Writing about the
Michelin CrossClimate given
77% (195-55-16-H)
Driving on
mostly country roads for 20000
average miles
Have ran the original CrossClimates for a couple of years now up in Cumbria. Wet and dry performance has been great, I don't push the limits but do drive fairly quick when I need to, usually I try to drive as economically as possible. They have worn really evenly across the tread and never really felt like a worn tire like others usually do as you get below 3mm. Michelin weren't lying about their efforts to maintain performance as the tire wears, while I'm sure it does change, it doesn't seem like it. They've also been very stable regardless of the temperature.
Saw snow twice, the first time was maybe 1-2 inches down but small FWD estate that was 4-up managed a 13 degree uphill incline covered in snow and slush without too much drama. It wandered laterally a little bit but once it found grip it was away, not bad considering the tread would have been at around 3.5mm at that point in time. The 2nd time with newer tires, the ol' Beast from the East struck us and our village was cut off for a few days as we'd had over a foot of snow down. Needless to say it caused trouble and even the farmers in their tractors were spinning their drive wheels hunting for grip. The problem was a 2" thick layer of ice sitting underneath all the snow. On day 2 I cleared the snow from around the car and attempted to move it, silly idea that was. Looking back, I don't think anything other than studded tires would have worked due to the ice, even a metal shovel struggled to break it up.
All in all they have been good tires, no scary moments to speak of. I agree with many of the test results regarding aquaplaning as it does seem a weakness compared to other tires I've used in the past and they tend to bounce through deep puddles rather than cut through them. On the open road in heavy rain though I've not had any aquaplaning issues but then most of my driving is very rough country lanes. Which not only harbour endless puddles and potholes but also seem to shred tires faster than normal. They only had 6mm tread when new which was disappointing, hopefully the CC+ will have improved on this.