Originally Posted By: Rand
Originally Posted By: edyvw
Originally Posted By: RN89
Ya, I'll most likely replace this week. Just wanted to get a majority opinion on what I should do. I agree, my wife and kid's safety is top priority. I'll most likely take a good look at the Michelin Premiers. Not snow or ice here in South Texas, otherwise I might shop the Defenders.
I would sta away from Defender in that climate. It is much softer compound then Premier LTX and it will be softer on the road then Premier LTX. Defender is true cross between all-season and winter tire, and it will behave more like a winter tire then all season tire. Pay attention on trad on both tires. Outside tread on premier is much more rigid and less flexible, which will increase stability in cornering and braking. Premier is true grand touring tire with hint of HP.
Also, due to climate there, softer tire will wear out faster.
Where did you see that? The defender LTX is the new truck line the premier LTX is the car line.
I dont see anywhere it says the defender ltx has a softer tread compound.. its a tire focusing on long tread life, with deeper tread depth vs the premier ltx line
http://www.tirebusiness.com/article/20150728/NEWS/150729925
I too wouldnt buy the org. defender passenger radial.. they pretty much suck. I have a set they are hard riding, traction is ok nothing special when cold out.. and wearing out 3x faster than the mileage warranty suggests. However that isnt the same tire as the defender ltx.
NO WHERE does anyone suggest the defender has a soft compound ala hybrid performance winter tire type.
Its number one claim is long tread life?
You said Defender is truck tire, which is true. So why on Highlander? Highlander is NOT a truck, it is car based SUV and tire like Premier LTX will do MUCH better on that platform then tire that is made for trucks.
Look at outer side tread on Defender. It has zig-zag pattern (to help light snow, ice and slush). That means that outer sidewall will be softer then compare to Premier LTX that has strait line separation on one tread block, meaning Premier LTX will be more dynamic in cornering. Defender? Yes, you drive F150 you get that. Car based SUV (let's not forget that Highlander is based on Camry platform) then grand touring tire like Premier LTX.