My beloved Michelin Defenders are no longer available

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Craig Van Zante, Jan 8, 2025 at 8:56 PM.

  1. Craig Van Zante

    Craig Van Zante Junior Member

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    I have been using Michelin Defenders on both my vehicles for years and have been supremely satisfied; a quiet ride being an important factor. Discount Tire just told me they are no longer available for my 2012 Prius and Continental and Yokohama were offered as the best alternatives. I'm open to suggestions if anybody has other options. I do live in an all weather climate (occasional triple digits to snow and ice).
     
    #1 Craig Van Zante, Jan 8, 2025 at 8:56 PM
  2. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Michelin makes the Defender T&H 15" for level 1-4 and Defender-2 for the 17" level 5.
     
    #2 frodoz737, Jan 8, 2025 at 11:11 PM
    Last edited: Jan 9, 2025 at 11:04 AM
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  3. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    No shortage of many brands to choose from left out they're . They rt down street from me .
     
    #3 Tombukt2, Jan 9, 2025 at 4:45 AM
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  4. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Try the Continental true contact touring tire. Extremely quiet, comfortable tire.

    Good luck!
     
    #4 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Jan 9, 2025 at 7:30 AM
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  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Witness Leader

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    You’ve been bait-and-switched: I just plugged in your stats at tire rack:

    IMG_6403.png
    consider an extra set of rims with snow tires? Michelin X-Ice Snow are a good option for mixed conditions, roll like quality all-seasons.
     
    #5 Mendel Leisk, Jan 9, 2025 at 7:42 AM
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  6. Craig Van Zante

    Craig Van Zante Junior Member

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    Let me qualify my original post: I was told that the Michelin Defender was no longer available 'in my size' through Discount Tire. Considering my trade-in credits, I am compelled to say with Discount.

    Regardless, thanks for all the responses. I'm leaning towards the Conti so far.
     
    #6 Craig Van Zante, Jan 9, 2025 at 9:24 AM
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  7. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Witness Leader

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    That's loyalty!
     
    #7 Mendel Leisk, Jan 9, 2025 at 9:31 AM
  8. vvillovv

    vvillovv Senior Member

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    Not interested in the Cross Climate? Wonder if the people you're trusting with your cars tire info will say that's not available in your cars size too.
    What is your cars size? 195 65 r15 ? xxx xx r17 ?
     
    #8 vvillovv, Jan 9, 2025 at 12:12 PM
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  9. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    The Defender's were the king of low noise and smooth ride while providing 90-100k miles. Plus they held their balance well.

    I went with Michelin Cross Climate2 when Defenders disappeared in my v's size. They are noisier but the ride is about the same. In Central Texas we have had three severe ice storms each year since 2021 (another brewing now) so the CC2 provide some severe weather benefit to offset the noise.
     
    #9 rjparker, Jan 9, 2025 at 4:24 PM
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  10. Craig Van Zante

    Craig Van Zante Junior Member

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    195 65 r15
    For sanity's sake, I checked with my local Costco and they are still in the Michelin Defender business with no end date in sight so I suspect it is a Discount Tire thing. Regardless, their quote was $200 higher than DT so I have the relationship trade-in factor that I will not enjoy elsewhere.
     
    #10 Craig Van Zante, Jan 9, 2025 at 6:06 PM
  11. Craig Van Zante

    Craig Van Zante Junior Member

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    Texas Hill country: I know it well (hook'em Horns) and I still have peeps there. Yes, Texas is seeing real winter weather lately without the salt trucks and plows to help (which I enjoy). I'm 90% urban/10% XC and I have an AWD for bad days to I'm just looking for something comparable to the Defenders with quietness being a prime factor. Thx for the reply.
     
    #11 Craig Van Zante, Jan 9, 2025 at 6:10 PM
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