A new study by J.D. Power and Associates ranks Michelin’s tires the highest in original equipment (OE) tire satisfaction for pickup trucks and full-size vans, along with luxury/sport cars and sport utility vehicles (SUVs).
J.D. Power’s 2006 Original Equipment Tire Satisfaction Study measured owner satisfaction with the tires that came equipped on their new vehicle based on five performance factors: appearance, handling, ride, traction and wearability. Rankings are based on owner experiences with their tires during the first year of ownership, the firm said.
Michelin ranked highest in the pickup/full-size van segment for a second consecutive year, receiving particularly high ratings in the wearability factor, J.D. Power said. The study is based on responses from more than 32,000 owners who purchased a new vehicle between 2004 and 2005, the firm noted.
“Road hazards that cause common wear and tear on tires are normal and somewhat expected, or are at least tolerated, but issues such as poor traction/grip on dry roads and fast tread wear can have a more significant impact on a customer’s overall impression of a tire brand,” said Carolyn McBeth, director of automotive component research for J.D. Power.
