Michelin Primacy LTX

Description

Overview

Michelin designed the Primacy LTX tires specifically with light truck drivers in mind. Their goal was to provide maximum fuel efficiency and a quiet ride. Michelin’s latest tread compounds are developed for low rolling resistance which improves fuel economy.

Michelin has a track record for outstanding performance across categories. According to our research, the Primacy LTX struggles to live up to the Michelin name in durability.

The Primacy LTX tires are highway All-Season tires intended for light trucks, vans, and SUVs. Michelin promises fuel efficiency combined with a quiet and comfortable ride from these tires.

The Primacy LTX comes with a 55,000-mile limited warranty for T-rated sizes. The standard limited warranty covers defects in workmanship and materials for the original usable tread or 6 years from the date of sale.

Michelin intended the Primacy LTX tires for highway use by light trucks, pick-ups, vans, and SUVs. They are highway all-season tires that can handle light snow.

Reviewers generally say that these tires wear out too quickly for their price tag.

Performance

Michelin’s unique EverGrip technology increases performance in wet conditions. The tread gloves widen as the tire wears and allows new grooves to open.

Our research turned up mixed reviews on the Primacy LTXs. Looking at reputable sites like Tire Rack and Simple Tire, we found that the wet and dry performance is generally good.

Handling

Michelin claims that its EverGrip technology provides excellent handling and cornering. Reviewers agreed that these tires are responsive and easy to handle.

Noise and Comfort

The key selling feature of the Primacy LTX tires is their superbly quiet ride. The silica and sunflower oil rubber compound lends to the near-silent ride you get from the Primacy LTXs.

One review told us that there is a slight hum over 75 mph. Michelin delivers on their claim to a quiet ride.

Durability

Whether the Primacy LTXs are durable enough to justify their cost is the main question that we found. Several reviewers claimed that their LTXs needed replacements at 15,000-20,000 miles.

Considering the 55,000-mile warranty Michelin offers on the Primary LXTs, only getting 15,000 miles would be a major disappointment. A few of those drivers intended to take advantage of their warranty for replacement tires. There were no updates though to see how things turned out.

Warranty

Michelin offers a 55,000-mile limited warranty and a manufacturer’s treadwear warranty with the Primacy LTX tires. Considering some reviews, buyers may want to register their tires for those warranties.

The Michelin Promise Plan covers all light-truck tires. Included in the plan is:

• 60-day satisfaction guarantee,
• three years of roadside assistance,
• manufacturer’s limited warranty
• treadwear warranty

The roadside assistance portion includes

• Flat tire change
• Fluid delivery (gas, water, etc.)
• Lockout service
• Jump-start

When you purchase Primacy LTX tires as replacement tires, register them at www.tireregistration.com or send in the registration card by mail.

Most reviewers gave these tires at least three out of five stars. Even the ones who had to replace them early gave good reviews for other performance areas.

It may be that a few people experienced some under-quality tires that made it out of the factory. Warranties are meant for those situations.

Recommendations

Michelin delivers a fairly good tire with the Primacy LTXs. Some reviewers were disappointed with the quick wear. Those circumstances were within the warranty specifications and those drivers may have been able to replace their LTXs under the warranty.

Most review sites gave these tires at least three stars across performance areas. The LTXs drive well in dry and wet conditions. They performed as expected in light winter driving for all-season tires.

Michelin made the Primacy LTX tires for highway driving on pick-ups, light trucks, vans, and SUVs. If you plan to be off-pavement, these are probably not the tires for you.

Quality tires are worth paying for. Given the warranties included in the cost of the Primacy LTXs, they are worth the price. But it’s worth shopping around for the best deal. We saw a range of $210-225/tire.

Conclusions

The Michelin Primacy LTX tires garnered decent reviews in wet and dry performance. A few reviewers were less impressed with their snow performance. Overall, these tires earned at least three out of five stars according to our research.

The Primacy LTXs deliver on the promise of a smooth and quiet ride. The new rubber compound and EverGrip technology give you grip, control, and quiet. The low noise level is what sets these tires apart from others.

The main complaint from some customers was a short tread life on the Primacy LTXs. A few buyers had to replace their tires within 30,000 miles. One mitigating factor is the 55,000-mile limited warranty and manufacturer’s tread warranty included in the cost of these tires.

Alternatives

It’s always good to shop around for tires. The Primacy LTXs are good tires for their category. You’ll likely be happy with them to drive on paved roads and not in severe winter conditions.

Firestone Destination LE3

The Destination LE3 tires earned the top spot in several tire comparisons. They are also easier on your budget. You won’t run the risk of fast tread wear.

Michelin Agilis Cross Climate

The Michelin brand is among the top brands you can buy. The Agilis CrossClimate is another highway all-season tire with top marks in its category.