Having the best tires is crucial for your car's performance, whether you’re on the last lap at Spa-Francorchamps or just trying to make it home in the snow. Tires are especially critical for off-road SUVs and trucks that tackle a wide variety of terrains and weather conditions on the trail yet still need to easily transition back to real-life conditions.
Extreme off-roaders (as well as people who want their off-roader to project extremity) opt for big, chunky maximum-traction tires. They look great and deliver results when off-tarmac...but since they're not made for pavement, they're all you can hear on the ride home.
What most occasionally off-roading truck and SUV owners are looking for are the best all-terrain tires. AT tires are the stock tires found on most off-road trucks and SUVs, which can handle almost all of the rough stuff on Saturdays yet still work well for the other six days of the week on the pavement.
Size: First of all, make sure you order the correct size tire for your vehicle and rims (Note: not all tires will be available in all sizes)
Snow Performance: All-terrain tires can be used in the snow. They do not need to be swapped for winter tires. But they aren't as good for the wet stuff as specially-designed winter snow tires. Look for tires with the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol (3PMSF), which are rated for performance in severe snowy conditions.
Durability: All-terrain tires should last for around 40,000 miles, which is more than MT tires. But they are softer and less durable than standard road tires, which can last for around 60,000 or longer. You also want tires with robust sidewalls to avoid punctures.
On-Road Performance: All-terrain tires are designed for road use. But because of their block tread patterns, all-terrain tires tend to be louder than all-season tires. The higher the tire quality, the less that is likely to be an issue. All-terrain tires can also be less grippy than road tires on pavement and affect gas mileage. If you primarily use your truck on the highway and never go off-road, all-season tires may be the better choice.