Today, when you go into a tire shop or buy tyres online, there is so much choice that it can get quite confusing. Why? People cannot decide which tires they need due to so many options available these days. Similarly, tire manufacturers have now started making specialized tires for different terrains and weather conditions.
For instance, if you need tires for the winter season, nearly every tire brand has specialized winter tires. The difference between winter and ordinary tires is that they can withstand freezing temperatures without compromising the traction. Likewise, one can buy summer tires. For instance, in countries like the UAE, temperatures can get quite high. A regular tire would burst due to the extra heat. Hence, people opt for specialized summer tires in such areas.
Speaking of tires, if you are an off-road enthusiast that likes to take their 4×4 through mountains and mud, then you need specialized tyres. If you use your normal tires for off-roading, then you have essentially signed their death warrant.
Why Should You Not Drive Off-road Without Specialized Tires?
There are several reasons:
- You will not get enough traction.
- Standard tires can get damaged.
- Your tire warranty will be void because of non-recommended use.
- The tires can get punctured.
- The suspension can get damaged.
- The vehicle will consume more fuel.
Using a tire that is not compatible with the season brings with itself additional dangers. For instance, if you live in an area that experiences a lot of rainfall, you should buy a tire that is ideal for wet surfaces. Using a winter tire would mean that you are extremely prone to dangers like aquaplaning and tire burst.
Which Tires Are Ideal for Off-road Driving?
Well, the answer to the question depends on the type of terrain where you plan to drive. For instance, if the terrain is not uniform and keeps changing regularly, the best option is to go for all-terrain tires. As the name indicates, these tyres can be used for driving in all types of road conditions. However, they don’t offer the best traction. If the terrain is completely muddy, the best choice would be mud tires.
You can buy mud tires online or from any reliable tire shop. Unlike all-terrain tires, mud tires are specifically made for driving in muddy and rocky conditions. Therefore, you can expect superior performance in such conditions. However, while driving in non-muddy conditions, the tires will not be able to offer the same traction, performance, or comfortability. It is because they are designed for use only in muddy and similar conditions.
Now, let us take a look at the pros and cons of each.
Mud Terrain Tyres – Pros & Cons
- Ideal for muddy and rocky terrains
- Perfect for driving on loose driving surfaces like mud and sand
- Cannot be used on other surfaces
- Too noisy
All-Terrain Tyres – Pros & Cons
- Smooth ride
- Not suitable for mild to extreme off-roading
- Offer average traction in snow, ice, and mud
- Low durability
- Lower noise levels
Verdict?
Both types of tires are excellent in their respective domains. The winner amongst the two depends on your requirements. If you require a tire that can work in all kinds of conditions without offering anything special, you should opt for all-terrain tires. On the other hand, if you wish to experience the fullness of off-road driving, we recommend mud tires. But remember that they should not be used for everyday city driving as the tread would wear out quickly.
