How Do 4×4 Tyres Work? 

Unlike regular tyres, off road tyres have a deeper tread, with larger gaps to boot. This gives them greater grip on surfaces where footing can be soft (refer to our explanation in the “Off Road and Mud Terrain” section below).

The disadvantage of a 4×4 tyre designed for off roading is that it wears down faster than a traditional tyre. This is mostly due to its increased rolling resistance. More rolling resistance means greater grip, but it also means greater wear and tear on the rubber supporting it. You might also notice that you’re burning through fuel more quickly: this is normal. It comes down to the fact the tyres need to generate huge amounts of traction to keep the car moving. 

As we discussed above, if you’re not going to be spending a lot of time off road, it’s important you choose all-terrain or on road tyres. These will ensure your vehicle runs efficiently and fuel wastage is kept to a minimum.

Should You Buy 4×4 All-Terrain Tyres?

If your 4×4 is roughly off road 50% of the time, 4×4 all terrain tyres will be the best choice for you. These tyres offer great all-round performance, both on muddy or hilly terrain, and during regular road usage. 

Recommended tyre: BFGoodrich ALL-TERRAIN T/A KO2

Full Range Of 4×4 Tyres For All Terrains – Including Off Road

The type of tyre you need depends on the way you plan to use your 4×4. Whether you plan on taking your car off road or simply want to head down the M6, we have the right 4×4 tyres for you – with leading brands such as Michelin, Pirelli and Avon available for purchase.

On Road & Long-Lasting 4×4 Tyres

The rise of high-performance 4x4s and SUVs – such as the Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7, and BMW X 7 – have led tyre manufacturers to create new tyres for the everyday 4×4 that will rarely see off-road usage. These 4×4 tyres are larger than standard car tyres and the tread patterns allow for occasional off road use. If your SUV spends most of its time (95%) on the road, these are the tyres for you.

Recommended tyre: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV

Mud Terrain & Off-road 4×4 Tyres

As the name suggests, off road tyres are in their element off the beaten track. These are not intended for road usage. If you do use these tyres on the road, you may experience a louder ride than normal with the tyres wearing much faster. You can also expect poor fuel efficacy due to an increase in rolling resistance.

This is because mud terrain off road tyres have tread patterns with large gaps between tread blocks. These provide maximum grip and traction whenever you leave a paved road.

Recommended tyre: BFGoodrich MUD TERRAIN T/A KM2

All-Terrain 4×4 Tyres

If your 4×4 is roughly off road 50% of the time, all terrain tyres will be the best choice for you. These tyres aim to offer great all-round performance, both in muddy or hilly terrain, and during regular road usage. 

Recommended tyre: BFGoodrich ALL-TERRAIN T/A KO2