[MightyMouseTech]

Was explained to me by our tire rep, there are basically three levels of tires. They are built the same, and then go through 12 or 13 different quality checks. The best ones that pass all the tests go to the car manufacturers for cars on the assembly line. Next level that pass most of the tests go to the tire companies authorised retailers, like Tirerack or wholesalers, who in turn either sell to the public or dealerships. The ones that are "good enough" passing only some of the quality tests go to places like Costco.

So yes, it is the same tire, but it is not the same quality.

I will never buy tires from Costco, or for the other Canadians of the forum, from Canadian Tire.

I believe Michelin puts an X in the tire DOT to denote a tire that is sold to third parties, and Michelin will not directly warranty these tires. We can not send Costco Michelin tires back to our wholesale tire supplier for warranty issues.