Upgrading your tyres is one of the best ways to boost your 4x4’s performance both on and off the beaten track. But with so many options—AT, MT, HT, RT, different sizes and wheel types—it can get confusing. Here’s our guide to making the best choice for your vehicle and adventures.
Understanding Tyre Dimensions
You’ll find numbers like 265/65R17 on the sidewall of your tyres. Here’s what they mean:
- Width (e.g., 265): Tyre’s width in millimeters.
- Profile/Aspect Ratio (e.g., 65): Sidewall height as a percentage of the tyre width.
- Rim (Wheel) Diameter (e.g., 17): Inches of the wheel the tyre fits.
- Load & Speed Rating: Letters/numbers following the size (e.g., 121/118S) indicate how much weight the tyre can carry and its maximum speed.
Example:
265/70R17 121S = 265 mm wide, sidewall 70% of 265 mm, fits a 17” rim, can carry 1,450 kg at up to 180 km/h.
Photo suggestion:
- Image 1: Close-up of a tyre sidewall with the sizes and markings highlighted.
Wheel (Rim) Considerations
1. Size:
- Picking bigger rims? Expect a lower profile tyre (less sidewall). This can mean sharper handling on-road but less flexibility and comfort off-road.
- Smaller rims with taller tyres are better for rough tracks and airing down.
2. Offset:
- Offset is how far in or out the wheel sits from the hub.
- Positive offset: Wheel sits further in (often standard on factory vehicles; keeps tyres under guards).
- Negative offset: Wheel sits further out (gives wider stance, may cause scrubbing on the guards).
Check local regs before increasing offset as it can affect turning radius and stress suspension parts.
3. Steel vs Alloy:
- Steel Wheels: Heavier, usually stronger for heavy off-road use, easy to repair if bent.
- Alloy Wheels: Lighter, improve on-road handling and fuel efficiency, variety of designs but harder to bush-repair.
Photo suggestions:
- Image 2: Comparison photo of steel vs alloy wheels.
- Image 3: Photo showing the difference between high and low offset wheels on a vehicle.
Tyre Types: Road, Off Road, Mud, Snow & Beyond
1. Highway Terrain (H/T):
- Best for sealed roads, light gravel.
- Quiet, good fuel economy, less puncture protection.
2. All Terrain (A/T):
- Balanced for road and off road.
- Chunkier tread than HT, less aggressive than muds; handles rocks, sand, dirt, light mud, some snow.
3. Mud Terrain (M/T):
- Large, open tread blocks clear mud easily.
- Great off-road (mud, deep ruts, rocky climbs), but noisier and wear faster on highways.
4. Rugged Terrain (R/T) / Hybrid:
- Newer category, blend of AT and MT features.
- Good compromise for mixed off/on road, moderate mud or sand users.
5. Snow/Winter/Specialist:
- Specific tread and rubber for ice and snow; often marked with the “Three Peak Mountain Snowflake”.
- In Australia/NZ, snow chains might be more relevant for alpine trips.
Photo suggestions:
- Image 4: Line-up/stack of AT, MT, HT tyres to show tread differences.
- Image 5: All terrain tyre tackling rocky terrain.
Factors to Consider Before You Buy
- How much off-road will you do vs daily driving?
Pure road use = H/T; mixed road/off-road = A/T or R/T; mostly hard off-roading = M/T. - Vehicle clearance (body and chassis): Will bigger tyres fit without scraping?
- Towing/Load: Larger, heavier tyres can affect gearing, power, and braking.
- Legal requirements: Keep within your state’s rules for tyre size and wheel offset.
- Budget: Premium ATs last longer, but basic options can still be tough performers.
Muck About 4x4 Recommendations
- Daily Driver/Weekend Warrior: AT tyre, factory rim size, all terrain tread.
- Remote Tourer: AT or RT tyre, strong steel wheels, tall profile for airing down.
- Mud & Play: MT, tough steelies, negative offset for track width (check legality and clearances).
- Snow/Alpine: AT with snow rating, quality alloys or steel, chains ready.
Need more help? Our team can advise on specific brands, sizing to suit your exact model, and even help fit them for your next 4x4 adventure.
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