When we buy our first car, we’re filled with excitement and a sense of careful consideration. Testing out different brands of cars, and researching every option, we eagerly await the moment when we’ll be handed the keys. However, amidst all the anticipation, we often forget about one essential part of the car: the tires.
While some car companies manufacture their tires, many others establish partnerships with tire manufacturers to provide recommended options for their vehicles. Therefore, it is a must to have some knowledge about them. Although tires are the most underrated part of the car and not many people talk about it, thinking of it as a car with bad tires is like a person with bad shoes. A person wearing worn-out shoes lacks comfort, mobility, and overall well-being, leading to discomfort, foot pain, and potential injuries.
Similarly, bad tires on a car diminish its grip, traction, and handling, making it prone to accidents and compromising the safety of the driver and passengers. It is the only part of the car that is in direct contact with the road.
Now, amidst these various tire manufacturers, two heavyweights stand tall: Falken Tires and Michelin. They’ve earned their stripes in the industry, consistently delivering top-notch products. In this article, you will be given enough content for you to be able to decide which of the two will suit you better.
We’ll dive into the features and characteristics that set Falken Tires and Michelin apart, all while considering their placement within the price-performance spectrum. You will also be given links to purchase the said tires without wasting any more time.
Falken vs Michelin: A Comprehensive Tire Comparison
When comparing the two it is essential to consider several key factors like features, technologies, and considerations that would guide our tire selection process. Following are some aspects that you can compare between the two tire brands:
Performance
Performance-wise, it’s important to note that both brands offer a range of tire models designed for different purposes and vehicle types. However, Michelin generally has a reputation for producing high-quality tires with a focus on performance and innovation.
| Michelin Tires | Falken Tires |
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Michelin tires are known for their excellent traction and grip, providing confident handling and stability in various driving conditions, and are recognized for their precise steering response and excellent braking capabilities, allowing for enhanced control and safety on the road.
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Falken tires are considered to offer good performance at a more affordable price and are cost-effective. While not typically regarded as top-tier performance tires like Michelin, Falken tires still provide satisfactory performance in terms of grip, handling, and overall durability. Falken offers a wide range of tire models, including all-season, high-performance, and off-road options, catering to different driving needs and preferences. |
| Some Falken tires do provide better road traction control compared to some Michelin tires but according to the reviews, Falkens are generally weaker when factoring in dry road braking on most of its tires | Michelin ultimately leads in dry road performance all due to their advanced tire compound formulations. The high-quality rubber compound in their tires is all Michelin needs to gain the extra edge over Falken to ensure a confident driving experience on dry roads. |
| Wet and snowy road conditions are where Falken shines and where Michelin needs improvement. By incorporating advanced tread designs that effectively disperse water, reducing the risk of hydroplaning they provide stability, control, and confidence when driving on wet roads. | On July 17, 2019, Michelins withheld tests on the OAMTC track in Tees Dorf, Austria, near Vienna to emphasize the importance of the condition of tires in different situations particularly on wet roads, and used the information to improve their tires’ wet road performance |
Ultimately, the performance comparison between Falken and Michelin tires can vary depending on the specific tire models being compared. Michelin generally focuses on delivering premium performance and innovative technologies, while Falken aims to offer reliable performance at a more accessible price. It’s recommended to consider individual tire models and read reviews to make a more detailed and informed comparison based on your specific requirements and budget.
Michelin All-Season Tires
- Featuring performance that lasts right down to the last mile, the MICHELIN Premier LTX all-season tire delivers safety and comfort every time. MICHELIN EverGrip Technologies provide super road handling and grip for the entire life of the tire.
Falken All-Season Tires
- The ZIEX ZE950 All-Season incorporates the latest in technology and design from Falken to create an excellent choice for drivers of today’s sedans, sports cars, and crossover vehicles where mileage, all-season, and high-performance handling are a priority.
Warranty
| Warranty Coverage | Falken Tires | Michelin Tires |
| Treadwear Warranty |
Falken offers a 55,000-mile tread life warranty and 50-year customer support regarding workmanship and materials, starting when the tire was produced. Varies by model; specific mileage guarantee |
Michelin, however, takes advantage of a tread life warranty with a 60,000-mile tread life warranty. Typically offered with a specified mileage guarantee |
| Warranty Period | Every Falken radial tire is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for the usable life of the original tread within six years of the date of production (for 2021 produced and newer) based on the tire DOT serial number. | Michelin tires are covered by a limited warranty, which covers defects in workmanship, labor, and materials for the life of the tread or 6 years from the date of purchase, whichever comes first. |
Availability
- Michelin has 21 patterns available for Car Tires.
- Falken has 14 patterns available for Car Tires.
At first glance, it may seem like Michelin has a lot more available models compared to Falken, which is true but Falken has superior off-road capable tires. So, to sum up, both companies’ availability on tires, Michelin offers a wider range of size options and more variety in touring options, especially at the higher end.
Technology
Falken tires
- 4D Nano Design
- Innovative Tread Patterns
- Dual Tread Compound
- Run-Flat Technology
- Noise-Reducing Technologies
Michelin tires
- EverGrip Technology
- 3D Sipes
- MaxTouch Construction
- Silica-Based Tire Compounds
Pros and Cons of Falken and Michelin Tires
Durability
Michelin typically has a more durable and sustainable design than Falken. Its tires last between 45,000-85,000 miles or 72,400-136,800 km. Its lifespan is about 5-10 years. A number that’s been specified by the Michelin tire age recommendation. Rapid tread wear is one of the problems with falken tires.
Cost
It is well known that Falken is positioned as a mid-range brand, while Michelin is recognized as a premium brand, therefore labeling it as the company with a higher price tag.
Falken offers a range of tires, including all-season models, at more affordable prices ranging from approximately $120 to $250. Their top-tier tires can reach around $300.
On the other hand, Michelin tires generally fall within the price range of $180 to $400.
Despite the comparatively lower prices of Falken tires, they are designed to maintain a high level of quality and performance, surprising some customers who may expect compromises in quality due to the lower cost.
Comfort
Michelin prioritizes the driver’s comfort, making it perfect for long drives as opposed to Falken. Whereas Falken is the tire you need if you want to take a ride outside the countryside. If you are a biker who likes to drift on mountainous trails, then Falken tires would be the right tires for you.
Which brand to choose?
It’s recommended to refer to the official documentation or consult authorized dealers for detailed information on the technologies incorporated in specific tire models from Falken and Michelin. However, according to your driving habits, you can easily distinguish which brand will suit you better.
Consider factors such as your typical driving conditions, mileage expectations, and desired performance attributes. Michelin tires are often associated with premium quality and innovative technology, delivering excellent traction, handling, and longevity. They may come at a higher price point, but they are renowned for their consistent performance and durability.
So, do take note if you are a smooth driver and maximum performance is your priority, then Michelin is the tire for you. That does not mean that Falken does not provide good performance. In fact, as stated before it has even better performance off-road. You could say that Falken has a decent balance between price and performance. Therefore, if the price is something you worry about, Falken is an excellent option.
While choosing tires do not forget to assess the weather and road conditions you frequently encounter to determine if specialized tires are necessary. Lastly, consult your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for guidance on selecting tires that are compatible with your vehicle. Consulting with a tire dealer or automotive professional can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs and help you make an informed decision.
Popular Michelin Tires
Pilot Sport 4S
The new Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S offers exceptional grip, steering precision, and control, even at high speed. Fall in love with your car’s untapped potential with the best maximum-performance tire.
Anakee Wild Dual-Sport Radial Tire
The Michelin Anakee Wild tire is Michelin’s offering for the 50/50 on/off-road adventure tire market. Despite the tires’ aggressive tread design the Michelin Anakee Wild tire has excellent on-road manners due to the available radial tire construction and the consistent tread design from shoulder to shoulder.
Popular Falken Tires
Azenis FK510
Falken Azenis FK510 All Season Radial Tire-245/35ZR21 96Y XL-ply provides optimum levels of dry, wet, ice, and snow grip as well as delivering some of the longest mileage of any Falken high-performance tire.
Sincera SN250A
Specifically designed to provide class-leading durability, all-season performance, and ride comfort, the new SINCERA SN250 All-Season truly delivers. Using Falken’s proprietary Dynamic Range Technology (DRT), the SN250 A/S ensures maximum grip at a wider range of operating temperatures for exceptional dry and wet traction.
FAQs
Is Falken owned by Michelin?
Falken is independent of Michelin and is a part of SUMITOMO RUBBER NORTH AMERICA, INC., based in Rancho Cucamonga, California, which serves as the corporate headquarters.
What tire is comparable to Michelin?
The Falken Sincera stands out as an excellent tire option, offering a level of performance that can be considered on par with certain all-season tires from Michelin. Consistently delivering reliable performance across various terrains, it showcases its versatility and dependability.
Is Michelin the best tire in the world?
Michelin Tires are in general rated 4.5 out of 5.0 stars and are recognized as the overall best company in 2022. Michelin’s strong industry reputation, variety of available tires, affordable pricing, and overwhelmingly positive customer reviews make purchasing Michelin tires a smart choice.
Are Falken tires good quality?
Undoubtedly, Falken is renowned for its highly affordable high-performance tires designed to excel in diverse terrains. The quality of Falken tires is further reinforced by robust warranty assurances, providing customers with added confidence and peace of mind.
Do Michelin tires provide better fuel efficiency than Falken tires?
Michelin tires are generally known for their emphasis on fuel efficiency, utilizing advanced technologies to improve fuel economy. Whereas Falken tires may not prioritize fuel efficiency to the same extent, they do offer reliable performance and traction.
Are there any notable customer reviews or ratings comparing Michelin and Falken tires?
Customer reviews and ratings comparing Michelin and Falken tires can vary depending on individual preferences, driving conditions, and tire models. However, it is worth noting that Michelin tires often receive high praise for their performance, durability, and overall quality. According to research and methodology, the top ten tire brands include Michelin as of 2023.
Falken Tires also have a loyal customer base who appreciate their affordability and solid performance. While they may not always match the reputation and prestige of Michelin, Falken tires are always appreciated and recognized for providing a good balance of performance and value for the price.
Conclusion
To conclude this article it is safe to say that when making the decision between Falken and Michelin Tires, you need to recognize that there are various factors to consider. Both brands have their strengths in terms of sustainability and performance, but Michelin has established itself as a dominant force in the tire-making industry, renowned for its exceptional quality and overall excellence. However, this is not to say that Falken falls short. Falken offers an impressive lineup of cost-effective, high-performance tires that cater to a wide range of driving needs. It also has earned a reputation for delivering reliable traction and handling across various terrains, making them a popular choice among cost-conscious consumers who still seek quality and dependability.
Ultimately, your decision should be based on a thorough evaluation of your specific needs and priorities. Assess your budget constraints, driving patterns, and the specific features and benefits offered by each brand and tire model. Reading customer reviews and seeking recommendations from tire experts can also provide valuable insights.
