Tires are a key vehicle component, especially if you leave civilization and head out to conquer challenging routes. They must be able to handle the most demanding conditions, providing traction and keeping you safe. Today, the market offers a variety of mud, road, and all-terrain tires. The Indy Auto Man car service team simplifies the task by highlighting the best in each category suitable for everyday use – All-Terrain and Mud-Terrain.
What are All-Terrain tires?
Do not confuse off-road and All-Terrain tires with all-season (AS) tires. The latter are designed for asphalt and well-prepared dirt roads. Discover more about numbers and letters on tires on Indy Auto Man dealership blog.
Off-road tires have a more aggressive tread that provides reliable traction on sand, mud, and loose gravel. These tires have a reinforced structure that protects the sidewalls from sharp stones and allows you to operate at reduced pressure. If you plan to drive in the snow, choose options with Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification. They have passed standardized tests for traction on packed snow and are entitled to wear the badge. Although not dedicated winter tires, they provide better traction in winter conditions than regular ones.
Off-Road tire categories
Since there is no one-fits-all tire, the experts have divided the list into four categories. Be honest with yourself when choosing tires so you don’t buy more off-road capability than you need at the expense of comfort and budget.
Best All-Terrain tires for pavement
As a rule, the better the tire is for off-road performance, the worse it will behave on the pavement. Tires that excel in deep ruts or thick mud can increase your braking distances and reduce on-road handling. But some tires strike a balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability. Here are the best options for those who spend more than 80% of their time on the road.
- The Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail AT offers good wear resistance, stability, and traction in all conditions, from camping to highway driving.
- The Falken WildPeak A/T Trail is a smart choice for improving the all-weather and all-terrain performance of SUVs like the Honda CR-V and its alternatives.
Ultimate All-Terrain tires
If your vehicle spends as much time on dirt as on pavement, you may consider All-Terrain tires. They have a more aggressive tread pattern that provides better traction on challenging trails. Keep in mind, that these tires are heavier and don’t help with fuel economy.
- The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is the second iteration of the venerable all-terrain tire that boasts a classic tread pattern and the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake badge. These tires are proven in tough conditions and are ready for any off-road adventure.
- The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 builds on the strengths of its predecessor with improved sidewall strength for increased traction in mud and snow. A tread compound promotes toughness and durability on gravel trails.
- The Falken WildPeak A/T4W is an updated version of the A/T3W that focuses on improved heat dissipation for heavy-duty towing, sidewall strength, and a confidence-inspiring tread life warranty. The tires have the power to tackle off-road adventures and the manners for everyday road use, all with a superb tread pattern.
- The Scorpion All Terrain Plus tire from Pirelli has been reimagined to deliver significant improvements in driving in loose mud and deep snow, as well as in road performance and visual appeal.
Best Mud tires
Mud tires behave best in clay, ruts, and rocks. However, they can be noisy on the road, have a shorter tread life, and can be frustrating for inexperienced off-roaders in the sand.
- The BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 is the latest version of the famous mud tire. The KM3 features more angular tread blocks than its predecessor, improved traction, improved comfort on the trail, and increased resistance to cuts and chips.
- The Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 helps confidently tackle mud, rocks, and more. Yokohama’s Geo-Shield technology uses three cord layers to create a strong carcass, while the tri-polymer tread resists cuts and chips.
Best Rugged Terrain tires
The RTs, or Rugged Terrain, combine the characteristics of both road and mud tires. This means they are less aggressive than dedicated MT tires, but have more flotation than regular road ones. Some RTs are Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake certified, while others boast mud capabilities, but all excel in ruggedness and endurance.
- The Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek tires with an aggressive sidewall design will help you upgrade your truck or SUV. They perform well in snow and on dry pavement.
- The Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT tire can handle tough forest trails and the most adverse weather conditions, thanks to the added strength provided by DuPont Kevlar technology. However, this tire is vulnerable to sidewall damage from rocks and sticks in tough off-road conditions.
Whatever brand you choose, experts recommend monitoring the level of wear and tear and tire pressure for top safety and comfort and never skipping a seasonal tire change.
