Round and black - and an outrage?
03/11/2026
The temptation to commit an outrage is great: An original Michelin XWX 215/70 R15 90W tire, which was fitted as original equipment on the Jaguar XJ12 and is now manufactured in Serbia, costs on average around 360 francs each. A comparable tire from a no-name supplier, of course in the same 215/70 R15 format, costs less than a third, around 105 francs. Meanwhile, the tread pattern is similar to that of the Michelin original.
I wasn't particularly satisfied with the Michelin, its biggest drawback is the loud rolling noise. Acoustically, it simply doesn't suit this extremely quiet car. But it is appropriate for the era and type and therefore correct. What's more, I've driven around 24,000 kilometers on it so far, which is a reasonably acceptable mileage. And that's why it's now time for a change.
As a jury member in beauty contests, I have also looked at the tires. If an authentic "Pnö" was fitted, extra points were awarded in case of doubt, especially for cross-ply tires. Even if I have to admit that a radial tire has much better properties in terms of durability, directional stability and braking performance.
In general, I prefer branded tires anyway, even if the well-known Vredestein are, in my opinion, a more than valid alternative to some more expensive "original tires". But a no-name? What can I expect? This is especially true for a tire that is approved up to 270 km/h, like the Michelin. According to the supplier, this would also be the case with a no-name tire.
Is it worth a try - or does originality come before everything else? And safety? I'm in a quandary.
.jpg)
