I have a 2003 Camry LE. It came equipped with Bridgestone Tires. I have put approx. 38,000 miles on the car since it was brand new and these tires are a piece of crap. I do not put hard wear on the car at all. It is all highway driving. Since I didn't like the traction the Bridgestone tires gave me, I took the car to Sears last week and bought 4 new Michelin tires. I asked that I keep the Bridgestone tires as my niece was wanting to use them. Both Sears and the Toyota Dealership said these tires had over 50% of use left in them. Since my niece's tires were bald, I thought she could get some use out of these temporarily. When her mechanic went to put the Bridgestone tires on her car -- he told her those tires were completely worn and the chords broken inside of them. I'm not quite sure what that means (chords). Why would Sears and Toyota tell me those tires had over 50% use left in them, then someone else say those tires were useless, especially at under 38,000 miles? I'm wondering if Sears possibly kept my better tires and sent some old ones home with me that weren't any good. Does anyone here think they would do that? I'm livid about the whole thing. If these are the original tires, then is Bridgestone responsible for making them good? Would they since the tires are now OFF the car and not replaced by Toyota?
Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.