*** BE FORWARNED - This is LONG and about TIRES. ***

I started a dreaded tire thread just about a year ago and I hesitate to dredge up something that has been put to sleep, BUT I came onto a bit of information that answers many questions.

Recently, I set out to purchase a dozen Michelin tires in order to take advantage of a rebate. The last time I did a bulk purchase, I simply went with Sam's Club because they had the best price. Although I bought tires branded Michelin X, I noted that they were described as "Michelin XT's" on the invoice. No big deal I thought - I was wrong.

All was well in my world until my sweetheart started to complain about poor traction. At first, I dismissed it as operator error, but, eventually I had to admit she was right. Once I read the thoughtful replies to my original post which endorsed Michelins, I thought maybe I was just expecting too much from Michelin. So, I ordered three sets of Michelin Defender's at Costco.

About this time, I had reason to contact Michelin and in speaking with their customer service person, I asked why Michelin listed two distinct part numbers for the Defender tire. The rep said the "XT" Defender is a "warehouse club" tire manufactured to a different spec than the Defender they supply to their dealers. It might have been by accident, but suddenly a light bulb turned on and I had an "A-Ha!" moment.

In the end, I cancelled the Costco "club" tires and cut a deal with my local authorized Michelin dealer. Although his margin was too slim to match the Costco price, I still got the rebate and the dealer absorbed the cost of mounting and balancing. The bottom line showed that, with mounting and balancing, I SAVED a couple bucks on each tire over the Costco deal.

The new Michelin Defenders have proven to be all I have come to expect from Michelin. One of the 240's which received a new pair of shoes had tires that were hardly scuffed, but the "club" tires sucked so badly I couldn't bring myself to run them any longer.

As always, it's not what you know that bites you in the ass, it's what you don't know.

Rich (Near Pittsburgh)