Michelin Defender tires ?

[trx680]

I'm considering the michelin defender tires. I can get them locally for $423, not including labor and all.

I have a base model 07 yaris that is my go to work and grocery getter.


Anyone here care to comment on the defender on their Yaris?

Any cons to this tire?



IntelliSipe Technology™ Is a new advancement in tread engineering that provides exceptional tread block rigidity and interlocking action that optimizes the number of sipes within the tire. This technology allows the starting tread depth of the tire to be only 10/32nds of an inch, lightening the mass of the tire and increasing fuel efficiency, while providing enhanced safety.
MaxTouch Construction™ Is Michelin's proprietary technology featuring a unique contact-patch shape that evenly distributes the forces of acceleration, braking and cornering. This extends wear life and provides additional grip on the road. Michelin's proprietary MaxTouch Construction™ enables the tire to wear evenly, and a tire that wears evenly wears longer.
Stops up to 31 feet shorter than a leading competitor: Exceptional grip provided by IntelliSipe Technology™ maximizes the number of sipes within the tire, which allows you to brake confidently when you need to most for greater peace of mind in stressful driving situations.
Lasts up to 21,000 miles longer than a leading competitor: MaxTouch Construction combined with the interlocking action of Michelin's Breakthrough IntelliSipe™ technology delivers impressively long wear life by providing exceptional tread block rigidity while optimizing the tire's contact with the road during acceleration, braking and cornering.
Can save up to $250 in fuel @ $3.50 gallon: The interlocking action of IntelliSipes™ creates a more rigid tread block, which allows for a reduced starting tread depth leading to lower rolling resistance so you can save fuel without sacrificing safety or longevity.

[fourbangingfun]

+1 I was also interested in these tires. Wondering how they run on our little Yaris' handling wise and mpg wise


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[Yaristeve]

I have had a set for about 10,000 miles now. To be frank, I don't like them.

I bought them at Costco. I would have preferred the Bridgestones but at the time, Bridgestone was backordered or something so were unavailable but I needed new tires ASAP. I like Costco tire mounting service (6 or 7 sets on various cars so far and no problems) so I thought I would try the Defenders. After all they are Michelins...

Anyway, initially they had very little grip. Breaking traction everywhere and ABS kicking in often. Perhaps the slipperiness was due to left over mold release or maybe tires needed a few thousand miles to break in?

Because of the early slipperiness, I don't really trust them to push them hard in corners or ramps. Maybe I should try testing them in a large parking lot. However, they seem to be gripping okay in the dry, lately. I haven't been breaking traction lately. During the recent rains, I didn't have any issues such as loss of grip or hydroplaning. But I tend to drive conservatively (relative to when it is dry).

The only reason I brought up the Bridgestone tires is because I've never had the slipperiness experience with them and so I never really distrusted them either. The last set of tires prior to these Michelins were Bridgestones.

I haven't really checked my fuel mileage with them so I can't comment on that.

Oh, and one last thing, they are quiet on the freeway.

I hope this was of some help, however little...

[Jcp123]

I have heard generally good things about the Defenders, albeit from hypermilers, so traction likely isn't an issue they have run into. They are commenting about decent tread life, pretty low noise, and decent fuel economy. Were my Echo in good enough shape to care about it, I might spend the money toget a set of Defenders myself...

[Hershey]

Might want to consider the General Altimax RT 43 . These are under $70 each . We got our H-rated for $60 each with a $50 rebate . You may be capable of getting the T or H at Wal-Mart . A relative got the H from them . The H have deeper sipes than the T . For you the Ts' may be your choice due to warmer weather and less winter precipitation . Go to this thread for more info , http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49324&page=4 . There are many positive reviews of these at Tirerack and other tire sale sites . Let us know of your decision and how they're performing .

[Yaristeve]

I have had a set for about 10,000 miles now.... ...I haven't really checked my fuel mileage with them so I can't comment on that....

I just remembered, on a recent trip to Las Vegas (from LA), I did get a little better fuel mileage. It usually takes me 5 bars on the fuel gauge but this last trip with the new tires, I only went down 4 bars. I had the tires inflated to 31 or 32 PSI.

[ebaut]

These are what came with my 09. I bought my 09 roughly about 5 weeks ago.. They had 70% thread according to the Toyota dealership I bought my Yaris from. I drove through the first 2 snow storms we had 2 weeks ago, and didn't wait for a third one. On dry pavement they're pretty good. In rain I felt some hydroplaning once while on the highway doing about 110 km/h

[roxy1]

Might want to consider the General Altimax RT 43 . These are under $70 each . .

I second this. I haven't gotten mine yet as im trying to squeeze more life out of the crappy oem's. among the various forums, ive found quite a few small car owners who are very happy with the RT 43's. the low price is an added bonus.

[Ben_]

I have mine for about 7,000 miles and they are good. Not much experience with tires but these are a tiny bit louder than my re92s, offer a lot of hydroplaning protection, snow traction, reduce mpgs by 1 or 2, good grip. In general they sacrifice a bit of mpgs and a bit more road noise for good grip in the dry, damp, wet, and standing water while still providing all season winter performance

[Hershey]

The 43s' are fairly quiet for now . Maybe they'll get louder as the the miles pile up . The Continental Pro Contact with Eco Plus did get louder over time and miles . I believe Continental and General are affiliated .

[Ben_]

Defenders are a good choice if you want the best all season tire on the market with an 80k mile warranty. If you want to spend less money don't get them. My 2¢

[JimKellyfan]

Any Michelin is great. Defender is a good high mileage tire. Me, I have the Premier A/S, the newest tech that the sipes appear and get bigger as the tire ages so as to displace just as much water old as it does new.

[UberSilver]

Had my Defenders two years and 25k miles with no issues. I like them just fine, and will buy again.

[paulge3]

You can't go wrong with Michelin. I also have the Premier A/S and their grip is superb.

[theb]

I'm considering the michelin defender on my 4dr hatch '07 too from Costco. I'm also considering alloy wheels from Costco but not sure which one to get because the sizes are a bit confusing. I'm not looking for anything sporty or special, just to change old steel wheels and old tires with something new.

[ern-diz]

I'm considering the michelin defender on my 4dr hatch '07 too from Costco. I'm also considering alloy wheels from Costco but not sure which one to get because the sizes are a bit confusing. I'm not looking for anything sporty or special, just to change old steel wheels and old tires with something new.

I'm just about 2k miles into a new set of Michelin Pilot Sport AS 3's from Costco. Really happy with them. Not the cheapest tires I've ever bought, but super quiet and comfortable. Seem really sticky in the turns, too. Not as sporty looking a tire as the Toyo's I came from, but for what it's worth, I'd buy again.

[Ben_]

I guess the lesson is that with tires especially you get what you paid fir

[Hershey]

Considering the AS 3s' for the FIT next spring . Took these yesterday at SEARS . How's the gas mileage with them ? Gain , loss or same ?

[bairjo]

I have Defenders and love them. However, you cant buy them anyplace now in the size we need for the Yaris. You can buy Defenders in the correct size at Sams club, sears etc....but those are considered "Club" tires...not exactly the same Defenders that they sell at a Michelin dealers in other sizes. Still good tires, but with something a little different about them.....just like anything you buy at Sams club.

[ern-diz]

I have Defenders and love them. However, you cant buy them anyplace now in the size we need for the Yaris. You can buy Defenders in the correct size at Sams club, sears etc....but those are considered "Club" tires...not exactly the same Defenders that they sell at a Michelin dealers in other sizes. Still good tires, but with something a little different about them.....just like anything you buy at Sams club.

Really? Curious where you got that info. Also, does that apply to all the tires the club stores carry?

[ern-diz]

Considering the AS 3s' for the FIT next spring . Took these yesterday at SEARS . How's the gas mileage with them ? Gain , loss or same ?

I have not seen a change in gas mileage. Only noticeable change was how quiet and soft they are on the road.

[Ben_]

I had to warranty a tire at Costco because I punctured the side wall of the tire (non repairable damage). They had to order one from out of state since there weren't any the same size in stock. Took a few days and Costco only charged me the cost of mount and balance for a brand new tire. Yes Costco has a proprietary defender tire (defender xt I think) and that's ok because they come with a warranty anyway. I'm 100% positive if the tire was discontinued they would set me up with a different tire(s) because Costco takes customer service to a new level. Assuming you don't brake the terms of their warranty/agreement they will do everything for free/cost

[bairjo]

Really? Curious where you got that info. Also, does that apply to all the tires the club stores carry?


Call your local Michelin dealer and ask them for the size that fits the Yaris. You won't find them. Other sizes yes. Then, ask them about sams club tires.

[UberSilver]

I've just worn out my Defenders in 50k miles. They looked as if I could get another 15~20k out of them, but Costco takes the side of caution. I went in for a flat repair. The tire guy side they were getting close to the wear bars.

I thought I only had around 30k on them, but I never look at my total miles. I just use the B-trip meter for rotation(every 7~8k miles).

Anyway, Costco pro rated me and installed 4 new Defenders for a total of $250.:thumbsup:

FYI, Defender XT are the box store tires. If they read Defender, they are the every store type. All the Defenders at Costco were XT, except the 185/60/15, as they are Defenders(no XT).

IMO, even thoe Costco Stupidly builds there tire centers under capacity, I still feel :bow: about there service(to spite the three hour waits for rotations).


I have Defenders and love them. However, you cant buy them anyplace now in the size we need for the Yaris. You can buy Defenders in the correct size at Sams club, sears etc....but those are considered "Club" tires...not exactly the same Defenders that they sell at a Michelin dealers in other sizes. Still good tires, but with something a little different about them.....just like anything you buy at Sams club.

[UberSilver]

Really? Curious where you got that info. Also, does that apply to all the tires the club stores carry?

Defender XT are the warehouse type tires, non XT are all others.

And I got that from reading on the Michelin site.:eyebulge:

[bairjo]

So can anyone find the "non XT" tires for a Yaris?

[UberSilver]

So can anyone find the "non XT" tires for a Yaris?

The ones I just got are non XT. But they are the 185, everything larger had XT on it. I was a little bummed out when I got home, and found I had non XT. I went on the michelin site and found out what the XT really meant, as the Costco BS'er told me the XT had stronger sidewalls(:bs:).

From Michelins site

"XT" sidewall marking = available at Wholesale Clubs.

[bairjo]

Yea, I was wondering what the difference was. Now I know...thanks.

[ern-diz]

Good info, Uber.

[kimona]

I've got Defenders on my Camry and like them very much for their quiet, comfortable ride and good wet and dry capabilities. But, they're certainly not a high performance tyre. I don't think I'd be happy with them on the Yaris.

[UberSilver]

The Camry is higher performance than a Yaris(HP wise). I bought my Yaris for MPG, not sports car performance. I've got a motorcycle for going fast.

[bairjo]

I've got a motorcycle for going fast.


So I guess you are trying to say you have defenders on your motorcycle?

[UberSilver]

So I guess you are trying to say you have defenders on your motorcycle?

Dont recall stating that. The bike has Pirelli Angels.

[bairjo]

Well this is interesting....Hope my tires last as long as they are rated for...
http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2015/09/23/truth-about-tire-treadwear/?intcmp=hpff

[UberSilver]

Update! Went to the tire store to get more Defenders. Not in stock! So I got Continental control contact instead. Same 90k mile warranty. I'm shocked how much better they are! better grip, but biggest difference is how quiet they are. Very low road noise. $388. out the door from Americas Tire.

[kimona]

^^^ $388. OTD is good!

[UberSilver]

^^^ $388. OTD is good!

It started @ $511. And after 5 minutes of hemming & hawing over how great Costco is, and how maybe I'd be better off going there, the guy gave me a bigger discount than Costco.:thumbsup:

[600RRgoal]

I just got 4 new Defenders for $381 OTD including mount/balance/disposal.