Your Guide To The Best 4x4 Tyres - All Terrain, Mud Terrain And More!

With more people choosing less-travelled roads for their adventure drives, the need for durable and top-performing off-road tyres—often called 4x4 or 4WD tyres— is stronger than ever. However, a 4x4 tyre refers to any tyre fitted to a 4x4 vehicle whose engine evenly powers all four wheels, improving traction.

To beef up your tyre trivia, we're giving you the lowdown on the three most popular 4x4 tyre categories—All Terrain, Mud Terrain, and Highway Terrain. We take a deep dive into each, examining its pros and cons, unique construction, and compatible terrains.

 

All-Terrain (AT) Tyres

All-terrain tyres are engineered for year-round use and face the challenge of being competent on rough trails and sealed roads while offering reasonable comfort and tread wear. These tyres are designed with the handling of street tyres and a tread design optimised for uneven tracks.

Telltale Tread: The all-terrain tyre's open and balanced tread pattern design lets it roll on rocks and grooves and grip various surfaces. Its thick sidewalls, deep tread, and vast tread voids protect the tyre from rough driving damage.

Strong Suits: While all-terrain tyres shine on off-the-beaten paths, including the Outback, they also perform well on the pavement. Some modern AT tyres have managed to lessen their on-the-street noise. Also, AT tyres are more fuel-efficient with lower rolling resistance than mud tyres. They are also some of the best tyres for sand driving, seeming to float over the sand and not digging into it as a mud terrain tyre would due to their more aggressive tread.  Many all-terrains also have the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, which means that the tyre has passed snow traction and acceleration standards. However, it is essential to note that this pales compared to the safety and superior traction offered by winter tyres.

Drawbacks: Compared to street or highway terrain tyres, AT tyres tend to have less than ideal road manners, have more rolling resistance (and reduced fuel economy), and less than ideal wet performance because of their deeper tread design. Due to their more flexible rubber, their tread life is typically shorter. But don't fret; modern AT tyres now offer mileage warranties of 104,000 kilometres or more.

Best for drivers who: spend an equal time on and off the road. The best all terrain tires in Australia are for those who go to the office on weekdays and unwind through four-wheel drives on weekends.

 

Some of the best 4WD All Terrain Tyres:

Find the Best All-Terrain Tyres for Your Vehicle Now

 

Mud Terrain (MT) Tyres

Mud terrain tyres are built like AT Tyres—but the heavy-duty version. While AT Tyres display decent on-road manners, MT Tyres are primarily designed for the rough and tumble of off roads. These tyres conquer mud thanks to their thicker carcasses, deeper treads, and broader grooves.

Telltale Tread: Huge tread block designs dispel rocks and debris, while robust tread and thick sidewalls provide puncture resistance. Meanwhile, kick-out bars expel mud and anything stuck within the wedges.

Strong Suits: Mud terrain tyres are all about superb grip and traction on loose surfaces, and these tough tyres can self-clean while in motion. Also, MT Tyres avoid tearing and piercing even when aired down.

Drawbacks: Don't expect a smooth and silent ride when using MT tyres on highways. Their built-for-the-rough tread pattern not only creates noise but also increases rolling resistance. Additionally, most mud-terrain tyres have less grip on wet pavement, snow, and sand, and their tread typically wears out faster. But the good news is that new technologies let tyre brands improve their muddies, enabling them to perform better on sealed roads.

Best for drivers who: spend more time on off-roads.

 

Some of the best mud-terrain tyres:

 

Find the Best Mud Terrain Tyres for Your Vehicle Now!

 

Highway Terrain (HT) Tyres

Most 4x4 vehicles in showrooms are fitted with HT tyres, similar to passenger car tyres in ride comfort and handling on the tarmac. Designed for smooth on-road driving, HT tyres have a lower load index and a higher speed rating.

Telltale Tread: HT tyres have compact tread blocks and an added layer between steel belts to boost comfort and lower noise levels. These features, plus additional sipes, improve traction.

Strong Suits: Aside from comfort, you can tick off superb wet and dry braking abilities and excellent highway safety and stability when using these tyres. An interesting tidbit: HT tyres perform better on damp asphalt or gravel roads than their AT and MT counterparts.

rawbacks: Though HT tyres provide excellent grip on compact sand, these should not be used on more challenging tracks. HT tyres aren't intended for off-road use because of their weaker sidewalls and tread.

Best for drivers who: spend most of their time on the pavement.

 

Some of the best highway terrain tyres:

Find the best Highway Terrain Tyres for Your Vehicle Now!

 

Maximising Your 4x4 Tyres

Engineers, manufacturers, and testers work hard to bring you the best tyres for your 4x4 vehicles. However, you also need to do your part in maintaining them. Here are some tyre care tips to help you enjoy tyres to their fullest:

Fit the right tyres.

Tyres have specific purposes, which should be compatible with your driving habits. The "right tyres" also involve being the right size for your ride. Tyres that are bigger or smaller than your vehicle's OEM tyres can diminish ride quality and harm steering response, fuel efficiency, and traction.

Also read: Tyre Size Explained: How to Read Your Tyre's Sidewall

 

Look beyond the looks.

When buying 4x4 tyres, prioritise performance over appearance. A tough-looking tyre doesn't equate to top off-road capabilities. Read independent product reviews or ask friends who've purchased the tyres you're eying.

 

Rotate regularly.

Regularly rotating your tyres even out tread wear, helping prolong tyre life. While experts recommend rotating highway terrain and all-terrain tyres every 8,000 to 12,000 kilometres, you need to rotate mud-terrain tyres more often—about every 5,000 kilometres.

 

Conduct wheel alignment.

When it comes to wheel alignment, the rule of thumb is to do it anywhere from 6 months to a year, or every 10,000 kilometres. This practice reduces tread wear and improves stability and handling response.

 

Change tyres when needed.

If your 4x4 tyre tread is down to its treadwear indicator, it's time to change your tyre. Look out for cracks and chips on the tyre and other signs of irreversible damage. Get immediate help for puncture and wheel repairs. Today's 4x4 tyres typically last for 50,000 to 80,000 kilometres, but their durability will mostly depend on how you use them.

Also read: When to Replace Tyres?

 

Maintain correct tyre pressure.

Different terrains require different tyre pressures. The general rule in boosting traction is that the looser the surface, the lower your tyre pressure and the slower your speed. So, if you just spent a few hours off-roading, remember to air up your tyres again before entering the highway.

So, what are the best 4x4 tyres for your ride? Only you can answer that. Before buying tyres, consider your priorities and what you're willing to sacrifice. All tyre types have benefits and drawbacks, and the best tyres will always be the ones that serve you best.

You're sure to find the 4x4 tyres you need from our wide selection. Are you craving more tyre tips? Check out our blog and helpful guides.