Tires are one of the most important components of any off-road vehicle. They provide traction and stability on uneven terrain, protect your vehicle from damage, and can even impact your fuel economy. But with so many tire options available, how do you know which one to choose? In this guide, we’ll cover the key factors to consider when selecting tires for off-roading.
All-Terrain vs Mud-Terrain Tires
The first decision to make when choosing tires for off-roading is whether to go with all-terrain (AT) or mud-terrain (MT) tires. All-terrain tires are designed to perform well in a variety of conditions, including both on-road and off-road driving. They typically have a more aggressive tread pattern than standard highway tires, with larger tread blocks and deeper voids between them. Mud-terrain tires, on the other hand, are designed specifically for off-road driving in muddy, rocky, or other extreme conditions. They have an even more aggressive tread pattern with larger, deeper voids and more pronounced shoulder blocks. Mud-terrain tires typically have a noisier and less comfortable ride on pavement than all-terrain tires.
Load Rating
The next factor to consider is the load rating of the tires. Load rating refers to the weight capacity of the tire and is usually expressed as a letter (C, D, or E). C-rated tires are suitable for lighter vehicles such as SUVs, while D- and E-rated tires are better for heavier vehicles such as trucks and offers stronger sidewalls for protection against rocks. It’s important to choose tires with a load rating that’s appropriate for your vehicle to ensure safety and durability.
Tire Pressure
Proper tire pressure is critical for off-roading performance. If your tire pressure is too high, you risk losing traction and damaging the tires. If it’s too low, you risk damaging the tire sidewall and causing a blowout. To find the right tire pressure for “on road”, you can use the chalk test. Simply mark a line of chalk across the tread of the tire and then drive the vehicle forward a few feet. If the chalk is evenly worn, your tire pressure is correct. If it’s worn more on the outside or inside, adjust your tire pressure accordingly. It’s best to talk to your trail guide to get a sense of what tire pressure to use when on the trails as it is not “one size fits all”.
There are several kinds of tire deflators available on the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are a few of the most common types:
- Valve stem deflators: These are small devices that screw onto the valve stem of your tire and allow you to deflate the tire by a predetermined amount. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to use, but can be slow and require manual adjustment.
- Manual deflators: These are similar to valve stem deflators, but are more precise and allow you to set the desired tire pressure more accurately. They typically have a gauge that shows the current tire pressure and a valve that allows you to release air slowly. They can be slower than valve stem deflators, but are more precise.
- Automatic deflators: These are devices that automatically deflate your tires to a predetermined pressure. They typically use a spring-loaded mechanism that allows air to escape when the pressure exceeds a certain level. They are very convenient and fast, but may not be as precise as manual deflators.
- Built-in deflators: Some tire manufacturers offer tires with built-in deflators that allow you to release air by pressing a button or lever. These are very convenient and require no additional equipment, but may not be as precise as manual deflators.
When choosing a tire deflator, it’s important to consider factors such as speed, precision, convenience, and cost. Whichever type of deflator you choose, make sure to use it carefully and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damaging your tires or vehicle.
Deflating Tires
Many off-roaders choose to deflate their tires for better performance on the trail. Lowering the tire pressure increases the tire’s contact patch with the ground, which can provide better traction and a smoother ride on rocky or uneven terrain. However, it’s important to be cautious when deflating tires and to only do so within recommended limits. Deflating too much can damage the tire sidewall or even cause it to come off the rim.
Rim Size
Finally, it’s important to consider the size of your rims when choosing tires for off-roading. A larger rim size (such as 20 inches) may look stylish, but it can also decrease your vehicle’s off-road performance. That’s because a larger rim size means less sidewall and less flexibility in the tire, which can make it more difficult to navigate over obstacles. As a general rule, you want to choose a rim size that’s appropriate for the tire size and vehicle weight, and that provides enough sidewall to protect against damage.
Changing Tire Sizes
One final consideration when selecting tires for off-roading is changing tire sizes. If you want to change the size of your tires for off-roading purposes, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks. Changing tire sizes can put additional stress on driveline components and bearings, and can also change the driving characteristics of your vehicle on-road. Be sure to consult with a professional mechanic or tire specialist to ensure that your vehicle can handle the new tire size safely and effectively.
Additional Considerations
When choosing tires for off-roading, there are a few additional considerations to keep in mind. For example, you may want to consider the weather conditions in which you’ll be driving. If you’re in an area with frequent rain or snow, you may want to choose tires with good wet-weather performance. You may also want to consider the type of terrain you’ll be driving on, such as rocks, mud, sand, or gravel, and choose a tire that’s optimized for that type of terrain.
Another consideration is the type of driving you’ll be doing. If you’re planning on doing mostly rock crawling, you may want a tire with a stiffer sidewall to provide better protection against punctures and damage. If you’ll be doing a lot of high-speed driving on dirt or gravel, you may want a tire with a more rounded profile for better stability.