June 19, 2018 | JAX Tyres
Choosing the right tyres is important for any vehicle, but it’s especially vital in a 4WD. When you’re driving off-road on rough and uneven terrain, there’s more than grip and fuel economy to worry about – the wrong tyres could leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere.
If you’re planning to upgrade your tyres, you need to think about the type of driving you’ll be doing, so you’ll be getting the best value and performance. To give you a head-start, 4WD tyres are broken down into three main categories.
All Terrain (A/T) tyres
A/T tyres are the ideal all-rounder if you spend half your time driving in the city and the other half off the beaten path. They’re built stronger than highway-terrain tyres, but carry the cost more noise on sealed roads.
Not all A/T tyres are created equal, and you can find options with thinner treads for the city or wide and chunky treads for smoother off-road driving.
Highway Terrain (H/T) tyres
Some 4WD drivers never take their vehicles off-road, and even if you only head to the hinterland occasionally, All Terrain tyres will affect your performance and fuel economy the rest of the year.
H/T tyres often have the highest speed rating, offer a quieter ride on sealed roads and drive well over sand too. Because they’re lighter, they also tend to be the cheapest 4WD tyres.
Mud Terrain (M/T) tyres
If you live for off-road or competitive driving or camping in remote locations, M/T tyres give exceptional traction on mud, rock and other harsh conditions. The downside is that they’re the worst option for city driving, giving poorer fuel economy, grip and handling on roads. They also have the heaviest construction, which can cost more.
Mud and snow (M/S) tyres are a variant on M/T tyres that have at least 25 percent open treads, better suited to driving on snow.
Light Truck (LT) rated tyres
Beyond the three major categories, 4WD tyres may also be designated as LT. This means they have a heavier construction, higher load rating and deeper tread pattern that makes them more resistant to punctures.
LT A/T tyres give a boost to All Terrain tyres when driving on rugged terrain, while LT M/T tyres can be considered the ultimate off-road option.
Speed and Load Ratings
You can check your 4WD manufacturer’s recommended tyre size, speed and load ratings by reading the tyre placard on a door jamb, owner’s manual or glove compartment. While you have some freedom to change these up, remember that the legal minimum speed rating is often N (140km/h) which can be checked with your state government body and the load rating must not be below the minimum for your 4WD.
Don’t push your tyres beyond their limits, or you risk a blowout or worse. If your tyres are found to be unsuitable, you won’t be able to claim any damage on your insurance.
Getting the right size
Many off-road enthusiasts choose to upsize their 4WD tyres to get more ground clearance. You need to keep within 50mm of the rolling radius and to make sure the tyres aren’t wider than the guards while complying with government body regulations.
