All drivers know how important it is to have quality tires that make the driving safe not only for you but also for other road users.
The production of this tire model, which is a modernized version of the Defender, took place in 2017. The Michelin Defender T + H uses a new rubber compound with an increased silica content, and the tires are equipped with an improved tread pattern, which provides stability and good handling on the road.
The tread blocks and sipes around them, which provide a better grip on wet and snowy roads, which is definitely a big plus for all-season tires.
Thanks to the Comfort Control technology, the owners of these tires are provided with a comfortable and quiet environment regardless of the type of road. Even when accelerating, the tires do not make a lot of noise.
Despite the high price tag of Defender T + H, like other premium tires, this purchase will pay off for you with safe driving regardless of weather conditions and long service life.
It is a versatile tire for year-round use. The company presents this model in sizes from 14 to 18 inches, which will fit most small and medium-sized cars.
But it is worth clarifying that this tire is not suitable for sports cars. Michelin Defender T + H tires are not designed for high-speed driving, so sports car owners must choose from other models.
Let’s take a look at the main advantages and disadvantages of this tire model.
Pros
- Good grip on both dry and wet roads.
- High comfort.
- Excellent resistance to aquaplaning.
- Lack of noise.
- Strength.
- 80,000 miles tread warranty.
- Excellent value for money.
Cons
- Handling on snow and ice.
Features and overall thoughts
The company has posted on its website that it promises long tire life thanks to the silica tread compound and claims the Defender T + H has the longest tire life among competitors in its class and price range. The company has also developed its proprietary IntelliSipe technology, which stiffens the tread block and improves grip in tight corners thanks to zig-zag sipes that also improve handling on snowy roads. Resistance to aquaplaning is also achieved thanks to circular and lateral grooves
Inside the tire, there are two steel belts with a single layer of polyamide, a double layer of the carcass, and a polyester cord. This technology improves steering control.
The original 2012 Defender had a short lifespan despite a 90,000 mile tread warranty. The company has solved this problem and now calls the Defender T + H the most durable among its leading competitors. Therefore, the only problem encountered with these tires is the poor grip on snow and ice, which is common with most all-season tires. Therefore, for areas with harsh winters, it is recommended to purchase special winter tire sets.
Service indicators
Like most all-season tires, this model has standard tire wear indicators that indicate the level of wear and the need for replacement. It is necessary to monitor the degree of wear of the tread because later it will be impossible to drain water from under the tire, so grip and driving on wet roads will be worse. Resistance to aquaplaning will also worsen. Defender T + H has a minimum tread depth of 2/32 inches. The indicators are located inside the circumferential grooves, and when they are at the same level as the tread, the tires should be replaced immediately. The company is confident in its products, therefore it provides one of the best tread warranty – 80,000 miles, so you can rest assured that your tires will last you for a long time.
Tire performance on dry, wet, and snowy surfaces
If you buy this tire model, you will be pleased with the performance it exhibits when driving on dry surfaces. The tires have a high grip, so you don’t have to worry about safe cornering at high speeds. It is also worth mentioning that the Defender T + H has one of the shortest braking distances among premium all-season tires.
The tires impress with their excellent aquaplaning resistance, so you can move around without problems even in deep-standing water. Michelin Defender T + H tires provide a good grip on wet surfaces thanks to their asymmetrical tread pattern and silica compound.
Despite the excellent dry and wet driving performance, the performance on snowy roads is slightly inferior, but with careful driving, you will be satisfied with the result.
Many would argue that the same effect of winter driving can be obtained from cheaper tires, and this is true. Therefore, if wet performance is important to you, it is better to choose a different set of tires.
Are the tires suitable for off-road driving?
This model is not intended for off-road driving, although some sizes may be suitable for crossover. Despite this, tires can quickly deteriorate, especially if the surface is too hard and with hills. But in such cases, you should count on the poor grip.
Are these tires comfortable?
Certainly. Michelin employs professionals dedicated to the comfort and safety of its customers and has produced one of the quietest all-season tires, so you can count on a quiet ride even on rough roads.
Drivers reviews
Most drivers praise the tire’s performance and many of them even have stopped using tires from other manufacturers. Buyers report that the tires perform flawlessly, quietly, and reliably to keep the vehicle on track.
Tire Sizes
14″
185/65R14*86H
15″
185/65R15*88H
195/60R1588H
195/65R1591H
205/65R15*94H
16″
185/55R16*83H
205/55R16*91H
205/60R16*92H
205/65R16*95H
215/60R16*95H
215/65R16*98H
225/60R16*98H
225/65R16*100H
235/60R16*100H
235/65R16*103H
17″
215/55R17*94H
215/60R17*96H
215/65R17*99H
225/50R17*94H
225/55R17*97H
225/60R17*99H
225/65R17*102H
235/50R17*96H
235/55R17*99H
235/60R17*102H
18″
215/55R18*95H
235/60R18*103H