Reviews on Domestic (Indian) Tyre brands to buy

When I got my car tyres upgraded, the Michelin XM1 cost me a bomb vs. other tires. The tyre inventor company is of French origin and I happily paid the import duty premium back then. But Times have changed. Here are five companies with equivalent quality tyres available in the market. Better bets than buying Chinese brands and risking safety or paying premiums for Yokohama, Bridgestone, Pirelli, Michelin, Toyo, Continental, hankook or Kumho.

1. Apollo: India's largest tyre company and the fastest growing tyre company in the world. Also manufactures Alloy wheels. Holds distinction for acquiring Dunlop SA unit and Netherlands-based Vredestein Banden BV. With the launch of Accelere Sportz and Apollo Aspire Apollo has matched competition with quality and innovation.

2. MRF- The default definition of Tyres in India. Madras Rubber Factory is also one of the most expensive stock on the BSE. MRF also rules the roost ahead of Apollo tyres in the 2010 Indian tyre satisfaction study. Alongwith JK tyres MRF is also one of the leading contributors to the Indian racing circuit. Check out the ZV series of tyres from MRF.

3. JK Tyres: JK tyres have kept pace with MRF on the racing circuit for a long time. And they have used their racing experience in enhancing their tyre quality for the Indian conditions. Check out the JK vectra and Zephyr range for your car.

4. Ceat: Beginning its humble start in Italy, the company changed hands before finally landing into RPG enterprises lap. The company is yet to come with a top of the line tyre competing with the other makes but Its bread and butter tyre sales to car companies for OE fitments has helped CEAT command a good market share. Do check out the Rhino series.

5.  Birla Tyres: Birla Group owned Hindustan Motors maybe dying a slow death but the same is not the case with Birla tyres. Check out their Dazzler lineup. Birla tyres have just begun to make inroads and expect a full lineup for all cars in the coming years.

6. TVS tyres: TVS is not only known for making 2-wheelers and pc keyboards. TVS also holds a massive share in the Indian 2-wheeler tyre market.

7. Falcon Tyres: Falcon Tyres started in collobaration with Dunlop tyres is an Indian startup making tyres mostly for the two-wheeler market. Falcon has gained significant market share in a small time frame and is fast becoming a major player.

Alloys wheels:  Here are some Alloy wheel makes to beautify your car while aiding in handling and fuel efficiency.

1. Neo Alloys wheels.
2. Aura Alloy (discontinued but some designs are still available)
3. Apollo alloy wheels