While not specialized in any one area of performance, these well-rounded players, particularly those from the premium brands, often provide a high level of satisfaction on the road in dry or wet conditions, as well as when the weather takes a turn for the worse. Even so, the tire manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to improve the performance, and therefore consumer satisfaction, from their mainstream tire offerings.
During the course of normal, day-to-day driving, the outright limits of a tire's traction are rarely approached, let alone reached. As the traction of the road surface drops, the likelihood of finding the limit increases. As a result, we rarely want for more traction in the dry, while some occasionally wish for an improvement in the wet, and it's not a stretch to say it's common for drivers to find the limit every time they drive in the snow. We have seen the result of this reality for years in our consumer ratings, as tires with poor light snow traction invariably fall to the bottom of the charts in Grand Touring All-Season in the Michelin crossclimate 2 review. To help prevent potential dissatisfaction, tire manufacturers are developing mainstream Grand Touring All-Season tires with light snow traction sufficient to earn the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol. While this type of tire was once colloquially (and inaccurately) known as an "all-weather" tire, the modern offerings are a significant departure from what were essentially de-tuned winter tires. These days, the 3PMSF symbol is just one part of the overall performance package delivered by a Grand Touring All-Season tire and is far from a defining trait that places all tires bearing it in a single group. A perfect example of this shift in focus is Michelin's new Cross Climate 2 review. While it is branded with the 3PMSF symbol, it is also designed to deliver category-leading wet traction; engaging driving dynamics; and a refined, quiet ride; not to mention impressive life and satisfying performance from new to worn. Our test team and consumers alike were very pleased with the Cross Climate's predecessor, and Michelin says the new tire should improve on the original in a meaningful way. With the Cross Climate 2 tire, Michelin continues to innovate into what is possible with an all-season tire. The design and angle of these tread blocks serve to deliver excellent grip in all weather conditions, while the channels between them work extremely efficiently to force water and slush away from the contact patch. The tire makes use of what Michelin calls 3-D SipeLock technology, which allows plenty of siping for grip in winter weather, while on dry roads. In the case of the Michelin Cross Climate 2 review, the vast majority of these opinions are positive. In fact, one of the only recurring criticisms relates to the fairly high price of this tire, which is easily explained by the level of research and development devoted to its production, as well as the technologies used. Apart from this “price” aspect, motorists who have chosen Cross Climate are of course delighted to be able to be satisfied with just one set of tires for the whole year. There is in fact no longer any need to worry about guarding unused tires.
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