Is there a real difference between the sets of tyres you can take off-roading? Let’s break down your options so you can decide whether mud, SUV, highway, or all-terrain tyres will best suit your needs.
Mud tyres
If you’re looking to take advantage of the spring and winter rains, then you’re going to need a set of mud tyres. These tyres are the bulkiest and sturdiest of the 4x4 tyres available on the market today. While not ideal for paved roads, mud tyres kept at the proper air pressure will be able to navigate you safely down mudded trails.
You will be good over difficult terrain, and even across sand. The block tread pattern on the tyres gives them the extra surface area they need to grip the trail, even when things get really tough and slippery.
SUV tyres
If you’re looking for a tyre that’s a little more versatile but that’s no less secure, then consider investing in an SUV tyre set. SUV tyres can look, at first glance, like larger versions of roadway tyres. However, most SUV tyres have higher sidewalls than the tyre on your average passenger car. This allows them to more safely navigate uneven trails and terrain.
Not only that, but the thicker rubber used in SUV tyres will better support the weight of a 4x4 vehicle. If you don’t have the proper support underneath you while you’re off-roading, you can all too easily wind up stuck in a mud pocket or with a popped tyre.
That said, SUV tyres are the end-all, be-all of off-roading tyres. If you’re a fan of speed, consider looking elsewhere – SUV tyres are known to slow your roll due to their size and textured tread.
Highway all-terrain tyres
What do you do, though, if you don’t want to make off-roading an every-weekend activity? Hobbyist and competition off-roaders are able to invest their money in different sets of tyres for different experiences. If you’re just getting into the practice, though, and want to save money, you can always invest in highway all-terrain tyres.
These 4x4 tyres are primarily designed for on-road experiences, meaning that they’ll get you to and from work without any problems. That said, their deeper-than-average tread will let you take them off-road on some of the gentler trails in your area.
However, do note that the tread on these tyres will still build up heat faster than the tread on the other tyres listed here. Why? Because, comparatively, even this deeper-than-average tread is smaller than the tread on SUV or mud tyres.
The selling point for most highway all-terrain tyres is their price. If you’re looking for an affordable 4x4 tyre set that you can reuse on your way into town, there’s no better option for you.
All-terrain tyres
If you want tyres that have a highway’s versatility but that will let you explore some of the more intermediate trails in your area, then all-terrain tyres are the way to go. Like mud tyres, these tyres have reinforced sidewalls designed to respond well to external stress. Unlike mud tyres, however, all-terrain tyres are not specialized. This means you can easily take them through snow, mud, sand, and rain without worrying about their compatibility.
On one hand, that kind of versatility is great for a new hobbyist. However, all-terrain tyres are a jack-of-all-trades tyre – while you’ll be able to handle all of the elements, you may have some difficulty mastering one over the others.
Choosing your off-roading tyres
As you can tell, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from while shopping for your perfect set of off-roading tyres. That said, what criteria should you run your potential tyres through when you head to the shop?
Ideally, you’re going to want to shop with your preferred type of off-roading in mind. If you’ve never off-roaded before, talk to friends who have to see what kind of tyres they use and where you might be headed for your first experience. Naturally, if it’s been raining a lot, mudding tyres will seem like the better option. However, if you want a pair of tyres that you can use on and off the road, you’ll want to invest in highway all-terrain tyres.
What, though, beyond your environment, should you consider while shopping for new tyres?
Keep in mind your tyre set’s:
- Size and compatibility with your car
- Tread and tread depth
- Mud and snow performance, outside of type reputation
- Water performance
- Speed rating
- Tyre load index
- Price
Naturally, you’re going to want to get a deal on the tyres you’re shopping for. However, you never want to prioritize cost over your safety. If you’re not sure what to look for, do a bit of digging ahead of time. Brands like Michelin and Toyo Tyres all make tyres that are great for first-time off-roaders. So long as you’ve done your research, you should come away from your shopping experience with the tyre set you need to have fun responsibly.
Don’t let your car tyre options overwhelm you. Whether you want to kit out an SUV or prepare for long days out in the mud, you’ll be able to find the best set of 4x4 tyres for your needs in little to no time at all.