MICHELIN: PILOT SPORT A/S 3+

* PRICES QUOTED INCLUDE: Mounting, balancing, valve stems(excludes tpms) and alignment check. Prices may vary from one store to another or from one date to another. Tires listed may not be in stock at the identified store. Prices listed were received from individual stores and have not been verified by Big O Tires. Please call the Big O Tires Store of your choice for up-to-date information and details on pricing, additional charges and product availability.

The speed rating is a measure of what speed the tire can safely maintain for sustained periods of time. A higher speed rating will generally indicate that you will have better control and handling characteristics. Speed rating standards are established by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Manufacturers assign speed ratings to tires after extensive performance testing. On the sidewall of every tire, you’ll find one of these speed rating codes:

M – Up to 81 mph
N – Up to 87 mph
P – Up to 93 mph
Q – Up to 99 mph
R – Up to 106 mph
S – Up to 112 mph
T – Up to 118 mph
H – Up to 130 mph
V – Up to 149 mph
W – Up to 168 mph
Y – Up to 186 mph
Z – (See Below)

What does ‘Up to 99 mph’ really mean?
Tires with a Q speed rating can safely sustain speeds of up to 99 miles per hour. The tire may be able to reach higher speeds, but traveling at speeds higher than 99 mph for any length of time would be unsafe - the tire is not designed to handle it.

What is a Z Rating?
For tires having a maximum speed capability above 149 mph, a Z rating may appear in the size designation ...above 186 mph, a Z rating must appear in the size designation, including a Y speed symbol in brackets.

A Few Tips About Speed Ratings…
Never mix tires with different speed ratings, as this may cause serious handling problems.

We don’t recommend downgrading the speed rating of your tires, as the vehicle manufacturer has done extensive testing to determine which tires match the various driving characteristics of the vehicle. However, if you are looking for better handling, there is generally no problem in moving up to a higher speed-rated tire.

Most importantly: Put safety first. The speeds shown are test speeds; they are not recommended speeds.

A comparative grade based on the tire’s resistance to heat and its ability to dissipate heat, again as measured under controlled conditions. The grades, from highest to lowest, are designated A – B – C. An A-rated tire is the coolest running, while a C-rating meets the minimum federal performance standards. These temperature grades are set based on a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.

A comparative grade based on the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement, again as measured under controlled conditions on wet asphalt and concrete surfaces. The grades, from highest to lowest, are designated AA – A – B – C. A tire that is graded AA should have better traction or stopping performance than a tire with a lower grade, based on the specific straight-ahead braking tests.

A comparative grade based on the actual wear of the tire’s tread when tested under specific controlled conditions. All tires are tested under the same conditions to allow for comparison between manufacturers and between different lines of tires from the same manufacturer. The system is fairly easy to understand. A tire with a treadwear grade of 400 should have a useful tread life approximately twice as long as a tire with a treadwear grade of 200. The higher the grade, the better the expected treadwear.

Looking for new tires with optimal traction? Or are long-lasting treads a bigger priority? There’s a simple way to compare tire specs!

The Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) system was developed by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to assist consumers in the purchase of their tires by providing a standard grading system used by all tire manufacturers. Tire manufacturers use the UTQG system to grade their tires in three important areas: treadwear, traction and temperature. The UTQG grade for each tire is shown on the paper label affixed to the tire and is also molded in the sidewall.

Treadwear Grade – A comparative grade based on the actual wear of the tire’s tread when tested under specific controlled conditions. All tires are tested under the same conditions to allow for comparison between manufacturers and between different lines of tires from the same manufacturer. The system is fairly easy to understand. A tire with a treadwear grade of 400 should have a useful tread life approximately twice as long as a tire with a treadwear grade of 200. The higher the grade, the better the expected treadwear.

Traction Grade – A comparative grade based on the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement, again as measured under controlled conditions on wet asphalt and concrete surfaces. The grades, from highest to lowest, are designated AA – A – B – C. A tire that is graded AA should have better traction or stopping performance than a tire with a lower grade, based on the specific straight-ahead braking tests.

Temperature Grade – A comparative grade based on the tire’s resistance to heat and its ability to dissipate heat, again as measured under controlled conditions. The grades, from highest to lowest, are designated A – B – C. An A-rated tire is the coolest running, while a C-rating meets the minimum federal performance standards. These temperature grades are set based on a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.

UTQG is a great way to compare tires from various manufacturers and between specific lines from the same manufacturer. Remember: The UTQG isn’t a safety rating and it doesn’t guarantee a tire’s mileage performance - but you can use the UTQG in conjunction with price, warranty, appearance and recommendations to make the right tire choice for your needs. If you have any questions about UTQG or various tire lines, the Big O Tires team is always ready to help!

Every tire’s load rating is stamped into its sidewall. Once you know the load rating, you can use the chart below to determine the amount of weight that one tire can support. Then just multiply the weight by four - or the number of wheels on your vehicle - to determine your vehicle’s maximum load-carrying capacity.

Sometimes the maximum load (for example, 1060 kg) will be stamped into the sidewall so that you don't have to decipher the load rating. Remember: never install tires with a lower load-carrying capacity than the tires that were installed on your vehicle by the manufacturer!

The load rating is a measure of the tire's strength — its ability to hold air pressure under load.

The load rating influences the sidewall strength of a vehicle tire. If a tire has a load rating that is too low, the handling of the vehicle could become unstable as the sidewall buckles under the vehicle's weight. Conversely, a much higher load rating than needed can dramatically harshen ride quality.

The recommended load rating for a vehicle's tires can be found in its owner's manual. It is also normally affixed to a sticker located on one of the vehicle's door jams. If you are replacing tires supplied with the vehicle from the manufacturer, the load rating written on the tires is an appropriate guide.

There are other codes on some tires that provide you with additional information, some of which are specific to light truck tire applications. Some of the other codes that you might find on your tires include:

LT = Stands for light truck application. Example: LT235/85R16
C, D or E = Load range indication for light truck applications
REIN = Reinforced
OWL = Outlined White Letters
RWL = Raised White Letters
ORWL = Outlined Raised White Letters
B, BLK, BW, BSW = Blackwall or Black Sidewall
W, WW, WSE – Whitewall or White Sidewall
XNW = Extra Narrow White Width
XL = Extra Load Capacity

The linear distance between the outside sidewalls of an inflated tire without any load (exclusive of protruding side ribs and decorations).

Prices quoted do not include additional charges for sales taxes, mounting and balancing, valve stems, tire disposal fees, state recycling fees, tire protection plans and other charges. Prices may vary from one store to another or from one date to another. Tires listed may not be in stock at the identified store. Prices listed were received from individual stores and have not been verified by Big O Tires. Please call the Big O Store of your choice for up-to-date information and details on pricing, additional charges and product availability.

What is TPMS?

TPMS is an electronic system that monitors the air pressure in your tires and alerts you when they are under- or over-inflated. Proper tire inflation not only boosts your safety, but also the life of the tire and its fuel economy.

Some components of the TPMS sensor may need to be replaced due to wear and corrosion over time. Our TPMS rebuild kit includes all the necessary parts to service your TPMS sensor and keep this important safety feature functioning properly.

About TPMS

Protect Your Purchase!

Have you considered our Tire Protection Package?

Available with purchase of new, non-Big O brand tires, TPP includes the following comprehensive coverage:

• 3-Year Full Free Repair or Replacement Road Hazard

• 3-Year Full Free Replacement Workmanship & Materials

• 3-Year Free 24/7 Flat Tire Change

• Limited Lifetime Prorated Repair
  or Replacement Coverage

• Free Rotations and Rebalance for the Useful Life of Tire

• Limited Mileage Warranty

Tire Protection ... On Us!

Your Big O brand tire purchase includes our Tire Protection Package, free of charge. Protection includes complimentary rotations and rebalances for the life of the tire, as well as 24-hour Roadside Assistance, available nationwide. Plus, we'll repair, replace or refund your tire in the event that it is damaged, free of charge for 3 years (pro-rated after).

Drive away with confidence and peace of mind. We've got you covered. See Tire Warranty terms for details.

Protect Your Investment!

Available with the purchase of qualifying new tires, our Tire Protection Package provides comprehensive coverage you can count on. It includes complimentary rotations and rebalances for the life of the tire, as well as 24-hour Roadside Assistance, available nationwide. Plus, we'll repair, replace or refund your tire in the event that it is damaged, free of charge for 3 years (pro-rated after).

Add TPP to your purchase today, and drive away with confidence and peace of mind. We've got you covered. See Tire Warranty terms for details.