Best 4WD Tyres
Going off the beaten path can be made possible with the right equipment - and this includes the right tyres. Knowing what to look for when choosing 4WD tyres will ensure that they’re fit for purpose, won’t leave you stranded mid-adventure, and will let you go on the adventure you want. Continue reading...
Falken WildPeak AT3W 🏆 2024
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Toyo Open Country A/T II
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Pirelli Scorpion ATR
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Hankook Dynapro ATM
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Hankook Dynapro MT
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Bridgestone Dueler A/T 697
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Cooper CS5 Grand Touring 🏆 2024
Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season
Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac
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Goodyear EfficientGrip SUV
Cooper S/T MAXX
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Yokohama Geolandar A/T-S G012
Kumho Crugen KL33
Michelin Latitude Tour HP
Yes, smooth quite highway / bitumen driving. Ok on soft offroad use like light gravel roads and a bit of light sand use. Definitely not great on wet / muddy grass, bu... Read more
t that's expected with this type of tread pattern. Just one month shy of 2 years use, 53,000 kms, and unfortunately the poor process of the Toyota service department "rotation" system (missing rotation on 2x service intervals and then only doing front to back on same side) had excessive wear on the outside of the passenger side wheels outer walls. Rest of the tread was ok for probably another "legal" 20,000km, but in reality in wet weather the traction control was starting to work overtime. Plus, I started to notice from about 18 months use, around the 40,000km, the tyres would give off a "squeal" in dry conditions on hard concrete surfaces like carparks etc when cornering at slow speeds. On a 4wd, these are really just highway and soft offroad tyres. An AT type variant tyre is probably more appropriate on a Hilux type vehicle. I've replaced them with Scorpion All Terrain + tyres (see my review on here)BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2
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No traction in the wet whatsoever I can hardly tow my 8x5 tradesman trailer when raining very dangerous. Paid $1700 for the set. Complete waste of money. Show details
Michelin Primacy SUV
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Michelin LTX Force
Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015
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I can describe the ride as plush working in sync with the cruiser's ... Read more
suspension. Bumps get soaked up incredibly well. I have towed my double axle caravan and no issues at all when it comes to stability. Love these tyres and they look good as well. They seem to have a good balance between on and off-road ability and run quiet on the bitumen. I recommend the Geolanders for price and value and for the reasons mentioned aboveMichelin Latitude Cross
Kumho Road Venture MT51
Hankook Dynapro HP
Current set now done 55000 with 4 mm left.
Have never spun in wet in my XTrail TI.
Smooth quiet ride.
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Mickey Thompson ATZ P3
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Kumho Road Venture AT KL78
Toyo Open Country A/T
Toyo Open Country M/T
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
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Continental ContiCrossContact AT
Dunlop Grandtrek AT22
J-Trax A/T
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Nitto Trail Grappler M/T
Types of 4WD tyres
4x4 tyres are often broken down into 3 categories: all terrain (A/T), highway terrain (H/T), and Mud Terrain (M/T). There are also light truck (L/T) tyres.
When choosing a type of tyre, ask yourself the following questions before comparing the features of each:
- How often will I realistically go off-road?
- When I do go off-road, how long will this be for?
- How harsh will the conditions be when I go off-road?
All terrain tyres
All terrain (A/T) tyres are a great all-rounder if you drive both in the city and off road. They’re more heavy-duty and deal with rocks and ruts more easily than highway terrain tyres, but aren’t as durable as mud terrain tyres. However, they’ve got the capabilities for outback trips and rougher terrain, while also being able to keep you comfortable on bitumen.
Not all 4x4 all terrain tyres are the same; you can find some with thinner treads for driving in the city and some with more open treads for smoother driving on more difficult terrain.
Highway terrain tyres
Highway terrain (H/T) tyres are suited to those who spend most of their time on-road. They’re capable of light, occasional off-roading (such as on gravel roads), but won’t do the job for more serious paths and harsh conditions.
These tyres have less space between the tread blocks, more siping for greater traction, and an overlay between the steel belts to make for a more comfortable ride.
Mud terrain tyres
Mud terrain (M/T) tyres have a durable construction and a deep, block-like tread which creates a lot of noise - you’ll be able to hear one coming a mile away. If you’re regularly off-roading or camping in remote areas, these tyres will give you excellent traction on mud and rock, even in more severe conditions.
While they’re not designed for extensive on-road use, M/T tyres are improving in this area. You can also find mud and snow (M/S) tyres, which have at least 25% open treads that make them suited to driving on snow.
Light truck tyres
Outside of the three main types, 4WD tyres can also be categorised as L/T tyres. Light truck (L/T) tyres are built stronger, to both be more durable and carry more load. These tyres have improved traction and an aggressive tread pattern that makes them more resistant to punctures.
These tyres give you the highest level of protection off road, and can handle heavier weights, which can be useful if you’re towing.
LT A/T tyres are more suited to rugged terrain than regular A/T tyres, while LT M/T tyres are the ultimate option for venturing off the beaten track.
When should I replace my 4WD tyres?
When your 4WD tyre has worn down to the treadwear indicators, it’s a good sign that you should be changing it out. If your tyre starts to chip, crack, or if it sustains irreparable admage, then you should also think about replacing it. You should also have your tyres inspected regularly at a tyre store after they’re 5 years old.
Nowadays, 4WD tyres should easily be able to last for 50,000 to 80,000km, but you should still consider changing them prior to an extended trip.
How to choose 4WD tyres
Size
Off-road wheel sizes often range from 15 to 20 inches, but the larger the diameter, the reduced ability your tyres have to deal with dust and mud. The most common off-road sizes are 16 and 17-inch tyres, as maximising the tyre’s sidewall helps it absorb impact and shock.
Speed and load ratings
Your 4WD will have a recommended speed and load rating, which you can find in the owner’s manual or on the tyre placard on a door jamb.
Tyres have a speed rating that indicate its maximum permitted speed. Don’t push your tyres beyond their limit, as you could risk blowing them. Doing this could also cause issues with any insurance claims.
The different speed ratings are outlined below.
Speed rating | Maximum speed | ||
---|---|---|---|
N | 140km/h | ||
P | 150km/h | ||
Q | 160km/h | ||
R | 170km/h | ||
S | 180km/h | ||
T | 190km/h | ||
U | 200km/h | ||
H | 210km/h | ||
V | 240km/h |
Tyres also have load ratings, which indicate how much weight a tyre is designed to carry when at its maximum speed rating and inflated to its maximum pressure. The load rating must not be below the minimum rating for your 4WD.
The different load ratings are outlined below.
Index number | Maximum permitted load | ||
---|---|---|---|
60 | 250kg | ||
70 | 335kg | ||
80 | 450kg | ||
90 | 600kg | ||
100 | 800kg | ||
110 | 1060kg | ||
120 | 1400kg | ||
130 | 1900kg |
How to read tyre specs
If you’re wondering what all those numbers on your tyres mean, you’re not alone. Follow this example so that you can figure out your own tyre specs.
185/75/R14/89T
- 185 is the tyre width in millimetres (185mm).
- 75 indicates the tyre’s sidewall aspect ratio, as a percentage of width (75 means the height is 75% of its width).
- R indicates the tyre construction, which in this case is radial ply construction.
- 14 indicates the rim diameter in inches (14 inches).
- 89 indicates the load rating (89 can carry 580kg per tyre).
- T represents the speed rating (190km/h).
Tread
Tyres with a wider block design and angled centre tread blocks are generally suited to dry, sandy conditions. If you’re looking for better traction and more protection, look for flex grooves, release dimples, mud scoops, release dimples, and raised rubber ribs.
Tyres with wider grooves and a more aggressive tread pattern are typically suited to wetter conditions. Also look for siping, which are tiny cuts in your tyres that prevent aquaplaning and reduce slipping in wet conditions by sucking water up and releasing it once the wheels hit the bitumen.
Price
The last thing you want is for something to go wrong when you’re off-roading, particularly if you’re in a remote area. It’s recommended to buy your tyres from a reputable brand. Buying from a reputable dealer will also help you find a tyre that suits your needs, and should ensure that you get adequate after-sales support.
You’re limited to buying tyres that fit your vehicle, so the range that’s available to you will vary depending on what you drive. Generally, however, tyres for 4x4s will range from $150 to over $400 each.