Choosing the right tyre requires a proper understanding of the various off-road offerings and an honest assessment of how your 4×4 will be used. Oliver Keohane outlines the basics one should consider when picking an off-road tyre.
Fitting the right off-road tyres is akin to putting on the right shoes for different terrains. You wouldn’t take Nike free runs into the mountains, and you would find yourself rather uncomfortable tackling a road race in hiking boots. Tyres, like takkies, optimise for performance in different environments. In a conversation with Leisure Wheels, Richard Fourie, the Managing Director of Goodyear South Africa, shared valuable insights into the world of off-road tyres. Discussing Goodyear’s new DuraTrac RT Tyres, he underscored the significance of tyre choice and factors to consider when purchasing.
Understanding Different Tyre Categories
Understanding the various categories is key to making an informed choice.
- Mud Terrain (M/T): M/T tyres are designed for the extreme off-roader. Their deep, aggressive tread pattern is ideal for navigating through mud, wet soil, and rocky landscapes. The general rating for M/Ts is 80-90% off-road performance, while on-road performance is around 10-20%. While they offer unmatched off-road traction, their robust design means a louder and stiffer ride on highways.
- All Terrain (A/T): For those who balance on-road comfort with off-road capability, A/T tyres are the go-to choice. They provide good performance across various terrains without compromising too much on-road comfort. The general split is 60-70% on-road performance and 30-40% off-road performance, but a Rough Terrain tyre, like the DuraTrac RT offers an A/T that comes closer to a 50/50 split.
- Highway Terrain (H/T): Best for drivers who primarily travel on paved roads but occasionally venture off-road. H/T tyres offer comfort and efficiency on highways, with sufficient durability for light off-road use, designed for 90-95% on-road performance and 5-10% off-road performance.
- Light Truck (L/T): Ideal for heavy-duty applications, L/T tyres are built for endurance and load capacity. They provide about 70-80% on-road performance and 20-30% off-road performance, but their main use is for commercial vehicles or for carrying heavy gear, so their load capacity is the distinguishing factor.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing Off-Road Tyres
Several factors influence the performance and suitability of an off-road tyre:
- Tread Design: The tread design affects grip, water evacuation, mud handling, and overall traction. Look for a design that suits your regular driving conditions. For instance, tyres with wider blocks are preferable for dry, sandy conditions, whereas wider grooves and aggressive tread patterns are more suited for muddier, rocky climates.
- Carcass Construction: The tyre’s construction impacts its durability and ability to withstand rough terrains. A robust carcass is vital for enduring the cuts, impacts, and general rigours of off-road driving. Thick construction, while beneficial off-road, can affect on-road performance, and result in reduced fuel economy and a harsher, louder ride.
- Compound: The rubber compound used in a tyre affects its grip, wear rate, and performance across different temperatures. In colder conditions, as Fourie notes, “Tyres do need to be inflated a little harder because the air inside the tyres is colder.” The compound should offer a balance of durability and performance.
- Tyre Size and Compatibility: Ensure the tyre size is compatible with your vehicle. As Fourie states, “If you’ve got a 16-inch on your car, being able to put an 18-inch with a very wide tread pattern is difficult. You may have to re-rim or resize.” It’s crucial to consult with tyre specialists to find the right fit for your vehicle.
- Load and Speed Ratings: These are critical for safety and performance. The load rating indicates how much weight the tyre can safely carry, while the speed rating denotes the maximum speed it can handle. When we spoke, Fourie emphasised the importance of understanding these indexes to ensure you get what you need based on how and where you want to drive.
- Weather Adaptability: Given the varying weather conditions in off-road environments, choosing tyres that can adapt is crucial. Richard Fourie elaborates on the importance of compound performance on different road surfaces and under varying weather conditions, highlighting the need for tyres that offer reliable performance in both dry and wet conditions.
The Importance of Tyre Quality and Brand Reputation
The quality of your off-road tyres and the reputation of the brand you choose are critical factors that can significantly impact your driving experience and safety.
- Research and Development: Renowned brands invest heavily in R&D to ensure their tyres offer the best balance of off-road performance and on-road comfort. A brand like Goodyear spends tens-of-thousands of hours testing and assessing the different components of its tyres, an example being the development of Goodyear’s new Duratrac RTs; Wetness is probably one of the primary factors to consider when purchasing a tyre in South Africa, and the DuraTrac RT was designed under a special brief to accommodate for on-road performance in wet weather.
- Performance and Safety: High-quality tyres are designed to provide superior traction, durability, and handling in various conditions. They are tested rigorously to meet high safety standards, ensuring they perform reliably, especially in challenging off-road scenarios.
- Longevity and Durability: Premium tyres often last longer, offering better value over time. While they may cost more initially, their durability means fewer replacements and less frequent maintenance.
- Brand Trust and Warranty: Established brands provide warranties and customer support, ensuring peace of mind. As Fourie notes, “Research and development is what costs money, that’s where the bottom end of the market makes its saving.” Investing in a trusted brand means access to after-sales support and warranty coverage.
- Customised Solutions: Top tyre manufacturers offer a wide range of products tailored to different vehicles and driving conditions. Whether you need tyres for light off-roading or extreme terrains, a reputable brand should be able to point you in the right direction.
Choosing a lesser-known or cheaper tyre brand might seem economical initially, but it can compromise your vehicle’s performance and safety. A reputable brand with a proven track record is a long-term investment. Luckily there are quite a few to choose from!
Maintaining and Replacing Your Tyres
Proper maintenance and timely replacement of your off-road tyres are not something to be overlooked in the upkeep of your 4×4! Some things to consider:
- Regular Inspection and Maintenance: Regular checks are crucial. Look for signs of wear and tear, like tread wear, cracks, or bulges.
- Air Pressure Management: Correct tyre pressure is essential for maintaining tyre health and vehicle performance. Fourie notes the importance of adjusting tyre pressure for different conditions, “Once you step into softer surfaces like beach sand…we do all deflate by a couple of bar to be able to expand the surface area of the tread and shoulder.” Remember to re-inflate tyres to their optimal pressure for regular driving conditions, but make sure to not over-inflate tyres – the tyre needs to be allowed to ‘deflect’ as it rolls over objects.
- Understanding Wear Indicators: Tyres come with treadwear indicators that signal when it’s time to replace them. A common guideline is to consider replacement when the tread depth reaches about 2mm, or if the tyre shows signs of significant damage. A tyre should give you around five years, but make sure to keep checking!
- Wheel Alignment: Regular wheel alignments ensure your tyres wear evenly, extending their life. Misalignment can cause uneven wear, making a driving experience less safe and less comfortable
- Seasonal Adjustments: As Fourie mentions, tyre performance can vary with temperature changes. In colder weather, tyres may need to be inflated a bit more due to the colder air inside.
- Replacement Timing: Be proactive in replacing tyres. As Fourie advises, “For example, I would not suggest heading off across the Simpson with tyres that are 50 per cent or more worn.”
Ensuring your tyres are in good condition and replacing them when necessary are crucial steps in maintaining your vehicle’s performance and safety on both off-road trails and highways.
Selecting the right off-road tyres involves a thorough understanding of different tyre categories, key factors like tread design, construction, and compound, and the importance of choosing a quality brand. As Fourie importantly points out, it also requires an honest assessment of how your 4×4 is going to be used. As tempting as it is to fit Mud Terrains to your SUV that barely leaves the city, don’t do it!