The Guide For All-Terrain Jeep Tires - The Dirt by 4WP (2024)

There’s a popular saying that goes “all the software, electronics, and hardware in the world can’t take you as far as the right set of tires can”. This rings true one hundred percent because your tires are the contact patch between your vehicle and the ground. No matter how much horsepower and torque your engine has, how slick your off-road modes are, and how power is split among all four wheels, it all accounts for nothing if the tires are unsuitable for the trail. An excellent case in point is the standard road or high-performance tires that many performance SUVs come with. These tires are superb for obtaining maximum grip on the tarmac, but show them a muddy trail or rocky road, and the plot will fall to pieces, usually resulting in a stuck vehicle and/or a blown tire. That’s why you see seasoned off-roaders using some seriously chunky off-road tires with plenty of knobby bits, tall profiles, and broad contact patches.

However, there is an Achilles heel to off-road tires, and that is their sheer unsuitability for use on the road. Common side effects include poor on-road handling and braking performance, increased strain on your engine at higher speeds, and a maddening drone when you hit the open road. That hum is apparent inside and outside the vehicle and can slowly drive you and your occupants mad, especially if you’re going to be hearing it for hours on end.

Thankfully, there is a compromise, and that is called the all-terrain tire. All-terrain tires combine the capability of dedicated off-road tires with the on-road usability of regular on-road tires. They are not performance tires, but they will grant you a more peaceful ride on the tarmac. They aren’t as silent as proper on-road or performance tires but are noticeably quieter than off-road tires. They are also usable during all seasons. Let us take you through the best off-road tires, the best all-terrain tires, and what’s best for the highways.

The Guide For All-Terrain Jeep Tires - The Dirt by 4WP (2024)

FAQs

Are all-terrain tires good on dirt roads? ›

All-terrain tires are a mix of highway tires (H/T) and mud tires (M/T). That means A/T tires are great for daily driving, most weather conditions, and some dirt or mud. If you regularly navigate paved, gravel, and dirt roads, A/T tires might be the perfect choice.

How do you size all-terrain tires? ›

Or here's a simple rule of thumb you can use as a guide: the tire's height should be roughly half the wheel diameter. Following such a rule, either 15- or 16-inch off-road tires will work on a vehicle with a 33-inch wheel diameter, and for 36-inch wheel diameter, you could get tires closer to 18 inches.

Are all-terrain tires louder than mud tires? ›

Dedicated mud-terrain tires are exempt from this testing, but where select off-road tires have been evaluated they are notably noisier than most all-terrain tires, which in turn are noisier than street-oriented truck/SUV tires.

Should I get mud tires or all-terrain tires? ›

The general rule of thumb is that if you drive more on the road than off, all-terrain tires are likely going to be a better option if you're debating between all-terrain vs. mud terrain tires. Most mud terrain tires don't perform in rain and on wet pavement.

What are the disadvantages of all-terrain tyres? ›

Cons:
  • Reduced Fuel Economy. All-terrain tires are intended to grip the road. ...
  • Faster Tread Erosion. The softer rubber used in the tread of all-terrain tires can wear down more quickly. ...
  • Tire Scalloping. ...
  • Increased Road Noise. ...
  • Adaptable to Four Seasons. ...
  • Open Tread Pattern. ...
  • Side Wall Support.

What are the best SUV tires for dirt roads? ›

The best all-terrain tire in 2024 is the Continental Terrain Contact A/T. The Terrain Contact A/T from Continental has the best dirt handling of any all-terrain tire that we tested, fantastic wet handling, and it produces minimal road noise at highway speeds.

What is the best size tire for off-roading? ›

The most popular off-road tire sizes are 33”, 35”, 37” and in some cases 40”. Here at RBP we offer off-road tires ranging from 31” up to 40”, making finding the right tire for your SUV, CUV or truck simple. Additionally, our tires support wheel diameters from 15” up to 26”.

Should all 4 tires be the same size? ›

Mismatched tires are often a primary factor in drivetrain damage. To minimize variances, ensure they all match (same brand, size and type). The tread depth difference between front, rear, left and right tires should be minimal. Check your owner's manual for specifics.

Do you get worse gas mileage with all-terrain tires? ›

Fuel Economy in All-Terrain Tires

If you're driving a passenger car or a light truck, you will get better gas mileage with all-season tires. If you have a sedan or other vehicle that is not meant for off-road driving, putting on all-terrain tires will decrease your fuel economy by about two to three miles per gallon.

Why are my Jeep tires so loud? ›

Excessive tire noise can be caused by a number of different factors: the sound of your car tire tread contacting the road surface. air being compressed inside the grooves of the tread- the larger the tread, the more air volume, the noisier the tire. the malfunction of the front wheel bearings.

Why are my all-terrain tires so loud? ›

Off-road tires are particularly noisy on the highway because of how much air passes through the aggressive tread patterns that make them so excellent for off-road use.

What is the disadvantage of mud tires? ›

An Ideal Choice For Off-Roading

The deep tread can make your car feel less stable on the highway and cause premature wear which may lower tread life. In addition, mud tires tend to be noisier than other types of tires and can decrease your fuel economy than tires with smaller tread blocks.

Do all terrains last longer than mud tires? ›

The traction for these tires is very strong, so they have a much better grip in conditions like snow and rain when compared to mud-terrain tires. The tread will also last longer than mud tires, which, when coupled with the fact that they tend to be less expensive, means they'll get you farther for less money.

Are mud tires good for daily driving? ›

If you are truly just daily driving your mud tires, we have seen people need to get a new set after about 20,000 miles because they ran through them too quickly by driving them on the road all the time. These tires are not meant to be used for your daily on the road.

Are all-terrain tires good in the sand? ›

An all-terrain tire in the sand does adequately as long as you're airing down to increase flotation, but in side-to-side testing of identically sized tires on identically sized wheels installed on the same vehicle, we've found the more aggressive tires—as long as pressures are lowered as much as possible without bead ...

Are all-terrain tires good for everyday driving? ›

All-terrains will be the best choice if you drive equally on paved roads and off-road surfaces. The main factor to consider while choosing the type of tires for your car is their purpose. If you drive more on the streets and highways, going off-road for minimal periods of time, consider touring tires.

Should I get all-season or all-terrain tires? ›

Consider Your Driving Environment: If you primarily drive on highways and city streets and encounter mild weather conditions, all-season tires are likely your best bet. However, if you frequently face off-road conditions or rough terrains, all-terrain tires would be more suitable.

Are all-season tires good for dirt roads? ›

For those with specific driving needs, such as off-roading or high-performance driving, all-season tires might not cut it. Off-road enthusiasts, for example, require tires with deeper treads and reinforced sidewalls for better grip and durability on rough terrain.

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