Getting ready to replace my OEM tires on my '08 MDX. OEM's are Michelin MXV4's. Dealer was trying to sell them to me and had a picture showing 2 different MXV4's. One from them (apparently the same OEM tires) and the other MXV4's from other retailers. He says they are 2 different tires and the pictures are designed to show the OEM version has more tire surface in contact with the pavement while the retail version seems to have less. He says it's due to a different sidewall in the OEM's vs the retail, and also that the OEMS are more closely designed for the vehicle. So is it true that the same model tires can be different? And if so, would it really make much difference? I have hear that OEM tires usually have less life due to being ride optimized to help with sales. Any thoughts?

 

Not sure if they are different. Sales people would say anything to sell their products, but I though the MDX OEM tires were Michelin Latitude Tour? At least that's what is on mine.

 

Yes, they can be different; usually in speed rating, but there can also be cosmetic changes. Be sure to get four of the same production lot, if possible, regardless of what brand and size you buy. Check the date of manufacture. Some dealers will simply pull four tires from a pile and the dates of manufacture may be weeks or months apart.

 

As an alternative, I replaced my Michelin's at almost 60k miles with Bridgeston HL Duelers and they are excellent tires and were $400 cheaper. They have been on the car since January and got me through the winter perfectly and they have performed very well in the wet and dry conditions of spring and summer thus far. No regrets on the tire.

 

Tire retailers can get the OE tires as well. The dealer is just trying to get you to buy their tires. I went to Michelin's website and DiscountTire.com' s website and both only show 1 MXV4. So I would say that they only build one MXV4 in the 255/55/18 size. Bridgestone with the alenza and Yokohama also build great tires. I have Michelins on my 1st gen X and that is how I roll. Discount Tire will get you the best price and the best service.

Mike

 

Tire Rack shows 4 different Latitude Tour HPs for my '10 Tech.

255/55R18 109V $317.00 (ea.)
255/55R18 105V $287.00 (ea.)
255/55R18 104H $283.00 (ea.)
255/55R18 105H $271.00 (ea.)

 

Michelin Latitudes are OEM for MDX, not the MXV4.