Michelin Defender T + H vs Michelin Defender2: A Detailed Comparison When it comes to tire manufacturing, Michelin is a name that resonates with longevity, reliability, and innovation. With over a century of tire manufacturing history, the company has pioneered some of the most acclaimed tire series in the market. One such series that garnered widespread appreciation is the Defender series, with the Michelin Defender T + H being a top choice for drivers globally.
As we step into 2023, a change of the old guard is occurring in the tire industry. Michelin launched the Defender2 in 2022 as a successor to the Defender T + H, further solidifying their foothold in the industry. This launch marked a significant milestone as it aimed to continue the legacy of its predecessor while improving upon it in numerous ways. Both the Michelin Defender T + H and Defender2 are positioned in the all-season M+S (Mud and Snow) segment, embodying the ‘all-season, all-conditions’ motto that is synonymous with this category of tires. They are designed to handle anything from dry summer roads to wet slippery surfaces and even mild winter conditions.
One of the highest requirements in this segment is mileage – consumers seek tires that offer exceptional longevity, thereby providing value for their investment. This is where the Defender series truly shines. Let’s delve deeper into the details of these two iconic tires in the upcoming sections and see how they measure up against one another.
Table of Contents
Michelin Defender2: New Feature Highlights
Advanced Evertread Compound
To enhance the longevity of the Defender 2, Michelin has developed an upgraded EverTread 2.0 rubber compound. This newly refined formula offers increased resistance to wear and tear, meaning less frequent tire replacements.
MaxTouch Technology For Enhanced Durability
The incorporation of MaxTouch technology provides the Defender 2 with remarkable durability. Alongside the EverTread compound, this technology aids in minimizing wear, and both are engineered to extend tread life. The tire’s contact forces are uniformly distributed, enabling you to clock up to 145,000 kilometres without substantial wear.
Refined Tread Design
The Defender 2 boasts a sophisticated tread design enriched with notches for increased traction. Its 3D zigzag pattern not only delivers excellent handling but also boosts the tire’s flexibility. This ensures safe driving throughout the year. Moreover, its sturdier structure ensures an extended lifespan.
Results
Ideally, you would want a head-to-head test result to demonstrate the distinct performance differences between the two products. However, in this instance, no test results are available that compare these two products directly. Fortunately, Discount Tire has tested both tires, allowing us to use their data-tested results to assess the performance of each tire. The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin Defender T + H vs Michelin Defender2 based on the relevant performance category.
Dry
Dry braking performance is a crucial factor for drivers who frequently travel in dry climates or during the summer months. This parameter is a measure of a tire’s ability to come to a stop quickly and safely when the road conditions are dry. In this test, the stopping distance, which is the distance it takes the vehicle to come to a complete stop from a speed of 60 mph, was measured.
Dry Braking :
- Defender T + H : 100%
- Defender2 : 105%
The Michelin Defender T + H presents a commendable performance in this aspect, with a dry braking distance of 139 feet. This result showcases the tire’s adeptness at providing solid traction and grip on dry roads. However, the Michelin Defender2 surpasses its predecessor in dry braking performance, demonstrating a braking distance of 129 feet. A decrease in braking distance by 10 feet is substantial, translating to a shorter stopping distance, which could potentially be the difference in avoiding a road incident.
This improved performance of the Defender2 can be attributed to its optimized tread design and enhanced rubber compound. These modifications offer greater traction and control on dry surfaces, which significantly contribute to the reduction in braking distance.
Wet
Wet braking performance is a critical aspect of tire safety, particularly for those living in areas prone to rainfall or drivers navigating through wet road conditions. This measure dictates how quickly and securely a tire can halt on wet surfaces, directly impacting a driver’s control over the vehicle.
Wet Braking :
- Defender T + H : 100%
- Defender2 : 105%
The Michelin Defender T + H displays reliable performance under wet conditions with a braking distance of 164 feet. This performance illustrates the tire’s proficiency in maintaining sufficient grip on wet surfaces, thereby providing the driver with reliable control. Nevertheless, the Michelin Defender2 goes a step further in terms of wet braking performance. The tire has a braking distance of 156 feet, stopping 8 feet earlier than the Defender T + H. This difference might seem small, but on slippery roads, every foot counts, and this could be vital in preventing potential accidents.
This superior wet braking performance of the Defender2 could be credited to its refined tread pattern, featuring longitudinal grooves that efficiently displace water, providing excellent stability and control under wet conditions.
Mileage
Mileage performance is a key factor for motorists, as it significantly contributes to the overall cost-effectiveness and longevity of the tires. To evaluate the mileage performance of both tires, we’ll turn to the UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) treadwear values, which give an estimated projection of the tire’s lifespan.
Mileage:
- Defender T + H : 100%
- Defender2 : 102%
The Michelin Defender T + H boasts a mileage performance of 820, as per the UTQG treadwear values. This is a respectable number, demonstrating that the Defender T + H is engineered to provide a substantial duration of service before requiring replacement. However, the Michelin Defender2 surpasses its predecessor with a UTQG treadwear value indicating a mileage of 840. This 20-point increase compared to the Defender T + H suggests that the Defender2 has been optimized to endure longer periods of use while maintaining its quality and performance.
Michelin’s Mileage Warranty
Despite the mileage performance difference suggested by the UTQG treadwear values, it’s important to note that Michelin continues to provide an 80,000-mile warranty for the Defender2, similar to its predecessor. This means that regardless of the estimated mileage difference, Michelin guarantees the performance and quality of both tires up to 80,000 miles.
In conclusion, while both the Michelin Defender T + H and Defender2 demonstrate robust mileage performance, the Defender2 is projected to offer slightly better mileage based on UTQG treadwear values. However, both tires come with the peace of mind provided by Michelin’s 80,000-mile warranty.
Winter : 3 peak mountain
- Defender T + H : No
- Defender2 : No
When considering tire options, one must not overlook their winter performance, especially for those who live in regions where snowy and icy conditions are a regular occurrence. A great way to assess a tire’s winter performance is by checking for the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) logo, which indicates that the tire meets the required performance criteria in snow testing.
It’s noteworthy to mention that neither the Michelin Defender T + H nor the Michelin Defender2 carries the 3PMSF certification. Although both tires offer excellent performance in a variety of conditions and are categorized under the all-season segment, they may not provide the optimal level of performance in severe snow conditions, which the 3PMSF certification assures.
If you require a tire that is 3PMSF certified, Michelin does offer other high-performance products with this certification. One such highly acclaimed tire is the Michelin CrossClimate2. Known for its superior performance across all seasons, including harsh winter conditions, the CrossClimate2 holds the 3PMSF certification, indicating its capability to deliver dependable performance even in challenging snowy and icy conditions.
In conclusion, while the Michelin Defender T + H and Defender2 offer excellent all-around performance, they may not be the best fit for drivers frequently encountering heavy snow. In such instances, Michelin’s CrossClimate2, bearing the 3PMSF certification, would be a more suitable choice.
UTQG rating
Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) values are crucial in understanding a tire’s performance regarding treadwear, traction, and temperature resistance. Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison of these performance factors for the Michelin Defender T + H and the Michelin Defender2.
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michelin | Defender T + H | All | 820 | A | B |
| Michelin | Defender2 | All | 840 | B | B |
Treadwear
Treadwear is an indicator of how long the tire’s tread is projected to last. A higher treadwear value implies longer tire life, meaning more mileage before a replacement is necessary. As mentioned at the earlier mileage section, we have used the UTQG treadwear values to predict the mileage performances of both tires as they came from the same tire manufacturer.
For the Michelin Defender T + H, the UTQG treadwear value stands at 820. This number attests to the tire’s robust durability and projected longevity. On the other hand, the Michelin Defender2 registers a slightly higher UTQG treadwear value of 840. This improvement suggests that the Defender2 has been engineered to offer a marginally longer lifespan than its predecessor.
Traction
The traction grade indicates a tire’s ability to stop on wet surfaces, which is critical for ensuring safety in wet driving conditions. The Michelin Defender T + H has earned an ‘A’ traction grade. This high grade reflects the tire’s strong grip and its effective stopping capability on wet surfaces. However, the Michelin Defender2, despite its improved wet braking performance in real-world tests, holds a ‘B’ grade for traction. This discrepancy raises a valid question about how these ratings are determined, a topic we will address shortly.
Temperature
Temperature grades represent a tire’s ability to dissipate heat when running at high speeds. A higher grade implies better heat dissipation, which can contribute to improved tire durability and safety. Both the Michelin Defender T + H and Defender2 maintain a temperature grade of ‘B’. This consistency suggests that both tires demonstrate comparable heat dissipation capabilities at high speeds.
UTQG Summary
To conclude, while the Michelin Defender2 shows a higher treadwear value suggesting potentially better longevity, its traction grade as per UTQG is lower than its predecessor. However, consumers should take these ratings with context, focusing on the broader performance characteristics of the tire, and not solely on the UTQG ratings.
Price
The pricing of a product often influences the decision-making process, and this holds true when selecting tires as well. Let’s perform a detailed comparison of the prices of the Michelin Defender T + H and the Michelin Defender2. Currently, for the tire size of 205/60R16, the Michelin Defender T + H is priced at $161. This reflects the value of the tire considering its proven durability, reliable performance, and reputable brand standing. The successor to the Defender T + H, the Michelin Defender2, is marked at $160 for the same tire size. Despite its advancements, the Defender2 is priced slightly lower, providing an affordable yet upgraded option for buyers.
Tire size: 205/60R16
- Defender T + H: $161
- Defender2 : $160
Difference: ~cost the same.
With just a $1 difference, the pricing between the Michelin Defender T + H and the Defender2 is virtually identical. This echoes the common practice of successor products being priced similar to their predecessors, facilitating a smooth transition for consumers considering an upgrade.
In conclusion, both the Michelin Defender T + H and Defender2 offer excellent value for their respective prices. The minor difference in cost emphasizes that the decision between the two should be influenced more by their specific features, advancements, and performance characteristics rather than price.
Summary
The decision to upgrade your tires can be a challenging one, given the array of products available on the market. This comprehensive comparison between the Michelin Defender T + H and its successor, the Michelin Defender2, aims to simplify this process by offering detailed insights into their performance and features.
Both the Michelin Defender T + H and Defender2 stand as reliable options within the all-season M+S segment, designed with durability and longevity in mind. They offer impressive mileage estimates based on their UTQG treadwear values, with the Defender2 showing a slight edge. When comparing their braking performances, both in dry and wet conditions, the Defender2 demonstrated shorter stopping distances, promising enhanced safety.
However, while the Defender2 is expected to provide better overall performance, it surprisingly holds a lower UTQG traction rating than its predecessor. This inconsistency underlines the importance of considering a range of performance aspects, not solely depending on UTQG ratings. Price-wise, the two models essentially cost the same, with just a $1 difference. This negligible difference reinforces the idea that your decision should focus more on their performance characteristics rather than price. Lastly, remember that neither of these tires carries the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification. If you frequently encounter heavy snow conditions, consider Michelin’s CrossClimate2, which holds this certification.
In conclusion, the choice between the Michelin Defender T + H and the Defender2 will largely depend on your specific driving conditions, requirements, and preferences. Both tires offer excellent value and features, but the Defender2 provides some enhancements over its predecessor that may make it a more attractive option for some drivers.