For several years now, 4×4 tyres are becoming more and more popular. This is due to the high demand for SUVs for various reasons: space, safety, power and versatility. This type of car is more than able to meet our needs, be it the daily trip to the office or other more adventurous trips through nature. But the way we choose 4×4 tyres can drastically influence our comfort.
The versatility of this car is strictly related to its tyres. Being the only point of contact with the ground, tyres strongly influence comfort and fuel efficiency. That is why you have to know how to choose them.
4×4 tyres fall into three main categories: On-Road, All-Terrain and Off-Road. In choosing them, you have to think about the roads you drive on the most.
4×4 On-Road or Highway tyres
Most drivers use the car for trips to the office, the grocery store, or other similar tasks. For them, the most important criteria are the versatility and the fuel efficiency of the 4×4 tyres. If these are your priorities as well, then On-Road tyres are your best option.
A common question among drivers is “can I use 4×4 On-Road tyres for off-road?” You would be surprised to find out that the answer is yes. There is also a but in this situation. When we talk about off-roading, it depends on the road conditions and your expectations regarding performance.
They are 90% for on-road and 10% for off-road. The tread is similar to that of passenger car tyres. The deep grooves help distribute the water, ensure a good ride on sand and gravel, and the width of the tread provides superior traction with a larger footprint on the ground.
These tyres are the quietest among the three categories. Another advantage is the cost; on-road tyres usually have the lowest price.
4×4 All-Terrain tyres
If you travel on weekends on rough terrain or drive mostly on unpaved roads, then 4×4 All-Terrain tyres are an obvious choice.
These are a compromise between On-Road and Off-Road tyres in all respects. They are made of harder rubber, are more resistant, but have a low fuel efficiency.
When we look at the tread, we notice that it is not very different from On-Road tyres. The grooves are a little deeper and the blocks more spaced to provide better traction on rough terrain, but they are not so big as to become noisy on the road.
Depending on how much time you spend off-road, you can choose All-Terrain tyres with a more aggressive look or a profile closer to the on-road. But also take into account their limitations. If you buy All-Terrain tyres, but you will mainly do off-roading, they will wear out prematurely as they are 50% for the road and 50% for off-road. You will get the best performance on rough terrain from Off-Road tyres.
4×4 Off-Road or Mud Terrain Tyres
These are for off-road enthusiasts. They are made of a harder rubber so that they are not easily punctured. The high blocks on the tread will provide the best grip on mud, gravel or other types of rough terrain. With a wide sidewall, they will give you extra protection.
This type of 4×4 tyre will not give you on-road performance, so it is important to think about how often you go off-road before buying them. On the asphalt, they have a low fuel efficiency, they are very noisy, and you can’t drive fast. Due to the tread, it does not have the same contact with the ground and will have a much longer braking distance.
These tyres also have the highest price, but they will have the longest lifespan if used accordingly.
In addition to the main categories, 4×4 tyres are also divided according to seasonality: summer, winter and all-season.
With on-road tyres, you will find summer and winter alternatives. All-Terrain and Off-Road tyres are most often all-seasons. You can find summer or winter variants from different manufacturers, but they are made for areas with a hot or subpolar climate.
The width of the tyre tread is also important. If you plan to go off-road in the mud, we recommend using narrower tyres with pronounced blocks. They will get you where you need to go, but it is not recommended to use them on gravel because the blocks will deteriorate faster. If you want to drive through sand or gravel, opt for wider tyres with a larger footprint to get the grip you need.
Now that you have the necessary information about 4×4 tyres, go to our catalogue and choose the right tyres for you.
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