What Kind of Tires to Buy for a Jeep Wrangler
Tires are an essential part of a vehicle. They provide stability and can allow vehicles to travel over various terrains. However, it can be overwhelming when trying to find the right tire for your needs and your vehicle. The Jeep Wrangler can travel through all sorts of conditions. Choosing the right tire is important, as the wrong tire could prove to be hazardous and not meet the needs of the driver and the conditions.
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Types
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There are a variety of different tires that can be considered for a Jeep Wrangler. Depending on the type of driving, including whether you'll do any off-road driving, will dictate the type of tire you will want to purchase. There is the standard or all-season, all-terrain, off-road or mud tires, and snow tires.
Standard Tire
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The standard or all-season tire can be found on the Jeep when purchased. It performs well in all weather conditions and tends to wear well. While the tire does not excel at one season in particular, it is a good all-around tire. This tire works well on a Jeep Wrangler that is not taken off-road or needs to be in four-wheel drive. For around town and commuting, this is an excellent tire to consider.
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All-Terrain Tire
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The all-terrain tire is typically one step up from the all-season tire. This tire tends to have more tread and can be a wider tire than the standard. This tire grips well in all-terrains, and works well on the road as well as off, and is ready for the occasional use in four-wheel drive. This tire can reduce gas mileage, as more fuel is needed to move the larger tire.
Off-Road or Mud Tire
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The off-road or mud tire is designed to tackle tough terrain and promote confidence in extreme off-road conditions. While this tire is street legal, it is designed for heavy use in off-road conditions and frequent use of four-wheel drive. This tire has deep, thick tread, and is wide to give more surface stability. It works exceptionally well in all weather conditions. This tire can be loud when used on the road and can significantly reduce gas mileage.
Snow Tire
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The snow tire is designed solely for use in the snow. This tire has metal studs implanted in the tread to provide grip in snowy and icy conditions. This tire should not be used on streets in normal conditions as it is possible to damage the metal studs. This tire is used in extreme weather conditions and should be selected only if extreme conditions abound.
Sizes
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There are various tire sizes available that can be used on a Jeep Wrangler. The first step is to know your rim size, which can be found on the sidewall of the tire and is denoted next to the letter "R." Typical rim sizes on a Jeep Wrangler are either 15" or 16". From there, width is considered, with 9.5" found on a standard tire up to 16.5" on an off-road tire. Width is determined based on needs. The height is also factored in, with typical tire height on a Wrangler ranging from 29" to 35". It is possible to purchase larger tires, with heights in excess of 37". Tread depth on a tire varies based on tire height and type.
Purchasing
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When wheel size and tire style is decided, purchasing tires becomes a matter of price and mileage. Prices will vary from tire to tire based on brand, style and mileage of each tire. Some tires may be rated at 35,000 miles, meaning it is possible to go 35,000 miles before having to replace a tire. Regular rotation and balancing can extend the life of a tire. Each style tire will have positive elements such as tread pattern to help with grip, how the tire is constructed and how the tire performs in the rain. Carefully read about the tires that fit your needs and ask about pros and cons. It is also possible to read user reviews on some tires to help in your decision. Employees of tire shops are a valuable resource to use when purchasing your tires.
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