Measure your driving to get the measure of the tyres to choose
The tyres you need for your 4WD here in Brisbane depends on how you intend to drive your vehicle. Having the right 4WD tyres fitted is one of the most important decisions you will make. You may need an extra grip on dry or wet roads. If you intend to drive off-road, then you’ll need a different type of grip for sand, mud, and stone. Puncture resistance is likely to be important – you don’t want to be stuck in the Queensland bush with two tyres like pancakes.
In this article, you’ll learn about the three major 4WD tyre types. Choosing the right one will help give you a better driving experience, ensure your tyre costs are kept as low as possible, and, most importantly, could save your life.
Why are there different categories of 4WD tyres?
Tyre classification is not a simple exercise when it comes to 4WD vehicles. There is no single standard, and many manufacturers use their own rating system. This can make it difficult to select the right tyres, and even harder when comparing one brand against another. It’s especially confusing when buying tyres online.
That’s why we ask about your driving when you visit our tyre shop here at Darra Tyres. The tyres you need depends on where you do most of your driving, with three main groups of tyres:
- Highway terrain
- All-terrain
- Mud terrain
Highway terrain 4WD Tyres
These are the tyres to buy if you drive only on tarmac roads. Most new 4WD vehicles are sold with this type of tyre fitted because most 4WD vehicle drivers don’t go off-road. They are also cheaper to manufacture.
They are lighter than other 4WD tyres, have a higher speed rating and lower load rating. They give a smooth, quiet ride.
All-terrain 4WD Tyres
If you also drive off-road occasionally, then you should move up to all-terrain tyres. These will usually have a lower speed rating and higher load rating than highway terrain tyres. However, they vary between manufacturers. Some produce all-terrain tyres with tread patterns very similar to highway terrain tyres, while others will have much more heavy-duty treads.
You should check on the number of plies used to make the tyre, and ensure that the tread is more open and deep. You will find that all-terrain tyres tend to give a noisier and less comfortable ride on tarmac.
Within this group of tyres, you’ll also find light truck (LT) tyres. These are better for off-road driving as they have a stronger carcass. Again, though, check the plies for strength. If you intend to drive off-road and on rocky ground, an 8 or 10 ply rating will give the best resistance to damage and puncture.
Mud terrain 4WD Tyres
These are the tyres you need if you do your driving off-road. They have deep, block-like treads which help move mud out of the tyres – perfect for outback driving. They have a high load rating and low-speed rating. However, while puncture resistance is high, fuel consumption will be increased, and these tyres don’t perform well on sand.
Is it time for a tyre change?
Your 4WD tyres should last a long time. When it comes to changing them, if you buy the wrong tyres you will reduce your drive comfort. They will ultimately cost more. Worst of all, you will compromise your safety. Don’t take the risk. Bring your 4WD vehicle to our West Brisbane tyre shop. Together we’ll choose the best tyre for where and how you drive, and to suit your budget.
For a professional and personal tyre service that you can trust, contact Darra Tyres today.
Keeping your family and fleet safe,
Kevin Wood