Read our Frequently Asked Questions.
Tires 101 is Michelin's educational resource covering everything drivers need to know about tires — from how they're made to how to read the sidewall markings. It's built for everyday drivers who want to make smarter, safer tire decisions without needing an automotive background. Whether you're buying tires for the first time or just want to know what that string of numbers on your current tires actually means, start here.
Tire life depends on driving habits, load, inflation, and road conditions, so there's no universal mileage number. Most tires should be inspected closely after five years and replaced by ten years regardless of tread appearance. On a day-to-day basis, check your tread depth regularly and replace tires when they reach 2/32 inch (1.6 mm) — the legal minimum in the US.
For best performance and safety, yes. Michelin recommends mounting four identical tires — same brand, model, load index, and speed rating. Mismatched tires can create handling imbalances, especially during emergency maneuvers. If you're replacing fewer than four, put the new tires on the rear axle to help maintain vehicle stability.
Check the sticker on the inside of your driver's side door jamb. It lists your vehicle manufacturer's recommended tire size and correct inflation pressure. You'll see a code like 225/65R17. Your owner's manual has the same information. You can also use Michelin's tire finder tool on this site by entering your vehicle year, make, and model.
All-season tires (marked M+S) work well in mild climates but are not certified for severe snow — their rubber stiffens in cold temperatures. All-weather tires carry the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol and are a year-round option for climates with genuine winters, since their compound stays pliable in the cold. Winter tires (also 3PMSF-rated) are purpose-built for ice, packed snow, and sustained temperatures below 45°F — they deliver the best cold-weather performance but should be swapped out when spring arrives.
No. Mixing tire types across axles creates unpredictable handling. Putting winter tires only on the front drive wheels of a front-wheel-drive car is a common mistake — the rear end loses traction during braking, which can cause oversteer and loss of control. Winter tires should always be installed as a full set of four.
