Choosing the right 4×4 Tyre

Choosing the correct 4×4 tyre could just save you from slamming head on into a hay bail down the local farmers lane. The 4×4 tyre is what keeps you in contact with whatever ground surface you are driving on and the better the grip the better chance you have of maintaining control of your vehicle.

A lot of 4×4 drivers are driving them for the feeling of power and the look of style that your average Range Rover Sport offers you. Commonly known as the Chelsea Farmers these enthusiasts tend to fit a tyre and wheel based on its aesthetic value rather than what value it offers you in terms of how useful it is to the terrain you are likely to encounter.

On modern 4×4’s the standard fit tyres are more than adequate for coping with your average country lane and minor off road situations. However there are situations where choosing a more specialist tyres will add value to your drive no matter what 4×4 you are driving and what landscape you are encountering.

The options for 4×4 tyre styles -

Up top your ankles in a cess pit of mud and cow waste? We recommend the use of a specialist mud tyre  that will prevent you from getting stuck and trying to push a tonne of vehicle out of the ground it has become firmly wedged in. With a chunkier tread pattern than the standard fit tyres this 4×4 tyre will self-clean therefore it will not get clogged up with mud adding extra weight and reducing traction of your 4×4.

The mud tyre is an aggressive tyre though and may well cause damage to the surface you are driving on so choose only if you genuinely feel you are likely to encounter heavy duty off road environments. They do not offer good grip on tarmac so you are unable to take corners at any great speed or brake firmly.

A versatile tyre that offers the best of both worlds but is a jack of all trades without being the master of either unfortunately.

Simply put, the best tyre for your average Chelsea Farmer. This tyre offers the best grip and performance on any tarmac surface and will also deal with light off roading easily. However this tyre will not cope well at all with genuine off roading and you will quickly lose control of your vehicle.

Used in its designated environment the 4×4 road tyre will be much quieter than a mud tyre and offer better MPG.

The key factor to consider when choosing the style of tyre that suits your needs is what conditions you will be using your 4×4 in.  Is there any point in shelling out on aggressive 4×4 mud terrain tyres for you daily pop to the shops or collecting the kids from football training? the simple answer is no, they wont offer you the control you require and will cost you a fortune in fuel!

Our tip would be to avoid fitting a full mud terrain tyre for aesthetic purposes if you don’t expect to be venturing off road onto mud slide fields. If your daily travel in your 4×4 incorporates mainly road after road of gleaming tarmac then be sensible and look at road tyres and enjoy the benefits of gaining a higher MPG and a smoother ride.

A standard road tyre should cope sufficiently with anything that your average country lane has to offer but you could also fit an all terrain tyre that has a high ply rating on the sidewalls. Taking this step will make your 4×4 more versatile and will restrict damage if you happen to come across sharp objects hidden in ruts on your off road journey.

For Farmers and people living very rurally and having to deal with more aggressive off road work we would recommend that you look at fitting a mud terrain tyre that will cope with the rigours of your daily battle with the pools of mud you will encounter.