Are There High-Quality Counterfeit Michelin Tires?
2 Answers
There are high-quality counterfeit Michelin tires on the market, and car owners should pay attention to identification when purchasing. Observe the tire tread pattern carefully: Check the color and gloss of the tire tread. Genuine Michelin tires have a layered tread pattern with a slight bevel, while counterfeit tires have hollow patterns without layering. New tires exhibit a natural blue tint on the tread surface, whereas retreaded tires appear excessively shiny. Inspect the tire sidewall: Verify whether the brand lettering is complete and check for signs of grinding. Look for the mandatory national CCC certification mark on the sidewall, and ensure specifications like size, speed rating, load index, and other markings are clearly legible.
I ran into this exact issue last time when helping a friend choose tires. Let me tell you, counterfeit Michelin tires are everywhere these days, especially on those online shops offering prices 30-40% lower than official channels. Old Li bought four cheap ones last week, and they developed sidewall cracks within three months - the road noise was as loud as a tractor. Genuine Michelin tires have laser-etched logos on the sidewalls with noticeable texture, while fakes use simple printing that flakes off with a fingernail. Here's a pro tip: never use the seller's link to verify authenticity - always scan the code directly on Michelin's official website. And if the shop hesitates to provide an invoice, there's a 80% chance it's shady.
