Are tires from Sams Club the exact same as from everywhere else?

[hometheaterman]

I'm wondering if anyone knows for a fact if the tires from Sams Club and places like that are exactly the same as you would get from a tire shop providing you buy the same brand/model?
The reason I ask is I worked at a tire shop when I was younger and the owner who was a honest man that usually knew what he was talking about would tell us along with customers how the tires from Sams Club weren't of the same quality as ones gotten from tire shops. I've heard this a few other places but wonder if it's actually true?

The reason I ask is I need some tires for the 06 Accord. I've had a set of Toyo's on order with a shop that I've dealt with several times. These things have been on order for 3 weeks now and they still don't have them in. I'm getting tired of waiting as it needs tires to get a inspection. I wasn't super impressed with the stock Michelins but they were the best Michelins I've used and were decent. They lasted 58k miles or so. The Toyo's only have a 40k miles warranty so I'm not expecting to get any more than that.

However at this shop the Toyo's are $139 vs $230 for the Michelins. I've always been impressed with the Toyo's I've used.

Anyway, since I'm getting tired of waiting for them I checked out Sams club tonight and they have the OEM tires for this car which are the Michelins instock for either $204 or $209 a tire I forgot which. They didn't mention if it had a warranty. Do these have a mileage warranty?

I'm wondering if I should just go a head and get these. If they are lower quality than the tire shop like rejects or something I don't want them but if they are exactly the same I'd rather have them.

[ScareyH22A]

I know Costco used to have tires specifically stamped for them by major manufacturers... don't know about Sam's. Anyways... I have a wholesale account at American Tire Co. and even that can't compare to Costco prices. I send my family and friends to Costco for standard sized tires.

[Senses Fail y0!]

You make a lot of threads that deal with stuff like this, as if you're afraid to wander in the real world...

[DBAl]

I feel like its worth a little extra to have a good relationship with your local tire shop. It has saved my *** more than once.

[EvenStar]

Personally I wouldn't ask GDD.. tire section ftw.

[Presto800]

Originally Posted by Senses Fail y0!

You make a lot of threads that deal with stuff like this, as if you're afraid to wander in the real world...

I was kind of thinking this too, lol.

[H22Ej1]

if i buy a gatorade at jewel or one at the gas station its still the same gatorade. if it is a michillen branded tire and it is the same model designation yes its the same tire. michillen isnt going to make a crappier tire to sell to sams and walmart. although they may have branded tires i have found that sams/walmart/costco what have you carry a much higher volume of no name junk tires, cheapo economy brand than your local tire shop. id recommend finding a local shop that you are comfortable with and trust. not only will the technicians actually know what they are doing, but they are much less likely to f something up. i cant tell you how many times a customer comes to our shop complaining about a wobble or a clunk or vibration caused by one of these places...and ive heard horror stories of some nice wheels theyve fd up

[Arsenal]

try

edgeracing.com

have shopped there countless times, brilliant customer service.

[hapexamendios 2.0]

because of walmarts bullying business practices, manufacturers have no choice but to make inferior products specifically for walmart, its not the same brand as everywhere else, everything there is made much more cheap than competitors

[JDMPoochie]

they usually sell bfgoodrich and goodyear tires... go to discount tire!

[TEGGSRB18C1]

Originally Posted by ScareyH22A

I know Costco used to have tires specifically stamped for them by major manufacturers... don't know about Sam's. Anyways... I have a wholesale account at American Tire Co. and even that can't compare to Costco prices. I send my family and friends to Costco for standard sized tires.

They're called club tires. BJ's, Sam's, Costco, etc. carry name brand tires with modified tread patterns so as to be specific for that retailer.

BFGoodrich makes about 6 different versions of the Rugged Trail T/A for different retailers. They all look similar but each have very subtle differences.

[tapesyndrome]

I worked at discount tires for a few years back when I was in high school. I suggest you buy from them. Great service, great warranty and they have free waters in the lobby.

[Senses Fail y0!]

Oh man, I'll be HONORED to stop by discount tires just for the free water!

[JDMPoochie]

you should be

[rockcity]

Originally Posted by Senses Fail y0!

You make a lot of threads that deal with stuff like this, as if you're afraid to wander in the real world...

x999999999. It seems like this guy can't screw in a damn lightbulb without asking us first.

[kartman5]

I work at Costco, in the tire center actually. I know that if there is a Costco next to a sams club the price of the tire will actually be a few dollars cheaper than Sam's. I know Costco has wholesale prices and warranties that can't be beat most of the time. The 15 bucks for install includes, flat repairs, rotation and balances for life and mileage warranties if that tire has one. PM if you have any questions.

[Pat McGroin]

Originally Posted by Arsenal

try

edgeracing.com

have shopped there countless times, brilliant customer service.

They went out of business unfortunately.

Yes their tires are different, they use a secret F1 forumal, and I believe the Tire Service manager makes love to the tires aiding in extra grip under high stress situations. Therefore, I recommend the sam's club tires.

I used to take turns in my civic wagon at like 40mph with a squeak, now I can do them at about 75 without a squeak thanks to the secret formula.

[BigMoose]

I have been buying all my tires at Cosco for 5 years after a bad experience with TireRack. I buy a certain BFGoodrich for the Honda's. The Club tire version has a different tread pattern and 1/32 less tread depth. I like the regular Goodrich version, and Costco always orders it for me, no problem. It is like 1.60 more per tire.

I have been VERY HAPPY with Cosco. Very Happy.

[Rtzx9r]

Put michelin LTX onto our 2nd Honda at Costco. There is no visible difference with these tires.

For a company to make a inferior product of this nature, they would need to conduct a lot of $$ verification and validation activity to ensure the "cheaper" tires are safe. The tires I have gotten from Costco have the same treadwear ratings, sizes, load ratings, etc as the ones on tire rack etc.

If Costco, Sams, etc. were selling inferior product labeled as normal product, they would have a huge liability issue on their hands. I highly doubt this is true for a .005 cent savings per tire.

[Tokyosmash!]

Sams is a division of Walmart, aside from the tires certain companys make especially for them there is no difference.

Originally Posted by kartman5

I work at Costco, in the tire center actually. I know that if there is a Costco next to a sams club the price of the tire will actually be a few dollars cheaper than Sam's. I know Costco has wholesale prices and warranties that can't be beat most of the time. The 15 bucks for install includes, flat repairs, rotation and balances for life and mileage warranties if that tire has one. PM if you have any questions.

Walmart does the exact same thing for the same price homedog.

[E-Rok]

Originally Posted by rockcity

x999999999. It seems like this guy can't screw in a damn lightbulb without asking us first.

lol so true