Different grades of tires question...

[PickleJar]

So over the years I have heard people say tings like if you buy a husqvarna chainsaw from a box store like TSC or Lowe's its a different grade saw than if you bought the same saw from an independent professional saw shop. Same thing when I bought a new engine for my rototiller, I saw things posted that depending on where you buy, quality can change (I went with a commercial grade anyway).

I was walking through the local Walmart and they had all these tires on display on clearance. Like Cooper AT3s for $115. Goodyear Wrangler ATs for $125. I almost bought a set for future use on my pickup. But in the end chose not too. Anyway I was talking about it at work and the people I was talking to said that tires from Walmart and Amazon are lower grade quality even if they are brand name.

Is there any truth to this? I can't see a company like Cooper and Goodyear who rely on their brand name make a Second Grade tire for specific stores so that store can offer them cheaper. I realize these were on clearance but Walmart and Amazon do typically beat everyon on price...

Im still gonna go to my local mom and pop tire shop, but I am curious if this is really a thing....

 

[ared77]

Great question! I'm curious too, now that you mentioned it.

 

[RH]

I don’t know about tires, but a rep. told me paslode staple guns built for Home Depot will not cycle as many times as one purchased from a reputable dealer.
I don’t understand why a company would jeopardize their name like that? Corporate America could care less about quality or costumer service and we let them get away with it by purchasing substandard products that don’t last.

 

[1970 Palmer]

I think I would be more concerned about the "date of manufacture" code on the tires you are buying.

You want fresh tires, not something sitting in a warehouse for years. Big Box stores always have bought up name brand distressed inventory to sell at a discount price.

 

[Slowleak]

I know it is true with televisions and other products. I compared a Sony flatscreen at Walmart to one from the Sony website. Sony builds them specifically for Walmart and cuts costs by leaving out certain features. I could see tire companies doing the same.

I don’t buy any appliances, tires, or motorized products from a large retailer like Walmart or Home Depot. I find a local specialized retailer that will price match. Discount Tire matched Costco on my last set of Michelin’s.... I would rather have them do the install than a pimple faced kid at Costco who probably transferred over from the produce section....

 

[spap]

I believe there can be differences, I believe interstate batteries are not the same when you buy them at Costco compared to an interstellar store. Those chain stores have a lot of power. And have products made specifically for them. Product probably end up being fine

 

[EPB72]

I believe there can be differences, I believe interstate batteries are not the same when you buy them at Costco compared to an interstellar store. Those chain stores have a lot of power. And have products made specifically for them. Product probably end up being fine

this is absolutely correct,,...same with the big box store welders sold Lincoln weld pak,, different then what sold at local welding suppliers like wire feed drive and possible torch head..but still good welders … Also as far as tires look at the date codes Its the last four #'s of the DOT # first two is the week and second two is the year..also you use to be able find blems being sold and labeled as such not sure if still done ?

 

[SteveL]

I also heard that about the Lincoln stuff from depot. Any time I purchased one tools from depot I noticed they dont feel as nice as the same product from an electrical wholesaler.

 

[Remos69]

From talking to a friend who is an independent tire dealer in Virginia, there is no difference in tires when purchased from a big box or local or chain tire store or online as long as the models are the same and almost all are. I asked him before I purchased my AT3s last year (in Florida) at Walmart.

 

[Yeller]

I’ll reiterate from above date code is imperative. A 10 year old set of brand new tires ain’t worth their weight in dirt. Dangerous too because their “new” and failure is going to happen

 

[68rustbucket]

Just placed an order with Discount tire for a set of Goodyear Duratrac. They could have set at store by Monday, but date code on 3 were from 2019, 1 from 2020. They are looking for a fresh set for me. I’m replacing a set of BFG all terrain that are 8 yo, with minimal wear.

 

[badasstrapper]

Big box stores like Lowes, home depot,walmart ect have there products made down to a price NOT up for quality !! Dewalt from H.D. do not have the same specs as ones bought form other stores, although the same part number.

 

[gnsteam]

Don’t know if the quality is less. But for what it worth. I’ve purchased several set of name brand tires from Walmart and Sams Club without issues. In fact I actually wore out two sets, Goodyear Wranglers and Hankooks on my F150. Both set with 60-70k miles on them.