Michelin LTX M/S and Cross Terrain

[Mr Manxter]

I wanted others to know that I had my OEM tires replaced because of a checkering problem in the sidewall at 40,000 miles. This was partially covered by Michelin and they were very fair with the situation. But the reason I am posting is to describe a problem I encountered.

After they told me what they would cover by way of cost I told my tire dealer to install the new tires. The LTX M/S were on backorder and so they recommended that I install Michelin Cross Terrain tires...so I did. As I drove away there was a rumbling that was not present with the LTX tires. I thought that since it was a slight rumble I would give it a few miles and on the short 6 mile trip home I wondered if I was imaging a problem because it was not loud but just not quiet. A few days later I had to make a longer trip at highway speeds and these new tires were loud. Not open lug mudder loud but louder over all surfaces than the LTX. I called the tire dealer and they wanted the truck back to take a look and to try it out. That is fair but I told them that there was a big difference and that I was not a happy camper.

They took it out for a drive and said that they could hear the rumble that I spoke of and agreed to call Michelin to see what they wanted to do. Okay, I was not crazy. Michelin agreed that the tires could be changed and the tire place offered me additional tires from additional manufactures. I inquired about why we were not installing the LTX and was told they were on back-order. I called Michelin myself and found that there were a few thousand in the US but not locally. After a brief discussion Michelin agreed to UPS in the tires if I could wait for a couple of days. That was fine with me because the Cross Terrain were not cutting it on this vehicle. I am sure they are great tires but not for the Ridgeline.

The final story is the LTX M/S have been installed and I have my quiet truck back to normal and Michelin stood behind their product as I would have expected.

We did look over the Cross Terrain tires and they were normal in every way with no unevenness in the tread etc. I believe that the Cross Terrain might be OEM on the new MDX, Lexus RS300 and a few GM products but I would not recommend them for the Ridgeline. I am not "slamming" the Cross Terrains because I believe them to be a good tire but I just don't think they work on the Ridgeline. Others on the Internet love the Cross Terrain on other vehicles.

The Ridge is now quiet and life is good again.

[MikeT]

Originally Posted by Mr Manxter

I wanted others to know that I had my OEM tires replaced because of a checkering problem in the sidewall at 40,000 miles. This was partially covered by Michelin and they were very fair with the situation. But the reason I am posting is to describe a problem I encountered.

After they told me what they would cover by way of cost I told my tire dealer to install the new tires. The LTX M/S were on backorder and so they recommended that I install Michelin Cross Terrain tires...so I did. As I drove away there was a rumbling that was not present with the LTX tires. I thought that since it was a slight rumble I would give it a few miles and on the short 6 mile trip home I wondered if I was imaging a problem because it was not loud but just not quiet. A few days later I had to make a longer trip at highway speeds and these new tires were loud. Not open lug mudder loud but louder over all surfaces than the LTX. I called the tire dealer and they wanted the truck back to take a look and to try it out. That is fair but I told them that there was a big difference and that I was not a happy camper.

They took it out for a drive and said that they could hear the rumble that I spoke of and agreed to call Michelin to see what they wanted to do. Okay, I was not crazy. Michelin agreed that the tires could be changed and the tire place offered me additional tires from additional manufactures. I inquired about why we were not installing the LTX and was told they were on back-order. I called Michelin myself and found that there were a few thousand in the US but not locally. After a brief discussion Michelin agreed to UPS in the tires if I could wait for a couple of days. That was fine with me because the Cross Terrain were not cutting it on this vehicle. I am sure they are great tires but not for the Ridgeline.

The final story is the LTX M/S have been installed and I have my quiet truck back to normal and Michelin stood behind their product as I would have expected.

We did look over the Cross Terrain tires and they were normal in every way with no unevenness in the tread etc. I believe that the Cross Terrain might be OEM on the new MDX, Lexus RS300 and a few GM products but I would not recommend them for the Ridgeline. I am not "slamming" the Cross Terrains because I believe them to be a good tire but I just don't think they work on the Ridgeline. Others on the Internet love the Cross Terrain on other vehicles.

The Ridge is now quiet and life is good again.

I just had my OEM tires replaced with new Michelin LTX MS 245 65 17 105T's for the same reason (The original tires had 37,850 miles on them).

[wrenrj1]

I've been nothing but impressed with Michelin tires since I paid a little more and had LTX/AT's put on my Ford Ranger 4x4 as a result of the Firestone Wilderness A/T recall. The tires went 55k before I traded the Ranger off and looked half worn. One of the many things that sold me on the RL was the OEM tires. I knew I wouldn't be replacing them in 20-30k unlike my TITAN's Goodyear's.

Glad to hear Michelin stands behind their product. Additionally, the Michelins on my Ranger had three nails/screws in them over the years. They never leaked, just pull and drive.

[bobtwhite]

I like the OEM tires to much, I bought them for my wifes Buick Rendezvous. They ride and sound great.

[shovelhd]

Originally Posted by wrenrj1

I've been nothing but impressed with Michelin tires since I paid a little more and had LTX/AT's put on my Ford Ranger 4x4 as a result of the Firestone Wilderness A/T recall.

Same here. I got my free set at 55K. I traded the truck at 132K and they still had tread on them.

[Outfitter]

The LTX's have been great tires, on road and off. I have been amazed by their durability as I have not had a single puncture or cut even with as much off road use as I do. 49,000 miles and still plenty of tread life left and they have not let me get stuck in the mud getting into and out of our hunting camp.
As the Monkeys song goes, "I'm a believer".

[geotech]

Although I didn't quite get the wear that others have, moving away from this tire was a mistake that I wouldn't make again.

[Cochise111]

I worked at Lexus and the Michelin 265/65R17 Cross Terrains were the stock tires on GX470s. Most customers loved the quietness of the tires, but the traction and treadwear were horrible. I put a set of take-offs on my 4Runner (because I got them for nothing) and they made little or no noise, but every time it rained, I was all over the road. You can check out user opinions on Tire Rack (tirerack.com), and see how poorly they compared to the competition.

[bigjohnsd]

I replaced the originals on my 06 with a set of takeoff LTX's at the dealer. Got the takeoffs for $125 apiece installed.

After reading many of these tire threads it seemed to me that this tire was just perfect for the Ridgeline. BTW I got 53,000 miles on the original tires.

[Gaterzfan]

I put X-Terrains on my 2003 Pilot in late 2006 and haven't been thrilled..... too much noise.

So far, after 3500 miles, I like the LTXs on my Ridgeline .... mo' better.