Michelin Defenders and warranty

[SoCal72]

My OEM tires haver about 8500 miles on it and 3 mm left. I have a nail and Rivian can't patch because it is too thin.
Costco has the Michelin defenders, but the don't have the HL rating in front of them like on the OEM pirellis. Would these tires void any warranty because they are NOT exactly the same?

If you have them, can you let me know what the handling and ride is like? Thanks for any help.

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[Golfer04]

Changing tire brands doesn't void any warranty.

 

[citizen]

You should double check that Costco will actually install the 115 load rating ones vs. the 119 version which they likely need to order in.

Context: https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/threads/michelin-defender-ltx-m-s2-115-vs-119-costco.41200/

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

My OEM tires haver about 8500 miles on it and 3 mm left. I have a nail and Rivian can't patch because it is too thin.
Costco has the Michelin defenders, but the don't have the HL rating in front of them like on the OEM pirellis. Would these tires void any warranty because they are NOT exactly the same?

If you have them, can you let me know what the handling and ride is like? Thanks for any help.

OEMs can attempt to void warranty ONLY if you have aftermarket equipment and try to obtain warranty coverage on repairs that may or may not have anything to do with the aftermarket equipment. However, for that to be legal, they have to prove the damage or malfunction is caused by your aftermarket equipment. No OEM can void your warranty just for having non-factory parts.

Rivian recommends 116 load rating. Some tire retailers/installers will stick to that due to liability risk to them.

 

[SoCal72]

Thanks for the great advice. I didn't know to ask for the 119. I'll give them a call. Will be going to the Tustin Ranch Costco given they have the pucks. Appreciate everyone!

 

[VSG]

My OEM tires haver about 8500 miles on it and 3 mm left.

That is just plain not normal, unless you're burning rubber at every stop. You need to check your alignment.

 

[SoCal72]

I've had alignment issues since the day I received it, Literally. I think its strange too, and when I spoke to Rivian, they said its because its on EV and is heavy plus my regen was on high and so that was it. I think its the alignment though. They've aligned it 4 times now. Part of the reason I didn't want to buy the pirellis again. No one has said it was plain not normal, so thanks @VSG !

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Thanks for the great advice. I didn't know to ask for the 119. I'll give them a call. Will be going to the Tustin Ranch Costco given they have the pucks. Appreciate everyone!

If you aren't already, familiarize yourself with lifting procedures—as provided in Owner Guide and Tow Operator Guide. So you can spot trouble before it's too late. Having pucks is one thing... knowing how to use them...

I've had alignment issues since the day I received it, Literally. I think its strange too, and when I spoke to Rivian, they said its because its on EV and is heavy plus my regen was on high and so that was it. I think its the alignment though. They've aligned it 4 times now. Part of the reason I didn't want to buy the pirellis again. No one has said it was plain not normal, so thanks @VSG !

That is not an acceptable explanation/excuse. If you are not driving around in conserve/FWD and low/lowest ride height all the time, you shouldn't be going through tires that quickly. Stay on them for resolution. Lake Forest SC is pretty good.

 

[Donald Stanfield]

I've had alignment issues since the day I received it, Literally. I think its strange too, and when I spoke to Rivian, they said its because its on EV and is heavy plus my regen was on high and so that was it. I think its the alignment though. They've aligned it 4 times now. Part of the reason I didn't want to buy the pirellis again. No one has said it was plain not normal, so thanks @VSG !

This is possibly true, but only on roads that are crowned and only for a slight pull to the right. I get a slight pull sometimes on certain roads but on flat interstate roads my alignment is dead flat. This is what it should be.

 

[SoCal72]

When I first got it, it pulled to the left heavy, driving. The aligned it again, then it wen to the right, then left again to the right. My tires are at 3 mm so they recommended that I replace the tires before they will realign. They said these are difficult to get going straight because they put it up, align, drive and recheck so.... I asked why it is needing a 4th alignment in 8500miles? Could there be something else wrong? They just said alignment of heavy BEV is difficult. I'm not a car guy, but feel that it should be able to drive straight. Willing to work with them on it.... Thanks for the advice everyone. Hopefully the R2 is better

 

[capitolm94]

That is off. Mine went through the first 2 front pirellis in 12k miles, then I got an alignment at Costa Mesa, drives super straight now and with about 10k miles in the Michelins have minimal to no noticeable wear. They can fix it.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

When I first got it, it pulled to the left heavy, driving. The aligned it again, then it wen to the right, then left again to the right. My tires are at 3 mm so they recommended that I replace the tires before they will realign. They said these are difficult to get going straight because they put it up, align, drive and recheck so.... I asked why it is needing a 4th alignment in 8500miles? Could there be something else wrong? They just said alignment of heavy BEV is difficult. I'm not a car guy, but feel that it should be able to drive straight. Willing to work with them on it.... Thanks for the advice everyone. Hopefully the R2 is better

I don’t buy the “these are difficult to align” excuse. Clearly not every single car is delivered with alignment problems. Only some have persistent alignment issues. And some got theirs resolved one way or another, including subframe replacement. There are lots of past treads on the topic.

 

[Rivdog]

I just had the Defender LTX’s installed today at Discount Tire. Was about the same price as Costco and more convenient. They knew how to properly jack the truck and I put it into tire change mode for them. You can consider doing the same if you go to Costco because it can still be driven at up to 20 MPH.

I have limited experience with them, obviously, but many Rivian owners on here and Reddit seem to be quite happy with them. Generally people seem to like them a little more than the Pirelli’s for ride, but it’s unclear if there’s a little bit of hit on efficiency. Considering my Pirelli’s needed replacement after 16,000 miles, I’d risk a slight efficiency loss that may not even happen.

 

[SoCal72]

@UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan I have read about the subframe, but didn't think this was still and issue with Gen 2's. I will ask that they check that out when they go to align it next time. thanks for the advice.

I've dreamt of having it drive straight like @capitolm94 described.

@Rivdog I will need to read up on how to get it into tire change mode to make sure it gets done right.

Thanks everyone!

 

[KBabione]

I don't know if it will help you, but attached is a PDF that I put together and leave on the seat (I leave the Jack Pucks on the passenger seat) each time I take my R1S in for a tire rotation or to have it inspected. My local tire place is becoming more comfortable with the Rivian after each visit.

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