When you’re getting ready for an off roading adventure, having the right tires can make the difference between an exhilarating ride and a frustrating detour. Check out these tips for understanding if you should use all terrain tires and rims or another type of tire the next time you head out.
Know Your Tire Types
There are several different types of tires that can be used for off road driving. They’re not all suitable for every situation. Here are the most common types of tires to pair with a quality discount truck parts for off road driving.
- Summer Tires: Designed for top speed, summer tires have less groove in the tread than other types of tires. That design means more of the tire’s rubber touches the road, offering greater control at high speeds. The increased contact with the road allows the tires to grip it more tightly, making them a good choice if you’re planning to drive fast on a relatively flat surface. They also do well in wet conditions, with the contact preventing the vehicle from slipping. As the name implies, these tires work best in warmer temperatures, usually over 45 degrees.
- All Season Tires: The most common type of tire for everyday driving is the all season tire. They’re designed to perform well on both wet and dry surfaces, with the best performance happening on dry, warm roads. For mild climates with limited snow and stable temperatures, all season tires should generally work year-round.
- All Terrain Tires: All terrain wheels and tires have an open tread design that provides extra traction when you’re driving off road. That feature offers extra grip on rocky or muddy surfaces. While the tread allows for highway driving, it’s not really built for top speeds or performance handling. Some models also have reinforced sidewalls, which do well on the heavier vehicles you might use for off road driving. If you’ll be gearing up a truck, SUV or Jeep with a roof top tent and heavy equipment and tackling off road terrain, all terrain tires are a good choice.
Know the Right Tire for Your Trip
In addition to summer tires, all season tires and all terrain tires, you’ll also see variations for different weather and road conditions. Options include winter tires for keeping you going through snow and ice, or mud terrain tires for severe mud and rocky conditions. The right tire for you will depend on your activity.
- Best Tire for Muddy Off Road Driving: An all terrain tire or mud terrain tire is the best fit here. Extra space between the tread blocks on mud terrain tires help them handle rocks and mud.
- Best Tire for High-Speed Road Driving: A summer tire, with its maximum road contact, is best for high-speed highway driving on wet or dry surfaces.
- Best Tire for General Off Road Driving: If you’ll be sticking mostly to trails without severe inclines, an all terrain tire should be able to handle most off road excursions.
Before you head out on your next off road trip, check with a trusted retailer of truck tires and wheels to find the best fit for your vehicle.