some testing. These tires certainly do not excell in the snow! Hard to say how a different tire would have done, but the ABS and traction control were getting a workout.
 
Re: Michelin Synchrones - Good or Bad? (ChicagoT5)

I replaced my OE 17's at 33K miles with Bridgestone Alenza's. With just a 2K on them, the jury is still out, but so far I'm very pleased. Ride is very smooth and wet traction seems MUCH improved. No real snow yet, but anything has got to be better than the OE, those where horrible in snow/ice.
 
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