If you are the type of driver looking to reduce your vehicle’s emissions, you should know that using eco-friendly tires like the Michelin Energy LX4 can make a difference. This is a tire designed with technologies focused on maximizing fuel efficiency and driving comfort.
If you own a family sedan or minivan and want to know the advantages and disadvantages of these technologies, we invite you to read this review.
TL;DR: Michelin Energy LX4
Before commenting on the performance of this tire in different conditions, let’s review its pros and cons.
Michelin Energy LX4
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PROS
- Good level of ride comfort
- Excellent durability for its class
- Good wet and dry performance
- Offers a level of traction suitable for light snow roads
CONS
- Only available in one size
- Poor performance in deep snow and ice
Best For:
Owners of full-size sedans, minivans, and crossover utility vehicles looking for a durable tire that also helps their vehicles improve fuel efficiency
Michelin Energy LX4 Performance Ratings
Whenever tire ratings are discussed, the reliability of those ratings comes into play. In simple terms, the higher the number of reported miles, the higher the reliability of the ratings. In the case of the Energy LX4, its 17M+ total miles reported makes its ratings highly reliable and also means that its current position of 8 out of 23 in the Passenger All-Season segment is unlikely to change.
Since we will be discussing this tire’s performance in different categories, we have provided the following links for easy navigation.
- Dry Performance
- Wet Performance
- Snow / Ice Performance
- Comfort Performance
- Treadwear Performance
- Warranty
- Specs & Options
- Reviews
Michelin Energy LX4 Dry Performance
|
Dry Ratings |
|
|---|---|
|
Dry Overall |
7.5 |
|
Cornering Stability |
7.2 |
|
Dry Traction |
7.7 |
|
Steering Response |
7.4 |
When evaluating tires with Michelin’s Green X technology, care must be taken to interpret the ratings correctly. This type of tire uses compounds that favor low rolling resistance, which improves fuel economy but sacrifices some grip in the process. That said, the traction and cornering stability ratings for this tire are more than adequate for everyday driving.
Michelin Energy LX4 Wet Performance
|
Wet Ratings |
|
|---|---|
|
Wet Overall |
6.5 |
|
Hydroplaning Resistance |
6.4 |
|
Wet Traction |
6.6 |
The argument explained in the previous section is still valid for wet performance. Despite its tread design, wet traction and hydroplaning resistance are somewhat affected by the EnergySaver Construction used in this tire. However, as we will see when evaluating user reviews, this tire’s grip in adverse weather conditions is among the best in its segment.
Michelin Energy LX4 Snow / Ice Performance
|
Snow / Ice Performance Ratings |
|
|---|---|
|
Snow / Ice Overall |
5.1 |
|
Light Snow Traction |
5.5 |
|
Deep Snow Traction |
4.8 |
|
Ice Traction |
4.8 |
As an all-season tire, the Energy LX4 is expected to provide adequate winter performance. Unfortunately, this is only partially true. On roads with up to one inch of snow, this tire offers an adequate level of traction. However, for deep snow or icy roads, it is advisable to use another tire with a better grip.
Michelin Energy LX4 Comfort Performance
|
Comfort Ratings |
|
|---|---|
|
Overall Comfort |
7.1 |
|
Ride Quality |
7.4 |
|
Noise |
6.8 |
A hallmark of Michelin is to design tires with unsurpassed comfort. In this sense, we are not surprised by the ratings of this tire. Except for noise levels, the LX4 undoubtedly offers a smooth, quality ride. In short, this tire offers overall comfort on par with what you expect from a premium tire.
Michelin Energy LX4 Treadwear Performance
|
Treadwear Ratings |
|
|---|---|
|
Treadwear |
5.5 |
Despite its low Treadwear rating, we must say that the durability of this tire is remarkable. With timely maintenance (tire rotation and proper air pressure), it is easy to enjoy the benefits of the LX4 for over 60k miles. If you are looking for a tire that promotes low fuel consumption and has good durability, this is the tire for you.
Michelin Energy LX4 Warranty
Treadlife Warranty
6-year warranty or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. This warranty is halved when the rear and the front tires are different in size.
Uniformity Warranty
Complaints regarding these tires’ uniformity must be subscribed in the first year of use or the first 2/32″ of wear.
Workmanship / Materials Warranty
Michelin provides an amazing 6-year warranty against defects in workmanship or materials. Moreover, it also offers free tire replacement for the first year, 2/32″ wear, or 25% wear.
Road Hazard Warranty
Unfortunately, none.
Manufacturer Special Warranty
This tire comes with a special warranty consisting of 60-day satisfaction (in which you can exchange the tire for a BFGoodrich or Uniroyal equivalent) and a 3-year flat changing service.
Tire Rack Road Hazard Warranty
On top of the tread life warranty offered by Michelin, this tire features Tire Rack’s leading warranty that covers refunds of up to $40 for repairs per tire per occurrence.
Moreover, if the tire suffers non-repairable damage within the first 2 years, a refund of the original purchase price or replacement purchase price (whichever is less) will be made.
Despite not having an outstanding Treadwear rating, Michelin demonstrates its confidence in this tire by offering a generous 50,000 mile or 6-year warranty. Coupled with Tire Rack’s incredible Road Hazard Warranty, this tire is definitely an alternative worth considering.
Michelin Energy LX4 Specs & Options
The Energy LX4 is an OEM tire used on a wide variety of hybrid and fuel economy-focused cars. This, and new designs such as the one used in the Michelin Energy Saver, explain why it is only available in one size, 245/60R17. Concerning its UTQG of 500 A A, it is in line with what is expected for this type of tire. To learn more about what UTQG is, we suggest you read this article.
Even though this tire is a best-seller in the Passenger All-Season segment, it is only available in one size.
Michelin Energy LX4 Reviews
While ratings are a good indicator of a tire’s performance, the users of the tire have the final say. In this regard, most drivers who have used the Energy LX4 are satisfied with its performance in both wet and dry conditions. Likewise, a high percentage of drivers have praised the tire’s durability under normal driving conditions.
However, we have also noticed repeated comments about the tire’s performance in deep snow. It is clear from both ratings and user reviews that this is not the tire you want to use on your car during severe winters.
Finally, many users mention that the noise level on these tires starts to become noticeable after 20k miles. This is a consideration if comfort is important to you.
All in all, according to driver reviews, this is a tire that will not disappoint.
Quick Recap
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|
Michelin Energy LX4 |
|
|---|---|
|
Dry |
7.5 |
|
Wet |
6.5 |
|
Snow / Ice |
5.1 |
|
Comfort |
7.1 |
|
Treadwear |
5.5 |
End of the Road
This review has discussed the strengths and weaknesses of one of Michelin’s most successful tires in the Passenger All-Season segment, the Energy LX4. This is a tire aimed at drivers looking to get the most out of the fuel efficiency their cars can provide and offers adequate performance and durability for daily driving.