Michelin is a tire brand that does not need a special introduction, especially with its 135 years in the tire industry. For decades, the company has been developing and perfecting new technologies to enhance the driving experience, whether by prolonging tire life, ensuring a quiet ride, or optimizing the performance of EV tires. Innovation and advancement have kept the brand at the top of the tire industry, increasing the demand and popularity of Michelin tires.
The touring, all season model we will talk about today exemplifies the best of what Michelin, as a tire brand, has to offer. Find out the specifics of this tire in the Michelin Defender 2 Tires Review.
Table of Contents:
- Quick Review
- Review of Characteristics
- Customer Review
- Expert's Opinion
- FAQs
Quick Review
- Season: All Season
- Type: Touring
- Car Type: Passenger Cars, SUVs
- Run Flat: No
- EV Compatible: Yes
- Warranty: 80,000 miles
Review of Characteristics
The following image shows the overall characteristics of the model:
All Season Grip
The Michelin Defender 2 promotes exceptional all season performance. The wet-weather grip is boosted, thanks to the wide circumferential grooves and the open shoulders. This combination drains water and slush from underneath the footprint, preventing them from cutting off the tire's road contact. In this manner, the tire prevents hydroplaning and increases driving safety levels.
The tire also sports a dense siping pattern that increases the amount of biting edges across the footprint, allowing the Defender 2 to strongly grip snowy roads. The optimal tread ratio enables the model to enhance its dry traction. Furthermore, the tire uses the all season compound to optimize its overall performance. The powerful compound elements keep the tire pliable and operational in versatile temperatures. This results in excellent wet, light winter, and dry-weather road grip.
Superb Controllability
As an EV-compatible model, the Michelin Defender 2 features a strengthened structure to withstand the weight of the vehicle's battery. The sturdy design is also capable of withstanding the driving pressure affecting the tire, which protects the model's structural integrity. This is further boosted by the tire's ribbed design and its consistent road contact. They also upgrade the tire's steering response time and accuracy to the driver's instructions. As such, the tire promotes superb controllability.
The Defender 2 also enables great cornering and braking. The design of the shoulder blocks enhances the cornering capability with the use of extra biting edges. The dense siping arrangement along the footprint creates the necessary friction when braking, minimizing the tire's stopping distance. The optimized tire design guarantees better braking on wet and dry roads.
Extended Tread Life
This Michelin tire prolongs its usability and service life. The use of the MaxTouch 2.0 technology ensures that the forces of acceleration, cornering, and braking are evenly distributed across the tread area. As such, the tire's even wear is maintained throughout the performance. Tie bars link and stabilize the tread elements, lowering the chance of irregular wear formations. The treadwear rate is also decreased with the EverTread 2.0 compound, making the model wear-resistant.
Besides optimizing the tire's profile, road contact, and longevity with Michelin's advanced technology, the Defender 2 also comes with an 80,000 mile treadwear warranty. This is the manufacturer's guarantee of the tire's quality, certifying it can last at least this long. However, drivers should keep in mind that regular maintenance and driving style also impact the tire's service life, much like road conditions.
Quiet Performance
The Michelin Defender 2, as a touring model, provides exceptional comfort levels. The strengthened structure and the continuous road contact make sure the tire absorbs the shock of driving. In this manner, the tire lessens vibrations, for an enjoyable driving experience.
The Defender 2 also ensures a noise-free drive. The superb tire design channels airwaves through the footprint, guiding them away from the tread elements. Due to the absence of contact between airwaves and the tread elements, the model does not generate sound waves. Since there are no sound waves to reach the vehicle's cabin, the Defender 2 delivers quiet driving.
Customer Review
The key part of the Michelin Defender 2 Tires Review is what our customers wrote about this tire model:
Expert's Opinion
The tire is designed for electric vehicles and touring in moderate climates. Its optimized design combats road noises and vibrations while also providing the necessary strength to withstand the weight of the electric vehicle's battery. The Michelin Defender 2 provides a lengthy driving experience, thanks to the tread elements that prolong its usability and the mileage warranty. The ribbed pattern and the numerous biting edges enable exceptional handling.
The Defender 2 is not designed for severe winter weather. This Michelin tire does not sport the adequate compound blend to remain pliable in freezing temperatures. It also does not offer good traction in deep snow and ice-covered roads since it requires a better grip in order to safely traverse such surfaces. Due to these reasons, the model is not marked with the three peak mountain snowflake (3PMS) symbol.
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