Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 Review: My Honest Road Test

Finding the right all-season tire feels like a never-ending search. You need one that grips well in rain, handles light snow, and lasts for miles. Living in Chicago, I know how unpredictable the weather can be. One day, it’s sunny. 

The next, you’re driving through slush. That’s why I took a closer look at this tire. It claims to balance performance, comfort, and durability. But does it? After testing it on highways, city streets, and icy roads, I have real insights to share. If you’re wondering whether this tire is worth it, let’s dive in.

My Real Life Experience : Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3

Tires can make or break a drive. I’ve tested these through rain, dry heat, and even an unexpected winter storm in Chicago. Here’s how they held up.

Dry Performance – 9/10

On dry pavement, these tires feel solid. The grip is strong, and the steering response is quick. Whether cruising on the highway or weaving through city traffic, they offer a smooth, controlled ride. I never felt a loss of traction, even during sharp turns.

Wet Performance – 8.5/10

Rain changes everything—some tires slip, while others hold firm. These handled wet roads well. I drove through heavy showers and light drizzles, and the tires maintained a good grip. Braking was confident, though I noticed a slight loss of traction in deeper puddles. Nothing alarming, but something to keep in mind.

Winter Performance – 6.5/10

Winter driving in Chicago is no joke. I tested these in light snow and slush, and they held up decently. They’re not winter tires, so deep snow and ice made things trickier. Braking took a bit longer, and quick turns felt less stable. If you face harsh winters, a dedicated snow tire might be better.

Comfort – 9/10

Road trips or daily commutes—comfort matters. These tires ride smoothly, even on rough roads. Small bumps barely register, and the overall feel is cushioned. Long drives feel less tiring because of the soft, controlled ride.

Noise – 8.5/10

No tire is completely silent, but these are impressively quiet. On highways, road noise is minimal, making for a relaxing drive. Some hum is noticeable at higher speeds, but nothing distracting.

Treadwear – 9/10

I’ve logged a few thousand miles on these, and treadwear looks promising. Pirelli’s reputation for durability holds up. No uneven wear, no early signs of damage. If they keep performing like this, they should last for years.

What I Like

•  Strong grip on dry roads
• Quiet and comfortable ride
• Handles rain well with minimal slipping
• Durable treadwear, showing little wear after months of use

What Could Be Better

• Winter traction is limited, especially in deep snow
• Slight loss of grip in deeper puddles
• Steering feels a bit less precise at high speeds

My Bittersweet Experience: Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 Problems

I’ve been using the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 for a while. It performs well in many areas, but I ran into some issues. From winter traction to tread wear, I faced a few challenges. Here’s what I experienced and how I worked around them.

Struggles in Deep Snow and Ice

I expected good grip all year, but winter driving had some surprises. On light snow, the traction was fine. But on packed snow and ice, the tires didn’t feel as secure. Turns and braking took more effort.

Problem: The tire loses grip on packed snow and ice. Stopping takes longer, and handling feels less stable.

Solution: A set of winter tires works best for icy roads. If that’s not an option, driving slower and keeping extra space helps.

Tread Wear Happens Faster Than Expected

At first, the tread looked solid. But after a few thousand miles, I noticed wear. It happened faster than I expected, especially on rough roads.

Problem: The tread wears down quicker over time. Driving on harsh roads or at high speeds makes it worse.

Solution: Rotating the tires every 5,000–7,000 miles helps. Keeping tire pressure at the right level also slows down uneven wear.

Road Noise Increases Over Time

These tires were quiet at first. But after a while, I noticed more noise, especially at highway speeds.

Problem: The tires get louder after several thousand miles. The sound is more noticeable on long drives.

Solution: Regular tire maintenance helps reduce noise. Rotating and aligning the tires keeps them running smoother.

Stiff Ride on Rough Roads

On smooth roads, the ride feels great. But on bumpy streets, I felt every little dip and crack.

Problem: The ride is not as soft as some other tires. Bumps and potholes feel rougher.

Solution: Lowering the tire pressure slightly (but staying within safe limits) helps. Slowing down on rough roads makes a difference too.

Alternative Option: Michelin Defender 2

As someone who has tested many tires over the years, I know a good one when I see it. The Michelin Defender 2 is a top choice for drivers who want durability and comfort. If you’re looking for an all-season tire with long tread life, this one stands out.

Is the Michelin Defender 2 an All-Season Tire?

I’ve used all-season tires for years, and the Michelin Defender 2 does a great job. It works well in dry and wet conditions. It also handles light snow, but it’s not a winter tire. If you need strong winter grip, you may want snow tires instead.

Both tires perform well in different ways. If you need a quiet and durable tire, the Michelin Defender 2 is a great pick.

What Did Michelin Defender 2 Replace?

The Michelin Defender 2 replaces the original Defender. I used the first version and saw improvements in the new model. The tread lasts longer, and the grip is better.

If you liked the first Michelin Defender, you’ll love this new version.

Is the Michelin Defender a Quiet Tire?

Noise is a big deal for me. I drive long distances and want a quiet ride. The Michelin Defender 2 is one of the quietest tires I’ve tested. It absorbs road noise better than most tires in its class.

If road noise bothers you, the Michelin Defender 2 is a great choice. It makes long drives much more enjoyable.

My Final Thoughts on Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3

If you need a tire with strong grip, a quiet ride, and long life, the Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 is a solid choice. It handles well on dry and wet roads. But if you drive often in deep snow or ice, winter tires may work better. From my experience, these tires are smooth and reliable. Knowing your driving needs will help you decide if they are the right fit.

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