Title is a bit vague but wasn't sure how else to put it.
Well, I passed the MOT on Thursday with only a couple of advisories. Airbag and MIL lights, which after 31.03.12 mean an automatic failure - glad I didn't leave it until it expired.
During the inspection, the tester mentioned that my O/S rear tyre was approaching the wear indicators. So I had a look whilst it was on the ramp and sure enough it was wearing, although evenly across the tyre. I said to him that I thought it strange because I usually buy tyres in pairs, as that is how they wear. He then asked where I bought them from - was it a place that advertises cheap/discounted prices on known brands (incidentally mine are Continentals), when I replied from a well known mail order/internet tyre supplier, he smiled.
He then told me that the same sort of tyre from a manufacturer can be graded 1, 2 or 3 for quality. 1 is original fitment quality; 2 or 3 is then supplied to the retail trade. Which, he said, is why replacement tyres will never last as long as those factory fitted. Only the tyre manufacturer and the retailer know whether they have grade 2 or 3 (dealers may have access to grade1), so we buy tyres we have no idea whether they will last as long as the last set or not.
The tester was a chap who is well known in the area and is of the old school, not prone to making a fast buck but being fair in his dealings. So I can't see that he has anything to gain from this.
It's the first time I've heard this, anyone like to venture an opinion or further knowledge on the subject?
Well, I passed the MOT on Thursday with only a couple of advisories. Airbag and MIL lights, which after 31.03.12 mean an automatic failure - glad I didn't leave it until it expired.
During the inspection, the tester mentioned that my O/S rear tyre was approaching the wear indicators. So I had a look whilst it was on the ramp and sure enough it was wearing, although evenly across the tyre. I said to him that I thought it strange because I usually buy tyres in pairs, as that is how they wear. He then asked where I bought them from - was it a place that advertises cheap/discounted prices on known brands (incidentally mine are Continentals), when I replied from a well known mail order/internet tyre supplier, he smiled.
He then told me that the same sort of tyre from a manufacturer can be graded 1, 2 or 3 for quality. 1 is original fitment quality; 2 or 3 is then supplied to the retail trade. Which, he said, is why replacement tyres will never last as long as those factory fitted. Only the tyre manufacturer and the retailer know whether they have grade 2 or 3 (dealers may have access to grade1), so we buy tyres we have no idea whether they will last as long as the last set or not.
The tester was a chap who is well known in the area and is of the old school, not prone to making a fast buck but being fair in his dealings. So I can't see that he has anything to gain from this.
It's the first time I've heard this, anyone like to venture an opinion or further knowledge on the subject?
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