A mistake that many people new to owning a car will make, is thinking they have to buy a car tire recommended by their dealer. Prices for the specific brand that came on your model can cost significantly more at the dealership, than from a wholesale, or other retail outlet. That’s because dealerships have a vested interest in seeing that you return to them for further purchases, and often emphasize that you should only use their products.

If you do want a car tire of the same brand, check other dealerships, and businesses that sell multiple brands. They’re not committed to one company for their supply of tires, and can offer you a broader range. Plus, they have less interest in promoting one over the other, since any sale is profit for them.

What type of car tire should you buy? That’s entirely up to you, taking into consideration, the amount of driving you do, and in what weather conditions. Consumers who live where there is never a hint of snow, can drive year round with a summer grade tire. Owners in the north, will need to either buy a car tire suited for “all seasons” driving, or else change their tires from those designed for summer driving, to a set that can deal with snow and ice in winter.

Remember, no matter what brand or type of car tire you buy, inflation is a key to getting the most miles out them. Under inflation will cause wear on the outer edges, while over inflation causes wear on the inside edge. Not having the car tires properly aligned will also cause uneven wear, and affects your fuel efficiency.