Michelin Primacy 4+ RG 225/50 R18 99W XL

Description

The Michelin Primacy 4+ RG 225/50 R18 99W XL is a premium Grand Touring Summer tire designed for passenger cars, sedans, coupes, and SUVs. It’s the successor to the highly successful Primacy 4, building on its strengths with notable improvements.

Michelin’s Primacy line focuses on providing a safe, comfortable, and long-lasting driving experience. The “4+” signifies its position as an evolved version of the Primacy 4, while “RG” refers to “Rim Guard” or “Rim Protection,” a common feature that extends beyond the rim flange to help protect the wheel from curb damage.

Understanding the Tire Specifications: Michelin Primacy 4+ RG 225/50 R18 99W XL

• 225: The tire width is 225 millimeters.
• 50: The aspect ratio is 50, meaning the sidewall height is 50% of the width. This indicates a relatively low profile, contributing to responsive handling.
• R: Denotes Radial construction.
• 18: The rim diameter is 18 inches.
• 99: The Load Index is 99, meaning each tire can carry a maximum load of 775 kg (1709 lbs).
• W: The Speed Rating is W, indicating the tire is safely rated for speeds up to 270 km/h (168 mph), placing it in the Ultra High Performance (UHP) category.
• XL: Stands for “Extra Load,” meaning the tire has a reinforced construction to support higher load capacities compared to a standard-load tire of the same size. This is common for modern vehicles, especially SUVs and electric vehicles, which tend to be heavier.

Key Features and Technology (Michelin Primacy 4+): Michelin Primacy 4+ RG 225/50 R18 99W XL

The Primacy 4+ integrates Michelin’s advanced technologies to deliver safety, longevity, and comfort throughout its lifespan.

• EverGrip Technology (Latest Generation): This is a core innovation of the Primacy 4 and 4+. It involves a two-layer rubber compound that adapts as the tire wears. The self-regenerating tread pattern and different rubber hardnesses ensure consistent wet braking performance and aquaplaning resistance, even when the tire is worn down to its legal limit. This directly addresses the common issue of reduced wet grip as tires age.
• Safety Made to Last: Michelin’s philosophy behind the Primacy 4+ emphasizes maintaining high levels of performance, particularly in wet braking, from the first mile to the last. This is a significant improvement over many competitors whose wet performance degrades more rapidly with wear.
• MaxTouch Construction: This technology optimizes the tire’s contact patch with the road by distributing the forces of acceleration, braking, and cornering evenly across the tread, promoting uniform wear and extending the tire’s lifespan.
• Optimized Tread Pattern: The tread design is engineered with an optimized sculpture that provides 22% more space to evacuate water than its predecessor, further enhancing wet grip and reducing hydroplaning risk.
• Quiet and Comfortable Ride: Michelin designs the Primacy line for touring comfort. The tread pattern and construction are optimized to reduce road noise and absorb vibrations, providing a smooth and quiet driving experience, ideal for long journeys and daily commuting.
• Fuel Efficiency: The tire is engineered for reduced rolling resistance, contributing to better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions.
• Rim Protector (RG): The “RG” marking confirms the presence of a rim protection feature, a raised rubber bead on the sidewall that helps shield the wheel rim from curb damage.

Improvements over Primacy 4: Michelin Primacy 4+ RG 225/50 R18 99W XL

The Primacy 4+ specifically improves upon the Primacy 4 by offering:

• Stronger braking performance when worn: This is the most significant enhancement, achieved through the refined EverGrip technology, ensuring safety is maintained deeper into the tire’s life.
• Potentially better manufacturing consistency due to newer production techniques.

Performance Characteristics: Michelin Primacy 4+ RG 225/50 R18 99W XL

• Season: Summer tire. It is not designed for use in freezing temperatures, snow, or ice.
• Handling: Responsive and precise handling on dry and wet roads, providing confident control.
• Braking: Excellent braking distances, particularly notable in wet conditions and maintained even as the tire wears.
• Comfort & Noise: A strong point, offering a very comfortable and quiet ride, making it suitable for luxury and family vehicles.
• Longevity: Engineered for superior tread life, often providing more mileage than competitors in its class.
• Fuel Efficiency: Good ratings for rolling resistance contribute to fuel savings.