michelin tyres

DICKWIZ

i wanna know the difference between michelin energy 195/60 r15 XH1
and other michelin's the same size please .
Are the XH1's old stock or what?

RufusA

Essentially there are a number of differences.

Michelin like other tyre manufacturers produce a large range of tyres designed for different applications, with different characteristics.

For example tyres come with a speed rating letter. Your car handbook will specify a *minimum* speed rating (e.g. H or V).

The XH1 have a speed rating of H and if fitted to a car that requires a V rated tyre it may disintegrate if placed under load for a long period of time! However if maintained correctly it will be totally suitable for a car that requires an H rated tyre.

A V rated tyre typically costs more than an H rated tyre, and may last less time as they typically have softer compounds in them to make them more "grippy".

Then there are tread pattens, sidewall strength / shape, compound, wear characteristics, rolling resistance etc.

AFAIK XH1's have only been available for 2 years, so it is unlikely to be old stock.

If trying to choose tyres, your best bet would be to find a local independent tyre place you can trust and get advice on what is suitable. Don't just limit yourself to considering one brand alone, and if the tyre place tells you "These are good tyres as they are made by xxxxx who also make F1 tyres" walk away.

Most manufacturers produce some really excellent tyres, and also some truly awful tyres!

For breif reviews of different tyres, look at:

http://www.tyres-online.co.uk/tyretest/tests.asp

For example the XH1 is described as:

Comparative Strengths - Rolling Resistance, Dry Handling, Comfort, Rolling Resistance, Noise

Comparative Weaknesses - Braking Distances, Instability in Wet, Wet Performance

HTH - Rufus.

DICKWIZ

Re.Michelin tyres.
Thankyou Rufus nice to know there is someone knowledgeable in this sphere and willing to spare the time to help
Regards,
DICKWIZ