What are the methods to identify the authenticity of Michelin Primacy 4?
2 Answers
Methods to identify the authenticity of Michelin Primacy 4 are as follows: 1. Check for the presence of a certificate: Genuine Michelin tires sold through official channels have a certificate attached to the tire's label. The certificate features a silver coating that can be scratched off as per instructions to reveal an anti-counterfeiting code. This code can then be entered on the website to verify authenticity. 2. Observe the tread pattern, color, and gloss: In terms of tread pattern, counterfeit retreaded tires often have shallower grooves due to irregular processing. In terms of color, counterfeit retreaded tires appear more vibrant and shiny, while genuine ones are relatively dull. Retreaded tires generally have a duller color and gloss. 3. Check the depth of the mold lines: Besides the production date, be aware that some tires in the market may be smuggled as mounted tires (directly installed on wheels for border crossing) or sold as old tires disguised as new ones. When purchasing, pay attention to the mold lines on the tire surface. Generally, tires above 15 inches have mold lines. After several kilometers of use, these lines will wear off, making them a useful indicator to distinguish between new and used tires.
I've replaced several sets of Michelin Primacy 4 tires, and from experience, distinguishing between genuine and fake mainly lies in the sidewall details. Genuine products have clear and three-dimensional logos on the sidewalls, with neat engravings and no rough edges. The production date codes, such as 2023 or 24 representing the year and week, must be readable. The anti-counterfeit label is affixed to the side, and scanning the QR code with a phone can verify it on the official website. Fake products have blurry logos or typos, asymmetrical tread patterns, and may cause abnormal vibrations and poor fuel efficiency when driven. It's recommended to buy from official authorized stores and feel the tires for a firm yet springy texture, which indicates authenticity. Last time I bought a fake one to save money, the tread wore out quickly within months and slipped in the rain—a lesson that safety is priceless and worth spending a bit more. Regular maintenance should include checking for stable tire pressure. Genuine Michelin tires last long, easily covering tens of thousands of kilometers, while fake rubber is of poor quality and accelerates aging risks.