Tires are the foundation of your adventure. Snow, desert dunes, and rock-trails all have their own elements that an off-road enthusiast has to take into consideration when making their tire selection.
Whether you’re driving a crossover, van, or truck, it is important to note your intended use for these tires.
With that in mind, we understand there are so many varying setups. If you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just beginning your trail journeys, this article serves as a guide to help you pinpoint the tires that fit your adventures!
Why Does Tire Selection Matter?
Will any regular old tire hold up? The answer to that would be a quick no. Selecting tires that suit your vehicle and intended usage ensures you can tackle any terrain confidently. The proper tire selection will allow for stability and control throughout your adventures.
Traction is one of the most important factors to consider here, which will be explored in more detail throughout this guide. Each tire features unique tread patterns designed for specific purposes. Durability goes hand in hand with traction, as choosing the right tires ensures they can endure the terrain they will be traveling through.
All-Terrain (A/T) Tires vs Mud-Terrains (M/T) Tires
With all of the factors that play into tire selection, it’s time to break down two very common tire types often used on the trails.
All-Terrain (A/T) Tires
All-Terrain (A/T) tires are a popular choice for those who drive an equal share on both paved roads and off-road. The aggressive look, dependability, and stable performance stand behind the tire’s popularity. Aside from that, the tires have a moderate, aggressive tread depth and pattern maintaining traction in environments such as dirt, gravel, and mud.
However, AT tires lack traction with larger debris, which MT tires may be able to withstand, minimizing the appeal of AT tires if considering off-roading in harsher, intense terrains.
Mud-Terrains (M/T) Tires
Similarly, Mud-Terrain (M/T) tires hold proportionate benefits to AT tires in stability and durability. However, the tires share only those two traits and differ in every other aspect from usage to tread patterns.
MT tires are primarily emphasized for extreme off-roading due to their rugged look and aggressive tread patterns, allowing for deeper spaces between tread lugs. In addition, they have very durable side walls alongside strong open shoulder treads that allow for increased traction on those slippery, harsh surfaces.
Thus, if heavy off roading within harsher terrains is your goal, then M/T tires may be a solid option overall.
Tires For Year-Round Use
When considering tires for year-round use, there are two popular selections, all-season (A/S) and all-weather (A/W) tires, but they serve different purposes despite their similar names.
All-Season (A/S) Tires
All-season (A/S) tires are primarily designed for on-road use, providing reliable performance on dry and wet roads. While they can handle light off-road conditions, their capabilities are limited to mild terrains, such as compact dirt or gravel roads.
These tires deliver reliable performance in milder climates, thanks to the rubber compounds integrated within the tread patterns. However, in freezing temperatures, the compound loses flexibility, leading to reduced tread traction and making it less ideal for winter conditions. So if you don’t intend on driving in freezing climates, consider A/S tires.
All-Weather (A/W) Tires
All-weather (A/W) tires, on the other hand, are built for a range of weather conditions, including more severe winter weather. They are crafted with deeper treads and specialized rubber compounds which allows them to maintain better traction in snow and ice but still perform well in summer heat.
Which One?
A/W tires offer greater convenience since they don’t require frequent seasonal swaps and perform well in both winter and summer climates. A/S tires are better fit for milder climates where weather conditions aren’t so extreme.
Aesthetic Choices: A/T vs. Standard Tires
Selecting the right tires ensures the correct fitment, but it also brightens the overall look of your vehicle. A/T tires are known for their aggressive, off-road-ready look with deep treads–while standard tires can be very minimal and “clean”.
Visual style is important, but it is always best to verify that your tire selection is compatible with your wheels and vehicle above all else.
Modifications for Larger Tires
With a larger tire, some modifications may be necessary to accommodate the larger size and clearance. To prevent the tires from rubbing the wheel wells, a suspension raise using lift kits or trimming the fenders adds additional clearance.
Larger tires also generally lower your MPG and are usually a lot less efficient. Larger tires increase rolling resistance which creates more strain on the engine and other surrounding components. To add to that, there are also instances where you may have to “re-gear” to fit any larger tires. Doing so will optimize performance and reduce additional vehicle strain from the tires.
There are other factors to take into consideration such as cost and regulations that can limit modifications on your vehicle. It is recommended to consult with a professional before making any big modifications.
What Tires Should I Get?
To wrap up, there is no one-size-fits-all universal tire. Every tire has its own distinct character and intended use that differentiates it from other tires.
Selecting the right tire comes down to the following factors:
- Split between off road and paved road use
- Terrain surface you will be traversing through
- The weather conditions most frequent to your travels
- The overall durability and quality of your wheels
- Proper modifications that are necessary for a larger tire size
Whether you’re gearing up for rugged trails or simply looking to bolster your vehicle’s style, our off-road ready wheels are designed to meet the standards of a variety of tires.
