How to Select All-Terrain Tires

All-terrain tires combine the qualities of on-road tires with those of off-road tires to produce a hybrid. All-terrain tires are designed for use on both the highway and off-road terrains like rocks, sand and mud. Because they are hybrid tires, they do not perform as well as tires designed specifically for use on-road or off-road, but they offer the added benefit of being multipurpose. To select new all-terrain tires for your truck or SUV, you should consider the following factors.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Decide on a budget. Good all-terrain tires are more expensive than conventional road tires, so you should look at it as an investment. Select the best all-terrain tires you can afford from the start so that you don't have to pay more to replace them later.

2. Consider the climate you live in. Some all-terrain tires perform better on snow and ice than others, but these may be more expensive as well. If you live in a primarily warm climate, you can forgo this feature and save money.

3. Choose tires that have a reinforced sidewall if you plan on pushing the limits with off-road driving. Reinforced sidewalls resist punctures and make it possible for the tires to be driven with low tire pressure. Lowering tire pressure can help with traction in some off-road situations.

4. Select tires that fit your vehicle. Check your owner's manual to determine your 4x4's maximum tire height. If you want to go higher than that, you can always have a lift installed.

5. Evaluate the noise factor. All-terrain tires make a lot more road noise than conventional tires, but even within the all-terrain market there is some variation. If you drive on the highway a lot and noise is an issue, consider all-terrain tires with a less aggressive tread.

Tips & Warnings

• Before spending your hard-earned cash on a set of all-terrain tires, talk to a tire specialist about your options. Tires from different makers do vary, and one may be more recommended for your specific 4x4 and your driving style.
• If you have the budget, consider getting a set of road tires and a set of mud tires and changing them as appropriate. You'll likely get better performance on both surfaces than with all-terrain tires.
• If you want to upgrade the height of your tires beyond the maximum tire height, shop for a tire upgrade package that includes a lift. This can save you money.
• Beware of deep, thick mud when using all-terrain tires. Because the tread is tighter than on mud tires, the mud can get caked into the tread.
• Don't expect to find a tread life warranty on your all-terrain tires because most don't have one.