All-terrain (A/T) tires are designed for use in various road conditions. They’re ideal for drivers who frequently drive on and off-road. They’re worth knowing about, given that more and more people are getting into overlanding.
In a report last year, the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) estimated that sales of light trucks would increase by as much as 10% between 2019 and 2025. They’re that versatile—passenger vehicles, workhorses, and off-roaders all in one.
Here’s a comprehensive look into what they are and how you can make the most out of them.
A/T tires are built to run on a broad range of surfaces. To achieve this, they strike a balance between both ends of the spectrum, namely highway and specialized off-roading tires.
They have a more solid construction, featuring more resilient plies and beads and thicker rubber. These protect the tire against anything in the rugged trail that can puncture standard tires. In addition, their open treads channel water and mud more efficiently, increasing grip on said surfaces. Increased durability also means A/T tires can carry heavier loads.
However, being the jack of all trades comes at a cost.
As far as tread design goes, highway tires are more linear, whereas A/T tires are aggressive. Linear treads reduce noise and dissipate heat more effectively, two vital features for driving on pavement. Unfortunately, the treads in A/T tires don’t accomplish this much.
Conversely, linear treads perform poorly off the beaten path, as mud and water only have fewer exits than open treads. Thus, the more rocks and runoff the tires can expel, the better they can sustain traction.
Mud tires have more open treads compared to A/T tires. While this makes them terrible on concrete or asphalt, they expel mud and rocks better and have increased grip on steep slopes.
If you plan to tackle clay trails, steep inclines, and Moab surfaces, consider buying a set of mud tires and switching out your regular tires before going off-road. Once you’re done, switch back to your regular tires before hitting the freeway. For less unforgiving terrain, A/T tires will more than suffice.
A/T tires carry a heftier price tag compared to standard tires, so it pays to justify switching to them depending on use. If you primarily drive your car or truck around the city, highway or all-season tires will be enough. If you plan to make off-roading a full-time hobby, A/T tires are a good start.
First, ensure your vehicle is suitable for off-roading. Some argue that sedans and wagons can go off-road if adequately kitted out, but you’d want something with enough power to traverse the many ups and downs. That’s why almost every off-roader is a pickup, SUV, or light truck.
Camper vans and trailers can also benefit from A/T tires, given an entire house’s worth of stuff they carry. The tires can withstand the weight, all while navigating trails with ease. Nevertheless, your camper van or trailer should have a sturdy chassis and suspension.
Finally, any 4WD vehicle can equip A/T tires, though the sizes may be different from their normal tires. The reason for this is for the tires to match the vehicle’s load index, especially if it’s not designed for off-roading.
Final Thoughts
While they pale in comparison to highway or mud tires, A/T tires fulfill the most functions with a delicate balance of on-road and off-road performance. They’re suitable for people who spend an equal amount of time driving in the city and cross-country.