- A short note here: As a former Bridgestone engineer, I strongly recommend checking Discount Tire - Treadwell out. Now, you can effortlessly get recommendations based on value, performance, and local favorites without going to the Discount Tire store.
TRIED & TRUSTED!
Michelin Defender LTX M/S is an all-season tire that has a wide product range. This tire can be used on SUVs, commercial vans, sport utility vehicles, and any light truck. Due to its longevity and durability, it can be ever used on heavy-duty 3/4 ton or above pickups. Even though it’s an all-season tire, due to its high durability, it can even handle some off-road. Yet, knowing its limit is highly vital to get maximum performance from it. I pushed the limits a bit. Let’s dig into it and see what it’s capable of.
At a Glance
| Michelin Defender LTX M/S | |
|---|---|
| Best for | Longevity, cozy and quiet ride, heavy-duty light trucks, mostly highway-oriented commercial usage, mild off-road-like dirt & gravel |
| Category | Highway All-Season |
| Vehicle | SUV/Light Truck |
| Available Sizes (Rim) | 15”, 16”, 17”, 18”, 19”, 20”, 22” (Ensure these tires fit your vehicle) |
| Weight | 24 – 58 lbs |
| Made In | United States |
| Labels | M+S |
| Warranty (P-metric) | 70,000 Miles (50,000 for R-speed rate) |
| Prices | DiscountTire: Check Price TireRack: Check Price SimpleTire: Check Price Amazon: Check Price |
As a former Bridgestone engineer, from my standpoint, Michelin Defender LTX M/S has unique traction on wet and dry surfaces. Moreover, its light snow capability is highly acceptable and it can handle icy surfaces as well. The long-lasting tread is its main feature. Furthermore, surprisingly, it can handle mild off-road very well. However, Michelin Defender LTX M/S has a bit stiff ride and makes some noise after half of its tread. Though worth reminding, its loose ground performance is limited to a couple of inches.
I highly recommend checking the below pages out before making any purchase:
- DiscountTire Deals:
https://www.discounttire.com/promotions - TireRack Deals:
https://www.tirerack.com/specialoffers - SimpleTire Deals:
https://simpletire.com/tire-deals
Dry Performance
Traction, steering response, or cornering stability. No matter what feature are we talking about, Michelin Defender LTX M/S’s performance is unquestionable. In my point of view, its design is superior in its category.
For a better understanding, I’m going to separate dry performance from the above features and explain them one by one.
Dry Traction
Even though it’s a narrow tire, due to its exceedingly siped rubber, it can provide tons of traction on the dry ground.
Well, it’s obvious that Michelin put hauling and towing into consideration at the design stage of this tire. Its compound is stiff, though, its block-type shoulders and sectional ribs provide the necessary void area for a perfect traction ability.
Michelin Defender LTX M/S has an alpha plus dry traction capability.
Steering Response
Due to its narrow tread and robust center rib and shoulders, Michelin Defender LTX M/S provides an extremely quick steering response. Since the tire is available in high-profile sizes, its balance is overperforming most of its competitors.
Michelin Defender LTX M/S is a highly communitive tire. Well, that’s what it’s built for!
Cornering Stability
According to my research, the tire’s internal structure contains two reinforced steel belts. Well, when you combine it with a symmetrical pattern and reinforced sidewalls(they’re extremely stiff but flex perfectly under the heavy loads), the vehicle stands steel while cornering at high speeds.
Michelin Defender LTX M/S provides bellyful cornering stability. I strongly recommend it if you’re an inexperienced driver.
Wet Performance
Unlike common knowledge, summer tires outperform all-season tires on wet pavement. In a word, all-season tires trade longevity with traction. Yet, Michelin Defender LTX M/S is an exception.
It is more accurate to evaluate wet pavement performance as high speed and low-speed performance. While low-speed performance is related to traction ability, high-speed performance hinges on hydroplaning resistance. Well, let’s evaluate them seperatly.
Wet Traction
Since all-season tires have a stiff compound, their traction capability is highly limited compared to summer tires. Therefore, manufacturers use exceedingly notched rubber to increase biting edges, herewith, traction.
At first blush, you might think Michelin Defender LTX M/S has a rib-type pattern. Well, theoretically, it’s true. Yet, these ribs are sectional, hence, this tire has a lug-type pattern.
While its lug-type pattern enables tons of biting edges, Michelin also increases the biting edges with 3D-Wave sipes.
As a result, Michelin Defender LTX M/S provides unique traction on wet pavement.
Note: While ribs have full-depth sipes, shoulder section sipes go through the half. Therefore, Michelin Defender LTX M/S’s shoulders wear evenly. So, uneven wearing isn’t an issue.
Hydroplaning Resistance
In the shortest, hydroplaning is the uncontrollable sliding on a wet surface. It’s caused by the water inside of the tread. When water fills the void area of the tire, if the tire has a low hydroplaning resistance, the tire loses contact with a surface, herewith, sliding occurs.
So, hydroplaning resistance is the water evacuation capability of the tire.
Due to its wide circumferential and lateral grooves and open shoulder slots, Michelin Defender LTX M/S has a huge hydroplaning resistance.
Note: Hydroplaning is vital for a safe ride under the pouring rain. However, it might occur even with the best tire. Maybe you can’t prevent it but if you know what it is and how to deal with it, you can easily stay on the safe side.
Here is an extremely efficient guide about ‘How to Deal with Hydroplaning?‘ –> https://www.discounttire.com/learn/hydroplaning
Winter Performance
As I’ve mentioned before, due to their stiff compounds, all-season tires lack traction. Therefore, they need notches. However, these notches generally aren’t enough to provide decent traction in winter conditions.
Well, Michelin Defender LTX M/S is an over-siped tire. Therefore, it’s a decent tire in winter. Though worth reminding, all-season tires can perform best above 7 Celcius degrees. Under this temperature, they get lost traction.
Michelin Defender LTX M/S isn’t marked with 3PMSF. That means it’s not capable to perform in severe winter conditions. Well, I don’t agree with them!
Light-Snow Traction
Light-snow traction is related to the same features as wet traction. Yet, a compound of the tire gets stiffer in winter conditions. So, traction capability decreases.
However, Michelin Defender LTX M/S is unusual. Michelin uses ‘Evergreen Compound’ for this tire. The most interesting feature of this compound is it doesn’t get too stiff in winter conditions. Well, I have to admit that, its light snow traction capability stays slightly behind compared to wet traction. Yet, this is an exceptional performance for a tire that doesn’t have a 3PMSF.
Michelin Defender LTX M/S has superior light snow traction. I strongly recommend it.
Deep Snow Traction
I haven’t tried this tire on deep snow. Yet, I read tons of positive comments about its deep snow traction. Well, in my point of view, it was not possible. So, I made deep research.
Since the tire can clean itself and have a relatively deep tread, it can handle deep snow. In that case, I still recommend taking it easy and limiting the snow depth to a maximum of 8 inches.
Here is a video for a better understanding.
Ice Traction
So, the tire has a bit stiff compound. However, its compact tread(less void area) bring some advantage. Since the ice performance needs compact tread, Michelin Defender LTX M/S is one of the best ice tires in its segment.
Though worth reminding, this segment has highly limited ice performance. Hence, it’s above average but not a perfect tire for ice.
You may watch the below video and see the slight sliding from time to time. Well, this amount of sliding is highly acceptable for me. The decision is yours.
Riding Comfort
The riding comfort of this tire may vary from user to user.
I have to admit that, the tire compound is stiff and its sidewalls are tough as hell. So, its ride seems stiff if you’re going to change from touring all-season tires.
For its segment, its riding quality is an alpha plus. Though worth reminding, these aren’t touring tires. If you compare its ride quality with touring tires, you’ll be disappointed.
I recommend Michelin Defender LTX M/S for light or heavy-duty work trucks and SUVs if you only do hauling or towing.
Note: Michelin Defender LTX M/S isn’t a touring tire. If the cozy ride is your priority, you may check this article out –> https://tireterrain.com/michelin-primacy-tour-a-s-review/
Road Noise
Due to its narrow tread and limited void area, Michelin Defender LTX M/S is a quiet tire at the beginning of its tread life. However, after half of its tread life, noise slightly increases. Well, this is caused by deep and wide sipes and it’s a bearable noise.
Michelin Defender LTX M/S is a quiet tire. Yet, it’s getting noisier when the weather gets cold.
A side note here: Even though some tires tend to make noise because of their tread patterns, it’s still possible to keep your tire noise down.
I’m leaving a perfect explanation below from DiscountTire for those who need it;
How to Keep Tire Noise Down? –>
https://www.discounttire.com/learn/tire-noise
Mileage
Tread life is where this tire shines.
Its strong advanced compound has an extremely high cut&chipping resistance. Hence, no matter how tough your surface is it doesn’t wear quickly.
Moreover, its symmetrical pattern design enables even wearing. So, if you follow the rotation time closely, I’m pretty sure that you can get 100,000 miles with this tire.
Getting maximum wear life from a tire is related to you as well as your tire,
If you’d like to learn how to get maximum tread life:
A side note here: If you are planning to upsize or downsize from your original equipment size (changing tire size with a smaller or bigger size), or if you have already done, it’s crucial to remember that changing tire size will decrease the accuracy of your speedometer. If this is the case, I strongly recommend checking DiscountTire Speedometer Guide.
Warranty
Michelin implements two different warranties for this tire.
T&H Speed Rating: 6 years and 70,000 miles wear life warranty
R Speed rating: 6 years and 50,000 miles wear life warranty
Note: If your front and rear sizes are different, warranty mileage drops the half.
Manufacturer Special Warranty: 60 days of satisfaction and 3 years of free flat tire change assistance ( pay for the tire but change and towing are free)
For detailed information,
Michelin Warranty Brochure: https://www.tirerack.com/images/pdf/warranty/MI0619.pdf
Off-Road Performance
I guess people misunderstood the design goal of this tire. In fact, this tire doesn’t build for off-road. It’s capable for some off-road only for the working trucks. So, I can confidently say that if you’ll use this tire for rock crawling and damage the sidewall, the warranty will not cover your loss.
However, due to its strong sidewalls, it has the capability to handle mild off-road.
Before starting to read this section, check this article out to what to expect from mud, rugged or all-terrain tires –> https://tireterrain.com/off-road-tire-tread-patterns/
Dirt&Gravel Traction
So, dirt and gravel are the only surfaces this tire performs perfectly.
Due to its open sloth shoulders and sectional ribs, it can handle dirt and gravel with ease. Moreover, its extremely strong sidewalls don’t take any damage from sharp rocks or something.
I strongly recommend Michelin Defender LTX M/S for mild, occasional off-road.
Sand
Even though it’s a narrow tire, due to its blocky pattern, it can handle sand. Well, at least, it doesn’t dig deep and stuck into the sand.
This isn’t a beach driving tire but it’ll handle occasional sand. This tire doesn’t design for air-down driving.
Mud
It can evacuate the mud but if only mud’s not too deep. This isn’t a tire for adventure.
Rock Crawling
Its tough sidewall might make you think it’s a good tire for rock crawling. Well, it’s right but for a very short time.
The tire heats up so quickly when using it at low PSI. So, you may fail the bead if you expend driving time.
I don’t recommend this tire for a rock crawling.
Sizes
| 15” | 16” | 17” | 18” | 19” | 20” | 22” |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 205/65R15 99T XL BSW | 215/55R16 97H XL BSW | 215/50R17 95H XL BSW | 235/55R18 100T SL BSW | 235/45R19 95H SL BSW | 235/55R20 102H SL BSW | 275/50R22 111H SL BSW |
| 215/75R15 100T SL OWL | 215/70R16 100H SL BSW | 225/55R17 101H XL BSW | 235/60R18 107H XL BSW | 235/55R19 105H XL BSW | 245/60R20 107H SL BSW | 285/45R22 114H XL BSW |
| 235/75R15 109T XL OWL | LT 215/85R16 115/112R E BSW | 225/65R17 102H SL BSW | 235/65R18 106T SL BSW | 245/55R19 103H SL BSW | 255/50R20 109H XL BSW | 285/45R22 110H SL BSW |
| LT 31X10.50R15 109R C OWL | LT 225/75R16 115/112R E BSW | LT 225/75R17 116/113R E BSW | 245/60R18 105H SL BSW | 255/50R19 107H XL BSW | 255/55R20 110H XL BSW | 305/40R22 114H XL BSW |
| 235/70R16 109T XL OWL | 235/65R17 104T SL BSW | 255/55R18 109H XL BSW | 255/60R19 109H SL BSW | 265/50R20 107T SL BSW | ||
| 235/75R16 112T XL OWL | 235/70R17 109T XL BSW | 255/65R18 111T SL BSW | LT 265/60R20 121/118R E BSW | |||
| LT 235/85R16 120/116R E BSW | 235/75R17 109T SL BSW | LT 255/65R18 120/117R E BSW | 275/55R20 113T SL BSW | |||
| 245/70R16 107T SL OWL | 245/65R17 107T SL BSW | 265/60R18 110T SL BSW | 275/60R20 115T SL BSW | |||
| 245/75R16 111T SL BSW | LT 245/70R17 119/116R E BSW | 265/65R18 114T SL BSW | LT 275/65R20 126/123R E BSW | |||
| LT 245/75R16 120/116R E BSW | LT 245/75R17 121/118R E BSW | 265/70R18 116T SL BSW | 285/50R20 116H XL BSW | |||
| 255/65R16 109T SL OWL | 255/65R17 110T SL BSW | LT 265/70R18 124/121R E BSW | LT 285/60R20 125/122R E BSW | |||
| 255/70R16 111T SL OWL | 255/70R17 112T SL BSW | 275/60R18 113H SL BSW | LT 285/65R20 127/124R E BSW | |||
| 265/70R16 112T SL OWL | 265/65R17 112T SL BSW | 275/65R18 116T SL BSW | LT 295/60R20 126/123R E BSW | |||
| 265/75R16 116T SL OWL | 265/70R17 115T SL OWL | LT 275/65R18 123/120R E BSW | LT 295/65R20 129/126R E BSW | |||
| LT 265/75R16 123/120R E OWL | LT 265/70R17 121/118R E OWL | LT 275/70R18 125/122R E BSW | 305/50R20 116H SL BSW | |||
| 275/70R16 114H SL BSW | LT 285/70R17 121/118R E BSW | 285/60R18 120H XL BSW | LT 35X12.50R20 121R E BSW | |||
| LT 285/75R16 126/123R E BSW | LT 295/70R17 121/118R E BSW | LT 285/65R18 125/122R E BSW | ||||
| LT 295/70R18 129/126R E BSW |
Most tire sizes begin with modifier letters(P, LT, etc.) that identify the type of vehicle or type of service for which they were designed. Here is a perfect guide for reading tire size –> https://tireterrain.com/how-to-read-tire-size/
- If you’re an SUV owner and Michelin lover, I highly recommend checking the ‘Best Michelin Tires for SUV‘ out. You can find masterpiece suggestions that are classified by needs.
- If Michelin tires are too expensive for you, I highly recommend checking the ‘Michelin vs Bridgestone‘ out. You can find affordable options
Price
The tire market has a dynamic price policy. Hence, in my point of view, sharing tire price is pointless.
Though, I’ve analyzed the top 10 brands of most popular tire brands.
Here are the dealers with a reasonable price range,
DiscountTire
- Biggest dealer in the US. Founded in 1960
- 1000 stores in 35 states. You most probably find one on your parallel street
- Free rotation and balancing
- 5% off for DiscountTire cardholders on online purchase
- Highest rated online tire dealer in Consumer Affairs
- Almost all brands are available
- Delivery takes 2-4 days (30% shorter average waiting time when you book online)
- Frequent discounts and promotions
Michelin Defender LTX M/S: https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/michelin-defender-ltx-m-s
TireRack
- Fast and Free shipping
- Usually delivered in 1 day
- Joint venture with DiscountTire(their installers and dealers are on your service)
- Tons of installer options, they also help you to choose the best one
- Mobile installers in many areas, your tires will be replaced while you’re working in the office
- Tire test results and comparisons can be found on the most product page
- 4.6/5 points on Google rate
Michelin Defender LTX M/S: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/michelin-defender-ltx-m-s
SimpleTire
- Free shipping
- Delivered in 2 days
- Verified shops near you(for mount and balance)
- Mobile installation option
- 7 million customers since 2021
- 4.7/5 points on Google rate
- Top-notch customer service, you may even request a price match
Michelin Defender LTX M/S: https://simpletire.com/brands/michelin-tires/defender-ltx-m-s
While choosing dealers, I especially pay attention to reliability. All of the dealers on this list have 15-20 years of experience in the online tire business. Therefore, I can guarantee a smooth and fast tire buying process.
Conclusion
Michelin Defender LTX M/S is one of the best tires in its segment. However, it’s a highway all-season tire. Hence, comparing it to touring or all-terrain tires isn’t fair. This tire is a good fit for those who need longevity, durability, and solid traction on every surface but the loose ground (deep snow, sand, mud).
| Michelin Defender LTX M/S | |
|---|---|
| Best for | Longevity, cozy and quiet ride, heavy-duty light trucks, mostly highway-oriented commercial usage, mild off-road-like dirt & gravel |
| Category | Highway All-Season |
| Vehicle | SUV/Light Truck |
| Available Sizes (Rim) | 15”, 16”, 17”, 18”, 19”, 20”, 22” (Ensure these tires fit your vehicle) |
| Weight | 24 – 58 lbs |
| Made In | United States |
| Labels | M+S |
| Warranty (P-metric) | 70,000 Miles (50,000 for R-speed rate) |
| Prices | DiscountTire: Check Price TireRack: Check Price SimpleTire: Check Price Amazon: Check Price |
Take-Home Points,
- LT sizes have stronger sidewalls. That feature makes them more durable. Yet, these tires offer a rougher ride. (LT vs P-Metric tires)
- XL sizes tend to carry more load and offer better handling. Hence, if you’ll go with p-metric sizes, they might be a better pick for hauling and towing( XL vs SL tires)
- Please pay attention to the load range and speed index. These metrics are essential if you expect decent tread life
- There isn’t a bad tire in the market right now, you should just know what to expect from tires
A side note here: If you’d like to get local advice and find the best fit for your driving habits, location, and road conditions DiscountTire – Treadwell Tire Guide can give you masterpiece recommendations.
I hope the article was helpful. If you have any further questions, you can leave them below or reach out via e-mail. Have a safe ride folks!
Guide Me Bruh!
This section contains my research and top picks. Depending on your need, you may choose a category and easily find the best fit for yourself. Remember, nobody knows your driving conditions and requirements better than yourself. You’re in the charge out here.
Start Here:
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