Michelin XAS

These XAS radials were what my Dad always fitted to the family Ford Granada estate car back in the 1980s; some sizes are still available from Michelin Classic. I remember these tyres being very good and dependable: we never had to change them due to failure or puncture in many years of family holidays, even towing a caravan and fully loaded with lots of luggage, two parents and three large boys. They were quiet at all speeds and on most road surfaces; they gripped well on wet and dry tarmac and concrete, around corners and while braking. Each set lasted many thousands of miles over several years despite my Dad being a quite aggressive driver. With him at the wheel the Michelins never squealed or slid, despite his hauling the heavy car around corners often a bit too quickly for me and his passengers.

The only weaknesses of the Michelin XAS were what you might expect from a tyre with no winter or off-road credentials: very little grip on winter snow and ice, and poor traction on the wet grass and mud often encountered on British farm caravan sites. These tyres will probably be expensive, but are worth the price for on-road use in spring, summer and autumn.