Having joined Costco online I found the e-mail telling me they don't send out membership cards, which I assumed meant I simply gave them my details or could get a virtual card for my phone. Oh no, I had to wait for a long queue at the returns desk to go down then show my ID, have a photo taken and they printed a physical card. Which I was not allowed to use for 10 minutes - I couldn't even go and have a hot dog at the in store cafe while waiting
Back to the tyres. I've done over 48,000 miles on two sets of Conti Sport Contact 6 in Audi specific spec, so I'm used to them and like them very much. The Michelins haven't changed the overall character of my car, I am pleased to report. Comparisons after 40 miles of mostly sub-60mph country lanes and town in 17C+ dry conditions:
- The Michelins make a bit more noise on coarse surfaces, such as roads which has surface dressing within the last year. But not terrible at all.
- They feel grippy; good steering response and no extra understeer compared to the Contis (and Audis don't just understeer these days; at least mine doesn't).
- The sidewalls feel a little softer but they are slightly more crashy over bumps and lumps round town.
- Very stable mid-bend, not quite as good directional stability in a straight line (but very little difference really).
Overall they aren't quite up to a decent summer tyre but they're 90% there. Obviously that's a compromise I hope will prove worth it when the weather turns. I'm pleased with them but not yet impressed, except with how they look which is really nice. I'm a tart.