Whether you’re just buying your first car or thinking about swapping out the tires on an old favorite, there’s a lot to know about tires.

Your tires can make all the difference in how you handle the road and even whether you make it to your destination without issue. If something goes wrong with a tire, it can mean a tire change or even a breakdown.

In this guide, we’ll look at how tires work and what they’re made of, the most common tire types, essentials of tire maintenance, and the basics to consider when it’s time to shop for new tires.

Ready to become an expert on all things tires?

Buying and Maintaining Tires: What You Need to Know

We spend a lot of time thinking about our cars – picking a car, then gas, parking, maintenance, but tires rarely get as much thought. Let’s take a look at the basics.

Car Tire Basics

Starting from the very beginning, tires are the rubber cushions filled with compressed air that go around the wheels of a vehicle.

Tires are a necessary component of every car, truck, and SUV. The friction created by tire treads is part of the process that allows a vehicle to move forward, so having the right tires and making sure they’re in good shape is important for the proper functioning of your car.

Typically, when you buy a car, it comes with tires and a spare. The cost of these tires is included in the price you pay overall for the car.

If you’re buying a brand new car, it should come with brand new tires that are standard for your vehicle model. You may also be given the option, when buying from a dealership, to upgrade to specialty tires. If you’re buying a used car, it’s likely that you’re getting used tires and buying them as-is.

As you drive your car over the years, your tires can start to wear down. This wearing down can be accelerated by aggressive driving, harsh road conditions, and other factors. Knowing what to look for and when to repair or replace your tires is a key part of long term car maintenance.

Key Types of Tires

Start by getting to know your tires and learning about the different kinds of tires that might be available to you. For example, many people who live in wintry climates change their tires out in the winter for special winter tires, both to preserve the standard tires and improve their vehicle’s road safety in icy and snowy weather.

The treads on the tire are the part of the tire that make contact with the road, and varying treads and tire sizes make for different road capabilities, from helping you move faster to helping you navigate mud and snow.

Broadly, tire types vary in:

Tire size and vehicle fit
Rubber flexibility or durability
Tread shape and tread size

Here are all the primary kinds of tires available, and why you might want them (or not).

nice sporty tire on silver luxury car in woods

All-Season Tires

All-season tires are the workhorse of the tire world. They’re the tires your vehicle is most likely to come with, unless you’re driving a vehicle specifically designed for off-road driving, like a Jeep Wrangler.

These tend to be relatively affordable and long lasting, and the gold standard for just a standard set of tires.

All-season tires come in different sizes and are available for each vehicle category: car, SUV, and truck.

High Performance Tires

There are a few different tire types that fall under the high performance (HP) umbrella, but broadly these are tires designed for sports cars and similar luxury vehicles. They have high handling capabilities but are more expensive and tend to need to be replaced more frequently than standard all-season tires. They aren’t generally available for trucks and SUVs, but may fit some sedans.

They are unique for their softer rubber and grippier treads than standard tires.

There are summer, all-season, and winter versions of high performance tires, and they generally offer a happy medium between all-season and ultra high performance (UHP) tires for second vehicles that won’t be in much inclement weather.

Summer high performance tires are not designed for rain or snow and will not be safe in more than a light rain. All-season high performance tires could hypothetically be used on a family vehicle, but would probably create higher annual tire costs. Winter performance tires are designed to be the winter equivalent of HP and UHP tires for vehicles designed for those tire styles and have improved cold weather grip..

These are not tires designed for daily use or people who live in harsh climates, and could become unsafe or need to be replaced several times a year if used incorrectly.

However, for those with a sports car that’s used for recreational purposes and the budget to splurge for a tire to match, they can be a great choice.

Ultra High Performance (UHP) Tires

Ultra high performance tires, also known as track tires or racing slicks, are tires specifically designed for driving fast under optimal road conditions in upscale sport and racing vehicles. They tend to have the highest speed ratings available, and can usually perform in wet weather, but aren’t designed for snow and ice and require compromise in ride comfort and tire durability.

UHP tires are among the most expensive tire options and need frequent replacement. They aren’t generally a practical choice, even for second vehicles, except under very specific circumstances.

There are no or few true UHP winter tire options, so those that use UHPs and want to take a vehicle out in the winter will need performance winter tires, which have a lower speed rating but better cold weather grip. That said, most people who own the expensive and high maintenance vehicles that go with UHPs probably won’t want to take them out in the snow too often anyway!

All-Terrain and Specialty Truck Tires

On the other end of the spectrum, there are all-terrain tires, which are usually large and designed only to fit SUVs and trucks capable of going off-road.

All-terrain tires are specifically designed to be usable both on pavement and on dirt roads or for light off-roading. They are sort of like the hiking boots of tires – they have bigger, deeper treads designed to work in more road conditions, but aren’t so specialized they can’t work for general use. They would be the standard tire option for someone with a Jeep Wrangler or Ford F-150 or similar vehicles.

All-terrain tires also have enough traction to drive in light snow, and for heavy vehicles can sometimes be sufficient to get you through the winter, but generally aren’t considered sufficient for icy conditions. That means, if you live somewhere that regularly gets very icy or snowy, winter tires may still be necessary, but it’ll depend on your vehicle and region.

Off-road tires are the next step up from all-terrain for those who live most of their lives in areas with dirt roads or are regularly driving off pavement. They are more puncture resistant than standard tires and have large, deep treads ideal for getting through mud, sand, and gravel. That said, they’re not designed to be driven on paved roads or at highway speeds.

They’re a specialty tire only really necessary for people who need to be able to drive on uneven, unpaved terrain more than they drive on pavement.

There are other kinds of specialty tires, usually only used on trucks and off-roading vehicles. The primary others are mud tires and heavy duty tires.

Mud tires are what they sound like – they have wide blocks and treads designed to release any debris and keep you moving in mud and sand conditions. They’re not as good for crawling over rocks and differ from off-road tires in the way they squeeze and release any mud stuck in the treads.

Heavy duty tires are tires that can take more weight than other tires for those that plan to haul trailers or max out their truck’s payload. Heavy duty tires are unique among specialty truck tires in that they’re generally good for daily driving and highway driving and tend to offer good durability and longevity.

Winter Tires

Winter tires, sometimes called snow tires, are tires around the level and style of all-season tires, except that they’re specifically designed to make it easier and safer to drive in icy, snowy, and very cold conditions.

There are winter tires for every size and vehicle style, car, SUV and truck. What makes winter tires unique is that they have better grip in inclement weather and are made with a specially formulated rubber that stays pliable below freezing. Because of these factors, winter tires aren’t as good in warm weather on clear roads, and should be changed in and out seasonally.

Anyone who lives somewhere that typically has below freezing temperatures all winter long should seriously consider having winter tires for the cold season.

Tired of paying too much for your car?

Most people are paying more than they need to on their monthly car payment.

If you’re one of them, Auto Approve can help you save money and lower your payments by helping you find the best available deal for you.

Find out if you’re eligible for a better rate with a free, no-commitment quote. All it takes is a few minutes of your time. If you find a better rate, we handle the paperwork, with no markup.

Get a quote now.

muddy old tire on dirt road in black off road vehicle or SUV

Essential Tire Maintenance

Now that you know about the types of tires, how do you keep them in good condition?

Here are the key steps you can take to keep your tires in good condition.

Maintain air pressure.
Get your tires rotated.
Don’t use the wrong tires for your driving needs.
Repair minor punctures and penetrations, and replace when necessary.

How To Know When It’s Time to Get New Tires

There are two key things to think about to help you decide if you need to replace your tires.

The first is general wear. As you use your tires, the treads will wear down. As the treads erode, the tires become less effective. Too little tread and your tire may eventually have trouble gripping the road, which makes it harder to control the vehicle.

At a certain point of wear, the tires are no longer safe and need to be replaced. AAA recommends replacing tires when the treads hit 1/8th of an inch, because braking distances will start increasing at that thickness.

The second is the tire’s ability to hold air. If a tire has been punctured or penetrated, you may be able to use a repair kit to temporarily patch minor issues, but ultimately, you’ll likely need to replace at least that one tire.

If your tires are relatively new, you may be able to get away with replacing just one tire (rule of thumb is if the treads are still 30% or less worn down). If your tires are more worn but you want to save money, you can sometimes get away with replacing two tires and leaving the other pair until they’re worn down enough that you have to replace them (especially if you use two-wheel drive).

Most tire experts, however, recommend replacing all 4 tires any time you need to replace one, to ensure even wear and avoid problems down the line.

Other things to look out for include:

Tire sidewall cracks
Uneven wear (which could indicate an alignment issue)
Shaking, vibrations, or bumpy sensations
Bulges and bubbles in the tire rubber

Buying New Tires

When it’s time to buy new tires, here are a few things to look at and consider.

First, you’ll need to make sure any tires you consider will fit your vehicle. Most tire sellers will ask for your vehicle’s exact make and model.

From there you’ll want to consider:

What type of tire you want and for what purpose (thinking about the types of tires referenced earlier in this guide)
Speed rating (the letter grade given to indicate the maximum speed at which the tire will function optimally over time)
Load index and range (the tire’s carrying capacity, if there’s a change you’ll want to transport heavy loads – especially relevant for truck owners)
Mileage warranty – any tire purchase you make should come with an expected mileage before they’ll need replacement, and some tire sellers will sell tires at different price points based on this number
Price point – specialty tires may cost more or need more frequent replacement, so make sure you have the full picture and are happy with the price before making any tire purchases

There are many reputable tire makers and sellers, but you may also want to consider buying from stores that will also cover maintenance and that you’re happy having a long term relationship with.

And That’s Everything You Need to Know About Tires

Has this changed your mind about what type of tire you want or need for your vehicle? Are your tires in good condition? You’re now set with tons of information to keep your wheels rolling for years to come. What you choose to do with it is up to you.

Tire changes can be expensive. If you’d like more money in your pocket – for any reason – why not lower your car payment with Auto Approve?

Auto Approve makes refinancing your vehicle simple. And, because dealerships mark up their rates, there are many people right now who qualify for a better rate and a lower monthly payment.

Find out what you could save with a free quote today.

More Resources

Get A Fresh Start For Spring With These Car Cleaning Tips

Let’s talk about how to clean your car.Spring is finally here – and so is spring cleaning. While you most likely clean your car more than once a year, spring is a great time to get into all of the nitty gritty car cleaning that may fall by the wayside throughout the year. Taking the time to clean your car at home is much more effective than a retail car wash, not to mention less expensive. So let’s roll up our sleeves and break out the hose for a car spring cleaning that will leave your vehicle fresh and shiny as new.Here Are Our Top Tips To Spring Clean Your Car.Interior car cleaning kit essentialsWhat is the best way to clean the interior of a car? When it comes to your car’s interior, you may need a few more things to get it into tip-top shape, but you most likely have all of these things in your house already. VacuumA vacuum is essential for cleaning floor mats, car seats, and underneath seats.ToothbrushRunning a new toothbrush along the dashboard can help you find collected debris and get dust out of hard to reach places.\Microfiber clothsUsing a microfiber cloth with an interior cleaner (see below) can help clean, polish, and protect your interior.Interior cleanerMost dashboards are made of plastic (although high end models may use wood), so there are several options when it comes to the best cleaner. Find a cleaner that will not only clean but protect your interior as well. Consider the scent, cost, and reviews of effectiveness before purchasing. Foam glass cleanerA foam glass cleaner such as Invisible Glass does not drip like other liquid glass cleaners, resulting in a clearer finish with less streaks.Exterior car cleaning kit essentialsWhen looking through the car wash aisle, there may seem like an endless number of products at your disposal. You may find yourself asking “what is the best thing to use to clean a car?” The truth is, you only need a few products to get your car squeaky clean. For the exterior, a simple car cleaning kit that includes quality car soap, a car washing mitt, and several microfiber cloths will serve you well.Car soapWhile it is acceptable to use dish soap to wash your car, experts recommend using a specialty automotive soap instead. Dish soaps can actually strip the wax off of your car’s exterior and dull the finish. Automotive soap is designed specifically for automotive paint so it won’t cause any damage.Microfiber mittBe sure to use a microfiber mitt instead of a sponge when washing your car. Microfiber is much more gentle on paint than traditional sponges, which can trap dirt and scratch the paint. Microfibers have long and porous strands that help lift the dirt off of your car and avoid scratching.Microfiber cloths Drying your car with a microfiber cloth will help minimize water spots and streaks, giving it a shine and polished look that you can’t get with air drying alone. Pay less on your refreshed wheels with a refinanced loan from Auto Approve. Most people are overpaying on their auto loans. Refinancing your car loan could save you thousands. But don’t just take our word for it…Get a free quote to see how much you could save.What is the best way to wash your car?Follow these steps for ultimate car spring cleaning.Step 1: Choose the right time and placeWashing your car when the sun is shining bright and there is no shade will make your job much harder. Your car will dry much quicker in the direct sun, leaving streaks and water spots. Park in the shade or wash your car in the morning or evening when the sun isn’t glaring to give yourself the best results.Step 2: Gather your supplies (and prepare to get wet)Preparation is key for an effective car cleaning. Gather your car cleaning kit and dress appropriately in flip flops and clothes that can (and will) get wet.Step 3: Declutter and vacuum the interiorA good first step is to take everything out of your car, from trash on the floor to your emergency kit to your floor mats. Vacuum the carpets, seats, and every nook and cranny that the hose can fit. Vacuum and wipe down your floor mats outside of the car.Step 4: Clean the interior dash, windows, and upholstery (if needed)Use a dry, new toothbrush to clean dirt out of hard to reach places. Brushing textured plastic can help loosen dirt that is stuck in the grooves. Then, use an automotive interior cleaner and a microfiber cloth to clean and polish the dashboard, center console, and the door panels. After the plastic is cleaned, use a foam glass cleaner and microfiber cloth to clean all glass, including the windows, windshield, sunroof, moonroof, and mirrors. Then vacuum your seats and any other upholstered surfaces using a small handheld vacuum or attachment to ensure you can get into all your vehicles nooks and crannies.Once your seats have been vacuumed, assess if there are any areas that need spot cleaning and use an appropriate cleaning solution.Step 5: Replace mats and personal itemsPut everything back where it should be, making note that your emergency kit has everything you may need in the future. Step 6: Hose the car downOnce the car interior cleaning is done, it’s time to move on to the exterior. Hose down the entire car from top to bottom, including the wheels and wheel wells.Step 7: Use the two bucket method to wash your carFill two large buckets with water and put your soap in one while leaving the other bucket with regular water. Starting at the top of the car and working your way down, use a car cleaning mitt to lather the car. Every now and then, rinse off your mitt in the clear water before reapplying more soap. Break your car down into sections (i.e. roof, windshield, hood, front driver’s side panel, etc) and rinse each section off after thoroughly cleaning it. This will help ensure that an area does not dry with soapy residue.Step 8: Clean your wheels and tiresAfter washing the body of the car, it’s time to focus on the wheels and tires. You can use the same mitt, rinsing often in the clean water, but may find that a toothbrush works best for getting in between the spokes of the wheel.Step 9: Rinse and dryHose down the car one final time and use a microfiber towel to dry off the car section by section. This will give your car a polished look and get rid of any water marks or streaks.Other Car Cleaning TipsWe scoured the internet for the top car cleaning tips you may have never heard before. Try the following to get your car in top shape if they apply, being cognizant of any elements of your unique vehicle that might make some cleaning applications ill-advised or not applicable.While washing and drying your car, use long, sweeping motions rather than circular motions. This will help ensure there are no circular drying marks. Use a low pressure setting on your hose to avoid spraying soap and dirt to other parts of the car. This will also decrease the amount of direct pressure on the car (which can be bad for the body and for the paint)Use a small amount of concentrated soap directly on your headlights and bumper to remove stubborn bug residue, tar, bird poop, or tree sap.Cleaning your headlights with a small amount of toothpaste will help restore their clarity. Simply rub a small amount on a paper towel and buff it onto each headlight.Use a separate cloth entirely for the glass area. This will help avoid scratches on the glass from dirt that may get trapped while washing the body.Apply Rain-X to your windshield and windows. The coating helps repel water, reducing the need for car wipers. Keep a container of black tea in your car. This can help absorb bad odors and keep your car smelling fresh.You can make a DIY air freshener by mixing your favorite essential oil with baking soda and leaving it in the car. The baking soda will absorb bad odors while the essential oils keep your car smelling nice.For a deep interior clean, try renting a steam cleaner. They are incredibly effective at removing stains and getting your carpets and seats thoroughly clean.If you have leather seats, use a small amount of olive oil to condition the leather. This will help keep the leather moisturized and protect it from fading or cracking in the sun.Keep interior car cleaning wipes in your glove compartment to help maintain a clean car year round.Use these tips to spring clean your car and get a fresh start this season.Giving your car a deep clean this spring can serve as a great reset for your and your car. It will also help you keep your car clean in the coming months. No one wants a car with old odors in the summer sun!Another great way to reset this spring is by refinancing your car loan with Auto Approve. Get your free, no strings attached quote from Auto Approve today and find out how much money you could be saving!CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE QUOTE

When to Refinance Your Car Loan

When is the right time to refinance a car loan? Well, one could argue that it’s never a bad time to consider a car loan refinance. Too many people assume that their auto loan is something they are locked into from the day they finance a vehicle until the end of the loan. But not so! Many people are overpaying on their auto loans, paying higher rates than they’re eligible for, or otherwise stuck with terms that may no longer make sense for their lives. That’s where car refinancing can come to the rescue.So, Is Now a Good Time to Refinance A Vehicle?In terms of timing, it’s always wise to check to make sure you’re not paying more than you need to be. Given that rates and auto values have fluctuated dramatically over the last decade, and that many dealerships mark up prices so you end up paying a higher rate than you were eligible for even at the time of purchase, there’s a good chance you can lower your monthly car payment. And if your life situation has changed, you similarly may be able to save money by refinancing to a better loan for you and your needs. To help you decide if this might apply to you, let’s take a look at some broad guidelines and FAQs for deciding when to refinance your vehicle.When Can I Refinance My Car Loan?Contrary to popular belief, you are not obligated to wait any amount of time before refinancing your car loan. You have to, instead, meet the requirements for the new loan to refinance it. Time is not part of those requirements – you can refinance immediately after buying the vehicle if you want and meet eligibility requirements. Just make sure that you are pursuing a better deal than the one you already have! (That said, in some states, you need your new registration before refinancing, which may slow down the process by 4 to 6 weeks.)If you’re unsure about your eligibility or whether or not the new loan would be better than your existing one, using Auto Approve can help.When Can Refinancing Benefit Me?Refinancing is basically paying off your old loan with a new one. A beneficial refinance could mean a lower interest rate, a lower monthly payment, or both. You may be eligible for a lower interest rate if:Rates have gone down since you financed your vehicleYour credit score has gone up, orYou didn’t get a good deal in the first placeMost auto loans are amortizing loans, which means you pay a fixed monthly payment with interest that is already built into that payment. Lower interest would mean a lower monthly payment, if the terms of the length of the loan stay the same. Some people instead choose to refinance to change the length of their loan, so they pay less monthly but over a longer period of time, or pay more monthly in order to have their loan paid off sooner. Refinancing also allows you to add or drop a co-borrower from the loan and can give you up to three month’s break in payments while the loans change over.When you use Auto Approve to refinance, an Auto Approve representative will help you understand your options and make sure you get the right deal for your unique situation – then do the paperwork for you.Get your free, no-commitment quote today to see how much you could save.How can I improve my credit score? This happens when you make on-time loan payments for multiple months – or years. About 10-12 months is enough time to see a change in your credit score, which you can use as leverage to negotiate a better loan rate. Learn more about credit scores and refinancing here.When Should I Try to Refinance My Car Loan?NOW! Now is always the best time, if you think it might be beneficial to you. The refinance process is simple, there is no risk for you to find out your available options, and in most cases, you will be very glad you elected to move forward. With the right refinance, you can start saving money immediately.In general, the two main reasons why people refinance their vehicles are to lower their monthly payment or lower their interest rate. So if you’re still thinking about timing, consider: whether paying less monthly or overall could help you outwhether your circumstances have changedwhether vehicle values or interest rates have changed The ability to borrow at a lower interest rate means you will pay less for your car after taking all of your borrowing costs into account. Since an interest rate is part of the monthly payment you agree to in the loan, it’s something that you should keep in mind as interest rates change over time. What Do I Need for Refinancing My Car?Generally, you are going to need to collect the following:Information about the current loan and lender, your account numberYour current total loan balanceVehicle information including the make, model, year, and VINRead more about the requirements to refinance a car.Refinancing Mistakes to AvoidHere are some of the most common pitfalls to avoid when refinancing an auto loan:Prepayment penalties do exist, which means you may have to pay extra if you pay off a loan before a term is up. Look up the details of your loan and inquire what this fee is going to be.Waiting too long to refinance. The longer you wait in the life of the loan, the less sense it makes to refinance. Lastly, don’t miss any payments. Even if you think that the refinancing process has paused your payments, triple-check before you halt payment for the previous loan. And that’s An Overview Of When To Refinance A CarSo, when should I try to refinance my car? Start now and discover if you’re eligible! We’re here to help. Hopefully this guide has answered all you burning questions. As always, do your due diligence and call up your lender with questions before you make any decisions. Hidden fees, contractual obligations, and the actual value of the car should all be factored into any refinancing agreements. But, if the stars align, then there is no reason why you should not allow yourself to benefit from auto refinancing. It’s never a bad time to check your options commitment free and discover how much you could lower your monthly payment or your interest rate.GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

What Are Tariffs And Why Do They Matter For American Cars?

It looks like tariffs – or at least the looming possibility of tariffs – are here to stay. But how do they work? And how can tariffs affect car prices? Let’s take a quick look at everything you need to know about car tariffs: meaning, how they work, and what to expect if you’re hoping to purchase or repair a vehicle.All About Car Tariffs (and How They Could Affect You)Let’s start with the basics.What are tariffs?You may have heard the word a lot lately, but what exactly does “tariff” mean?The simplest explanation is this: a tariff is a tax that is charged on something when it is imported. Think of it like the sales tax on a purchase when you check out at a store. It’s typically a percent of the total you’ve already paid on top of your bill. This money goes, as a tax, to the government.Here’s a practical example of how tariffs work.For example, let’s say you’re a ketchup maker. You live in Kentucky, and cook and bottle your ketchup in Kentucky, but you buy your tomatoes from Italy. You buy your tomatoes from the person that grows them in Italy, then pay to have them shipped to Kentucky. Once your tomatoes arrive in the United States, they’re inspected to make sure they’re safe and legal, and at the same time, you, the ketchup maker who imported them, would pay any required tariffs to the customs officers at the port. See? Just like a tax at check out. Tariffs can be applied by a government in different ways. You can tariff a specific item, items to do with a specific industry, or items from a specific place. They can be broad, blanket tariffs – for example, “all goods from Italy will be tariffed at 15%” – or more complicated and targeted. For example, you could have a rule where, after $1 billion worth of Italian tomatoes have been imported by everyone in the US who imports Italian tomatoes, the tariff percent goes up from 15% to 30%.Worried about rising prices?Here’s one price that doesn’t have to go up: your monthly car payment. Most people are overpaying on their vehicle loan. Auto Approve can help.Get a free quote to see how much you could save.What makes tariffs good or bad?Tariffs themselves are not inherently good or bad. Every country has tariffs on some goods. They can be applied to protect a specific industry – say New Jersey tomatoes were suffering because too many people were importing Italian tomatoes, adding a tax on Italian tomatoes might make it easier for New Jersey tomatoes to get more business. Italian tomatoes would become more expensive. You, as a ketchup maker, might pivot to New Jersey tomatoes to keep your prices the same. If enough people do this, New Jersey tomato farmers will have a more stable industry, and ideally, it’ll have a positive effect on their local and national economy.On the other hand, tariffs can cause problems for importers and consumers. Maybe you’re not willing to change your ingredients and choose instead to raise your prices. Maybe New Jersey tomatoes are more expensive than your Italian ones were. Or, having less competition, New Jersey producers might choose to raise their prices. Situations like these can mean tough decisions for people who make products that use imported goods, and higher prices for consumers. Similarly, say you can get your tomatoes from New Jersey for a better price (yay!), but your ketchup is packaged in Canadian aluminum bottles, and there are no aluminum bottle makers in all of the United States that can make your bottle. The aluminum comes from Canada and there’s no aluminum here to be had. What then? Do you change your packaging and your ingredients all at once? Look for ways to cut costs elsewhere, or simply raise your prices?This is why tariffs are usually used in a targeted way – to avoid hurting companies working inside of a country that have to pay them and to keep consumer prices from soaring.How tariffs affect American car pricesWith all of that out of the way, what does all of this have to do with cars? Well, right now, there are new tariffs being imposed on internationally-made vehicles and auto parts, plus some of the materials used to make vehicles. Will car prices go up due to tariffs?These new tariffs mean it’s likely that consumer costs will go up across the board in the auto industry. Here’s why:Because foreign cars and car parts will simply be more expensive to importBecause not all car parts or materials have domestic replacements availableIt’s easy to see why foreign cars will likely be more expensive. Since the vehicles are manufactured elsewhere, there’s no way to dodge the tariffs by changing to an American supplier. While a motivated company could choose to open an American plant, time and cost to start manufacturing in a new country and source domestic labor, space, parts, and materials might outweigh the benefits, versus simply attaching a higher price tag.But what about American-made cars and trucks?Very few, if any, vehicles are made entirely in America with American parts made from American vehicles. It is common for vehicles to have some parts made or manufacturing done in other countries, and materials like steel may be imported, either in their raw or ready-to-use form. Batteries for electric cars, for example, start with raw materials gathered from all over the world, like cobalt from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, nickel from Australia, and lithium from Argentina, and then are often manufactured in China before being shipped to the United States.Closer to home, auto manufacturing has crossed the border between Michigan and nearby Ontario, Canada, since the car was in its infancy. In 1904, 117 Ford Model Cs were produced in Walkerville, Ontario. General Motors – the Detroit-based manufacturing company that makes Chevrolets, Buicks, and Cadillacs, purchased one of Canada’s early domestic auto brands and used it to found General Motors of Canada in 1918, which is still the company’s Canadian subsidiary. There has hardly been a time when American auto manufacturing was not a cross-border affair – so it’s no surprise that there are still factories making different auto parts or performing assembly on either side of the US-Canada border. That means that tariffs on Canadian-made auto parts may well affect even familiar American automakers.Do tariffs affect car repairs?They can! If you need a replacement part, your costs may go up if that part or the materials used to make it come from somewhere else. If you’re just getting routine check-ups or happen to need something domestically produced, you should be in the clear.That said, not everyone will pass every cost increase directly onto the consumer purchasing that particle part or vehicle. Some may choose to raise all prices a little bit instead of some prices drastically to help spread out the tax burden. How each company or person in the supply chain chooses to handle changes will make a difference for if, how, and when the end consumer is affected.How to save money under new car tariffsThis might make it sound like costs will skyrocket, but there are things you can do to limit how much you feel these changes. First, you can choose to buy American wherever possible – or at least weigh the cost differential and any pros and cons of your options, whether you’re thinking about a new car or just purchasing new tires. While many American-made vehicles will still see some price increase, it’ll likely be less than what you’ll see on vehicles entirely manufactured abroad.Second, you can choose to focus on repairing your vehicle instead of replacing it. While a 25% tariff on a car part might raise its price, 25% of $200 is only a $50 increase, while a 25% tariff on a whole car could be tens of thousands of dollars. If you have the option to hold off and see how things shake out, you can ensure you get the best vehicle for your needs and budget.Be Prepared For How Tariffs May Affect CarsNow you know the basics of how tariffs work and why vehicle costs may be affected. However, in the end, the future can’t be perfectly predicted.Car tariffs are coming into place, but they may ultimately be changed or fine tuned in reaction to the market and industry. These tariffs may not have the predicted effects, depending on a variety of factors. But being prepared for a possible rise in cost is only prudent as the U.S. tariffs cars.Get the best auto loan for your budgetPrices may rise and fall, but getting a better deal on your car payment by refinancing with Auto Approve is just about always a good idea. Discover whether you’re eligible for a lower monthly payment in a few clicks – no commitment required.Get your free quote now.

Resources

Auto Refinance

Auto Lease Purchase

Motorcycle Refinance

Tires 101: Your Guide to Tire Types, Tire Buying and Maintenance