Tires are often one of the first things that get changed on a truck. They can completely change the performance of the vehicle, providing better ground clearance. The tread and construction of off road tires can make a huge difference in motoring through soft sand or driving through sloppy mud. However, a lot of truck owners simply do not know how to select the best off-road tires for their trucks. With so many brands and companies, taking that decision has become tough. 

Types of off-road tires

Many people have a misconception that vehicles with all-wheel drive will automatically cure any instances of wheel slips. Unfortunately different types of off-road tires react to terrain differently. 

• A mud terrain tire for example is ideal for traveling on terrain with mud, snow, and sand, although they tend to be noisy. 
• On the other hand, an all-terrain off-road tire is a good choice for vehicle owners who expect to encounter a wide variety of surfaces. 

Below we list some of the factors that one can use to select appropriate off-road tires for their trucks. 

• Knowing the vehicle

Normal drivers who use their vehicles frequently have knowledge about basic vehicle performance such as turning radius and fuel economy. However, off-roading requires deeper knowledge. Some of the additional points of consideration are the level of clearance beneath the front and rear bumpers, space between axles, and the break-over angle. When off-roading, the best tires should be suitable for the vehicle when it comes to the aforementioned points. 

• Open tread

An open tread pattern is one first things to look for in a 4×4 off-road tire.  More aggressive treads will perform better in harsh off-road conditions compared to tires with a closed pattern. This is why mud-terrain tires can perform well in heavy mud, powdery sand, and other difficult surfaces. Spacious treads enable more of a grip on the road. They can clear out mud better and work like “flaps” to pull the truck through the mud. On the other hand, one can choose tires with a rugged design or pattern that seems edgy for better performance on rocky roads. 

• Size of tires

The second factor to look at is the size of the tire. Most 4X4 trucks can accommodate bigger tires than they originally came with. However, it is usually a good idea to verify how the larger tires will affect any particular vehicle’s handling or safety. The truck tire size rating is usually shown in metrics. However, one can select an upgrade to the current rating if better performance is required. Increasing the tire size without proper consultation beyond the factory specifications may require aftermarket modifications. It may also require further functional modifications such as extending the brake lines, modifying the steering, and others. 

• Finding the right balance

Tires with more aggressive tread patterns tend to perform poorly on roads, especially at high speeds. However, tires with closed tread patterns offer much less traction.  The right balance should be found between open and closed treads to select the best off-road tires. 

• Nature of sidewall

The sidewall of an off-road tire is one of the most important parts of ensuring performance. If the tire has sidewall flex, it allows it to grip the surface better, even when aired down to lower pressure. This is crucial when driving through rock-filled terrain. Truck owners should always look for off-road tires which have an additional tread on the sidewall. This adds a level of protection against pinches and punctures while giving additional traction. 

• Budget for tires

Lastly, when choosing tires, it all comes down to how much one is willing to invest. Larger tires tend to be more costly with added expenditure as a result of vehicle modifications. They can go for less tread space if they are looking for quieter tires. Whatever the budget may be, potential customers should always check different buyers instead of settling for a single dealer. 

Why should you maintain your off-road tire? 

It’s important to stay on top of the vehicle maintenance when off-roading and this should include the tires. A lot of fatalities while traveling is attributed to poorly maintained vehicle tires. Proper wheel and tire care can not only extend the life and performance of the off-road tires but also prevent accidents. It also has additional benefits of improving fuel consumption and reducing the vehicle’s CO2 emissions. 

Conclusion

No one off-road tire is designed with one-size-fits-all in mind. Appropriate off-road tires can come in a variety of sizes and treads. Off-road tires tend to cost a bit more than standard street tires, as they are specialized for a specific set of driving conditions. To ensure good quality, potential buyers must always procure their off-road tires from certified and licensed manufacturers only.