Find the right tyre for your 4WD.
The tyres you choose for your 4WD will play a vital role in vehicle performance.
4WD use varies quite a lot. As a result, it’s important to give consideration to the type of driving you intend to do so that you find the right tyre for your 4WD and driving needs.
Here, we’ll take a look at the intended use and perceived benefits of:
.jpg "HT tyres are best suited to sealed road use, delivering a smooth, quiet and comfortable ride.")
Highway Terrain (HT) tyres
HT tyres are similar to a standard passenger car tyre. They have a higher speed rating and a lower load index. Best suited to use on sealed roads, HT tyres deliver a smooth, quiet and comfortable ride.
If you don’t intend to take your 4WD off-road then a HT tyre may be a good option for your driving needs. They are designed to be used predominantly on sealed roads. The tread design of a HT tyre typically aims to provide the driver and their passengers with a comfortable ride.
They are quieter on sealed roads, when compared to other 4WD tyres, and generally boast good handling capabilities on wet bitumen.
In short, if you intend to drive predominantly on sealed roads, the perceived benefits of a HT tyre include:
- Smooth driving
- Quiet and comfortable ride
- Predictable, balanced handling
- Good tread wear
All Terrain (AT) tyres
As their name suggests, AT tyres provide drivers with a compromise between off-road capabilities and everyday sealed road use.
AT tyres are noisier than HT tyres. In many instances however, this extra noise is minimal on bitumen roads and has the added bonus of off-road grip, which you don’t experience with a HT tyre. This added grip is achieved through a deeper and more aggressive tread than HT tyres have.
They have a moderate speed rating and load index. AT tyres have a thicker, stronger sidewall which make them less susceptible to damage experienced off-road caused by rocks, tree roots and ruts.
When considering AT tyres it is important to be aware that the strength, quality and pattern styles of AT tyres can vary amongst tyre manufacturers. If you plan to take your 4WD off-road, look for an AT tyre that is heavier duty. These are often marked as light truck (LT) tyres.
In short, if you are looking for a tyre that gives you the best of both worlds - on and off-road capabilities, the perceived benefits on an AT tyre include:
- More robust than a HT tyre
- Great versatility as they are suited to a wide range of surfaces from dry sealed roads to muddy tracks
- The extra void in the tread pattern improves their grip on unsealed surfaces
- Good ride comfort in everyday driving
Mud Terrain (MT) tyres
If you plan on taking your 4WD off-road on a regular basis, then a set of MT tyres may be the right choice for you. As their name suggests, MT tyres are made for muddy conditions, featuring an aggressive, self-cleaning tread pattern.
The tread pattern of an MT tyre has a higher rolling resistance, when compared to a HT or an AT tyre. This leads to increased fuel consumption and road noise.
The benefit of the tread design on an MT tyre is that it makes them ideal for heavy off-road duties. The bulkier tread and thicker all-round construction makes them less susceptible to punctures and impact damage.
In short, if you intend to drive your 4WD predominantly off-road, the perceived benefits of MT tyres include:
- Large, open tread pattern allow mud and dirt to pass more easily
- Good grip due to the large, open tread pattern
- Serious off-road capabilities across an array of terrains including loose gravel, steep terrains and mud
- Greater puncture resistant due to their durable construction
Marks & Wallings are your local tyre expert. We offer a range of Highway Terrain, All Terrain and Mud Terrain tyres from leading brands including Falken, Pirelli, Michelin and BFGoodrich. Speak to one of our knowledgeable staff to find the best 4WD tyres to suit your driving needs.