Michelin Cross Climate 3 Sport review
Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2025 3:29 pm
Had a full set of these fitted to my Audi at Costco today. As an aside, the Costco tyre fitting service was first rate but I'd never been to the store before (you don't actually need to go into it for the tyres, but there's nowhere to sit and wait at the Coventry one at least).
Having joined Costco online I found the e-mail telling me they don't send out membership cards, which I assumed meant I simply gave them my details or could get a virtual card for my phone. Oh no, I had to wait for a long queue at the returns desk to go down then show my ID, have a photo taken and they printed a physical card. Which I was not allowed to use for 10 minutes - I couldn't even go and have a hot dog at the in store cafe while waiting
Back to the tyres. I've done over 48,000 miles on two sets of Conti Sport Contact 6 in Audi specific spec, so I'm used to them and like them very much. The Michelins haven't changed the overall character of my car, I am pleased to report. Comparisons after 40 miles of mostly sub-60mph country lanes and town in 17C+ dry conditions:
- The Michelins make a bit more noise on coarse surfaces, such as roads which has surface dressing within the last year. But not terrible at all.
- They feel grippy; good steering response and no extra understeer compared to the Contis (and Audis don't just understeer these days; at least mine doesn't).
- The sidewalls feel a little softer but they are slightly more crashy over bumps and lumps round town.
- Very stable mid-bend, not quite as good directional stability in a straight line (but very little difference really).
Overall they aren't quite up to a decent summer tyre but they're 90% there. Obviously that's a compromise I hope will prove worth it when the weather turns. I'm pleased with them but not yet impressed, except with how they look which is really nice. I'm a tart.
Having joined Costco online I found the e-mail telling me they don't send out membership cards, which I assumed meant I simply gave them my details or could get a virtual card for my phone. Oh no, I had to wait for a long queue at the returns desk to go down then show my ID, have a photo taken and they printed a physical card. Which I was not allowed to use for 10 minutes - I couldn't even go and have a hot dog at the in store cafe while waiting
Back to the tyres. I've done over 48,000 miles on two sets of Conti Sport Contact 6 in Audi specific spec, so I'm used to them and like them very much. The Michelins haven't changed the overall character of my car, I am pleased to report. Comparisons after 40 miles of mostly sub-60mph country lanes and town in 17C+ dry conditions:
- The Michelins make a bit more noise on coarse surfaces, such as roads which has surface dressing within the last year. But not terrible at all.
- They feel grippy; good steering response and no extra understeer compared to the Contis (and Audis don't just understeer these days; at least mine doesn't).
- The sidewalls feel a little softer but they are slightly more crashy over bumps and lumps round town.
- Very stable mid-bend, not quite as good directional stability in a straight line (but very little difference really).
Overall they aren't quite up to a decent summer tyre but they're 90% there. Obviously that's a compromise I hope will prove worth it when the weather turns. I'm pleased with them but not yet impressed, except with how they look which is really nice. I'm a tart.