Originally Posted by CapriRacer
Originally Posted by wdn
OEM tires are consistently junk though, regardless of brand label on the sidewall. They are the result of a low bid and are built to a price point and not built to go past the first 30,000 miles. You want to see junk tires: take a look look at OEM Continentals. Yet both Michelin and Continental make top aftermarket tires. Compare aftermarket to aftermarket though, and Michelin usually is at or near the top, and Tiger Paw never is that I've seen.
Ah …… Mmmmm ……. Not exactly.
Long version:
Barry's Tire Tech: OE Tires
Short version:
The car manufacturers issue specs for tires and among the specs is one for low rolling resistance - and to get that, treadwear and/or traction (especially wet traction) are sacrificed - something consumers find important.
Further, the price is one of the last things done in the qualification process
Great link Capri - Thank you for including it.
Just a few thoughts-
I still have some reading to do but related to another comment/post about junk tires, the inference was a sub-standard version of a tire may come as OEM although the after market (same markings and labeling) tire at a retailer is better. (I do realize Barry suggests it's actually the opposite).
That declaration seems disingenuous at least in the technical application that some code or sidewall marking or number (to my thinking) would have to be unique.
Lets say a Pacelli Spider A/S Plus was rated really good on a long term Volvo SUV test with factory OEM provided tires and I go get a set at the local tire shop. It could have thinner sidewalls or less tread wear rating or some inferior casing or criteria yet be the exact same part # ? I don't believe it myself BUT, it's possible and likely a tire plant could make that tire and drop the "Plus" or change some part # or code on the sidewall making it a completely different performer altogether. Tires made to a given price and performance characteristic while thriving on the marketing and sales of the similar sounding tire and model.
The other thing I'm thinking on is some fairly typical car tests for performance traits that are often footnoted by Car & Driver due to variations, poor results or prize-winning performances that are indeed, all about the tires either the OEM supplied or aftermarket the testing staff swapped out.
Sometimes, a base model car with the right tires out performs the XT model or the GTI for instance.