Off-road tyres feature special tread patterns that are capable of carrying vehicles, passengers, and loads on uneven roads with rocks and potholes. The grooves between the tread blocks of these tyres are wider and the lugs are larger as well. One can avoid accidents and damages with these tyres because they are not only puncture resistant but have reinforced sidewalls too.
Today we are going to delve a bit deeper into off-road tyres:
Types of Off-Road Tyres
There are four major types of off-road tyres that are as follows:
- All-terrain tyres commonly known as AT tyres
- Mud-terrain tyres are popularly called MT tyres
- Sand tyres
- Snow/Winter tyres
Let’s briefly take a look at all of them:
All-Terrain Tyres AT
All-terrain tyres are best for those who often have to go off-road from the highway or to a highway from off-road. AT tyre treads are made of deep grooves and large blocks that go to the sidewalls. These tyres have smaller center blocks, allowing for sufficient traction and less noise while driving on-road. AT tyres come with a lifespan of up to 50,000 miles owing to the compounds comprised in their rubber blend.
You can use AT tyres all year long as well as during cold winters. However, they will offer average performance during temperatures lower than 7C. One should go for AT tyres if you need to have regular quality both on and off the road.
Mud-Terrain Tyres MT
As the name suggests, mud-terrain tyres are widely off-road. Particularly on muddy surfaces. MT tyres feature larger blocks, wider channels, and more aggressive tread. This way, mud does not deposit in the tyre grooves. The dirt, debris, and mud channels through the grooves are similar to water in regular tyres. The same is the case for deep snow. All in all, MT tyres are good for all-year use.
MT is not suitable to drive on ice as there is a lack of contact patch area. Since MT tyres come with stiff sidewalls, they absorb shock after hitting uneven surfaces. The tread is durable and the rubber compound is softer, facilitating improved grip. Mud-terrain tyres wear faster and are expensive.
Snow/Winter Tyres
Although they are not perceived as off-road tyres, these are for driving on snowy, icy surfaces and during cold times. Snow/winter tyres feature rubber compounds that are soft and supple in temperature lower than 7-10C as well. These off-road tyres come with thinner grooves on tread blocks that bite into ice and snow. These tyres are ideal for cold seasons only. When it gets warmer, these tyres cannot perform well. They don’t last long either.
Sand Tyres
Offering sound traction on sand, these tyres assist in maneuvering your car through dunes. Sand tyres feature particular extrusions present horizontally across the tyre or appear in a V-shape. These help in churning sand and then moving through it easily. These tyres are particularly used in tours and sand sports activities.
If you are looking for branded and top-quality tyres, you can browse through the online Tyres Shop in Sharjah, as there are some authentic dealers who can provide you with top-quality tyres from renowned tyre manufacturing brands.
