Tires: Purchasing tires, bf goodrich, visual appearance

Question
QUESTION: If I buy a tire from Walmart or Costco. Is it the same tire I would get from the tire store? Meaning exact tire. Same brand, same number etc. Someone told me that they make tires for Walmart and discount places cheaper so they can offer a cheaper price. Is that True?

ANSWER: Patty,

There are so many permutations it's impossible to give a simple answer.  So let's explore the most likely.

1)  Same brand, different name, but looks similar.

It could be otherwise identical, but it could also be quite different.

2)  Same Brand. same name.  

Possibly the same, but there could be quality level differences - things like balance weights required, visual appearance, etc. that could be different.

So it's quite possible that the tires at WalMart or Costco are the same, but it could be that they are quite different.

Now there are tires that are offered through WalMart or Costco that ARE completely different even though they are the same brand you could get elsewhere.  This is because tire manufacturers offer a whole range of products.

I hope that helps.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: If I by say, BF Goodrich Tire model: 123XYZ , all terrain XPB at Walmart
and bought BF Goodrich Tire model: 123XYZ, all terrain XPB at Tire store is it the same tire or would they make the EXACT tire different for Walmart?

Answer
Patty,

If you bought a BFG model 123XYZ, the tire would be identical EXCEPT for the possibility that the tire at the tire store COULD have been more closely scrutinized for problems such as balance, appearance, while the tire at WalMart might not be.