<\/p>\n

here\u2019s how both these tires compare on this count:<\/p>\n

michelin defender<\/h3>\n

both the defender t+h and ltx ms have different tread compounds. the former\u2019s tread area features a high content of silica that helps it maintain its traction on wet roads. silica does that by expanding on slippery surfaces to aid the tire in maintaining its grip.<\/p>\n

the defender ltx ms doesn\u2019t have silica in its tread compound but it still does admirably well in wet conditions. that is mainly because of this model\u2019s 3d active sipes which help it in ensuring the safety of its vehicle\u2019s passengers on water-logged roads.<\/p>\n

michelin premier<\/h3>\n

the michelin premier as uses a mixture of sunflower oil and silica to create its tread. sunflower oil helps the tire provide optimum traction in wet conditions by imparting it with flexibility. silica, meanwhile, stops the flexibility from going too far by improving the tire\u2019s strength.<\/p>\n

both these compounds are also used in creating the tread of premier ltx. but this tire differentiates its tread area from that of its peer\u2019s by using steel belts. reinforced with polyamide cord and encapsulated in a polyester casing, these steel belts help provide a comfortable ride.<\/p>\n

dry road performance<\/h2>\n

<\/p>\n

here\u2019s how both these tires fare on dry roads:<\/p>\n

michelin defender<\/h3>\n

we prepared a multi-point checklist to gauge the performances of both these tires on dry asphalt. the headings on the list included grip, stability on high-speeds, braking distance, cornering and road noise. we\u2019re happy to report that both variants of the defender tire ticked all these boxes with aplomb. <\/p>\n

the defender ltx ms specifically behaved excellently on dry roads as its maxtouch technology helped this tire evenly distribute the forces of acceleration and braking on high speeds. the defender t+h wasn\u2019t far behind in terms of performance even when the odometer touched its speed limit.<\/p>\n

michelin premier<\/h3>\n

start with the premier as. this tire has hidden grooves that replace the ones that are initially visible when the tire wears down. they therefore help the tire in its quest to provide short braking distances, tight and precise cornering on dry roads and overall seamless driving experience.<\/p>\n

the premier ltx performs even better. perhaps it does the same because of its softer-than-usual tread and a relatively robust sidewall. while the former increases provides more grip on high speeds (a key component of dry road performance), the latter enhances the tread life.<\/p>\n

wet road performance<\/h2>\n

<\/p>\n

here\u2019s how both these tires fared in wet conditions<\/p>\n

michelin defender<\/h3>\n

michelin\u2019s decision to impart the defender t+h with its intellisipe technology has done wonders to this tire\u2019s wet performance. this technology has equipped the model with zigzag sipes that optimize the tire\u2019s road contact by interlocking on the road. you can drive it in wet conditions with confidence.<\/p>\n

the intellisipe technology is on offer with the defender ltx ms as well. but this model\u2019s wet weather performance is even better due to its circumferential and lateral grooves \u2013 as both of them channel the water out of the tread area to prevent any chances of hydroplaning. <\/p>\n

michelin premier<\/h3>\n

two features of the premier as are responsible for its above-par wet weather performance. the first are its hidden and expanding grooves whose geometric shape and strategic placement allow them to evacuate water. the second is its high-grip rubber compound which does what its name implies.<\/p>\n

the premier ltx might not have both these features but it has something else: a tread made of the mixture of sunflower oil and silica. both these compounds work in tandem to increase the tire\u2019s flexibility in cold weather while also maintaining its strength on difficult terrains.<\/p>\n