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[demas]

I recently noticed these 'longitudinal' cracks where the tread meets the sidewall.

These pictures are from my F10 with PS4S. Both rear tires, fronts don't seem affected.

Looking to get new tires for the 135 and really want to go with PS4S's on them. Saw in other forums folks having similar issues with these tires - some opinions are that this is common with Michelin.

I absolutely love these tires and have nothing but praise. I ran PSS's previously and also loved them.


- Date code on the first pic is 4520, second one is 1019
- I've started parking outside for about 2 years now - prior to that it was garaged
- No notable issues with performance
- Doesn't get very cold here in winter, we may get down to 3~4 Centigrade for a short period
- I run 3.0 Bar pressure on all fours
- The only dressing I use is Autoglym which I don't think is causing them to dry out
- I'm still on my original PS4S's on the fronts, the rears are my second set. Fronts are date coded mid 2019.
- Interestingly, both fronts are Made in the USA while both rears are Made in France - I wouldn't think compounds/make is different.


Anyone have similar issues with your PS4S?

[BigZ88]

What are the temperatures like where you are recently?

With a lot of performance tires, if temperatures drop below freezing, the tires need to be allowed to come up to 40+ deg f for 24 hours prior to driving.

[ZHPizza]

Driving in low temperatures caused some cracking in my old PSS but what jumped out to me more then as the pressure of 3.0 bar. Are you saying that you're keeping them at 43psi? That seems like a lot.

[demas]

Originally Posted by BigZ88

What are the temperatures like where you are recently?

With a lot of performance tires, if temperatures drop below freezing, the tires need to be allowed to come up to 40+ deg f for 24 hours prior to driving.

Thanks. It has not gone to below freezing since I've had the tires - also the front tires don't exhibit these lines either. It's between 40~50F right now.

Originally Posted by ZHPizza

Driving in low temperatures caused some cracking in my old PSS but what jumped out to me more then as the pressure of 3.0 bar. Are you saying that you're keeping them at 43psi? That seems like a lot.

Yes. I like to run them a little higher between 2.8~3.0 seems to feel the best.


Here is one of the threads from a Civic forum. Pictures on the first post look nearly - but slightly worse - as mine. Page 3 has some views from a supposed Michelin dealer at a shop:

"I've made my living of 20yrs in the tire/auto repair business just to preface my input on this situation. I am also currently a michelin dealer at the shop I am employed at. It is not uncommon to see michelin tires showing this type of cracking over time. It's not indicative of a separation waiting to happen or anything catastrophic that is impending. It shouldn't be there, but you're not about to die in a fiery car crash or anything. It has nothing to do with tire dressing or the temperature you have driven or stored the tires...Its just how the cookie crumbles."

[BigZ88]

Have you registered your tires with Michelin?

Michelin Registration

I’d do that and contact them about the issue.

[iminhell1]

That is "dry rot".
Basically the tire has lost it's full potential and shouldn't be pushed as hard as if it where new. The shoulders will chunk out.
Just day to day driving you'll probably be fine 'til they ware out.
Auto-x day's, fine.
Lapping days, no.

[demas]

many thanks all for the feedback. They will be replaced soon but just wanted to know from other PS4S users here if they have experienced similar seemingly pre-mature cracking.

my hunch is the compound used on the S version is probably more susceptible to this than the regular PS4 which I could go with on the E82 instead.

This is the first 'problem' I've had with Michelin using them over 12 years straight so I'm staying with the brand. Have had my share of issues with Pirelli, Conti's and Yokohama and I don't particularly like Bridgestone.


at any rate, cheers.

[ShocknAwe]

There are small cracks in mine. I'll be switching to AD09 (best contender I think) or RE71R this summer.

[lemansblau135is]

Now you have me wanting to check my tires when I get home

[sibanez]

I really wouldn't worry about that. Falken RT660s have similar "cracking", but with the tread.

Those temps shouldn't impact the tire too much.

If you want to try another tire, the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 2 is probably the droid you are looking for. Better in the wet, tend to manage temps better and doesn't wear as much on camber-challenged cars.

The Pilot Sport 4S is an awesome tire, but has its limits. When pushed on track, you'll see chunking and excessive wear on the front, unless your camber is set up just right. What you are showing looks similar, I think it's just where the rubber mold stops. I've had the 4S chunk badly during a HPDE and never had issues with the tire, you'll live.

The Continental is a bit more friendly and wears more evenly. You lose a tiny bit of dry traction, but only the smallest.

The RE71RS is an awesome tire, but it isn't really meant to be a daily driver. They wear quickly and will heat cycle out before the tread is gone. Pretty much any 200TW tire will due this.

Plus, you won't notice the difference in traction on the streets, you are talking about maybe 1.5 to 2 seconds on a 60-second autocross course.

[iminhell1]

From what I'm reading, that 'crack' is a tread splice. It seems to be more common far as the internet is saying than I'd feel comfortable with. And I absolutely would not put up with it. It's a warranty and safety issue for sure. Sounds like TR is good in replacing them. Anyone else, who knows.

I can say that the tires I've beat up over the years I've never seen a splice like that. And I don't recall seeing any of the local auto-x cars with that issue.