What are All-Terrain Tires?

Four wheel drive vehicles such as sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and some trucks generally have all-terrain tires. These tires are meant for both on-road driving and off-road driving, which is why they are heavily resistant to punctures caused by rough terrain. In addition, all-terrain tires tend to have stronger sidewalls than regular tires, though this is not always the case.

All-season tires and all-terrain tires are generally considered to be equal, but this is a false assumption. All-season tires were created in order to provide drivers with a smooth ride in all types of weather. These tires are quite common, and most vehicles are sold with all-season tires. On the other hand, all-terrain tires were invented in order to allow drivers to drive on any type of road. These tires have a larger tread, which provides extra traction while also expelling large amounts of mud, snow, or rock.

All-terrain tires are durable and tough, which makes them a popular tire with drivers who enjoy driving off-road. One of the few drawbacks of all-terrain tires is that these tires are not as forgiving as regular tires. In short, a car or truck that is equipped with all-terrain tires might be slightly more difficult to control, though most drivers easily adapt to this kind of tire within a short period of time.

Drivers who wish to spend a significant amount of time driving in particularly muddy conditions may want to look into mud-terrain tires. Mud-terrain tires are similar to their all-terrain counterparts, but these tires are specifically made for muddy roads. Mud-terrain tires can be used on regular roads, though they are best suited for roads that are covered in mud. As with all-terrain tires, mud-terrain tires have large treads that are meant to expel mud, rocks, and small bits of debris.

When shopping for any kind of tire, it is important to consider the type of roads that one will be using. While all-terrain tires may be suitable for some applications, these tires aren't the best choice for all drivers. Since there are many different types of tires on the market, taking the time to understand each type of tire is crucial.

Some people choose to purchase two sets of tires, so that one set may be used for off-road applications, while another set may be used for everyday driving. People who live in harsh climates may want to consider tires that are made specifically for different types of precipitation, since these tires will perform best in all kind of weather. Tires of all types can be purchased from tire retailers, online, or through a general mechanic.