If you have a 4x4 vehicle, you have to be extra careful while driving on the road. The reason is that a 4x4 car is comparatively bigger and heavier than a normal/standard car. This is why 4x4 tyres have a longer braking distance. So, while picking tyres for your 4x4 vehicle, you must ensure you get high-quality tyres for your car.
What Makes 4x4 Tyres Special?
4x4 tyres are specifically designed for cars such as SUVs, pickups, and off-road cars. Hence, such tyres have tougher tread patterns and deeper tread depth to grip the road efficiently. You can use such tyres on all kinds of roads and weather conditions, as they are extremely sturdy. Let’s understand how 4x4 tyres are different from normal car tyres.
Key differences are:
• More robust sidewalls: Usually, 4x4 cars are used on rugged roads; hence, such tyres are made with robust rubber compounds. These tyres also come with reinforced sidewalls. Therefore, such tyres are highly resistant to wear and tear and do not get easily punctured even if you drive them on difficult roads.
• Stronger and deeper tread patterns: The tread patterns and the depth of 4x4 tyres are much more exclusive than normal car tyres. The tread patterns are extremely robust, and the tread depth is between 8 and 18 mm, which is why 4x4 tyres provide better traction and grip on the road.
• Increased load ratings: Most of the 4x4 cars are used for towing or hauling heavy loads; hence, such tyres are designed to support heavy weights.
Types of 4x4 Tyres
1. Highway Terrain (H/T) Tyres – This category of 4x4 tyres is meant for drivers or car owners who occasionally drive on rough roads but are regular commuters on tarmac roads. If you frequently drive on muddy or rocky roads, then these types of tyres are not for you. Highway Terrain (H/T) tyres perform well on wet roads as well as dry roads. These tyres are long-lasting and can give a quiet, smooth and comfortable ride.
2. All-Terrain (A/T) Tyres – If you frequently drive on both rough and smooth roads, all-terrain tyres are your best bet as far as your driving requirements are concerned. These tyres have aggressive tread patterns that help provide superior grip on all types of roads. However, these tyres tend to wear faster if overused on highways. All-terrain tyres are appropriate for mixed-use drivers. The only disadvantage these tyres possess is that they are noisy.
3. Mud Terrain (M/T) Tyres – This category of tyres has bigger tread blocks and deeper tread depth so that they can grip effectively on muddy and rocky roads. This type of tyre is best suited for you if you frequently drive off-road. Disadvantages of mud terrain tyres include that they are very loud, subject to quicker wear if driven on sealed roads and less efficient on fuel.
Advantages of Quality 4x4 Tyres
3 key advantages of high-quality 4x4 tyres Birmingham:
1. Improved Safety: Since 4x4 tyres possess tougher tread patterns and deeper tread depth than normal tyres, your car is less prone to skidding or slipping, thereby minimising the risk of road accidents. Even on slippery roads, such tyres offer superior grip.
2. Durability: Another key advantage of 4x4 tyres is that they are long-lasting and don’t get damaged easily, as they are made up of highly advanced rubber compounds.
3. Towing Confidence: 4x4 tyres can handle more weight with ease than ordinary cars. This is why these tyres are also utilised for towing something heavier, such as a caravan, trailer, or boat. The tyres are not easily worn out and can tolerate overheating and bursting even under stress.
Tips for 4x4 Tyre Maintenance
· Regularly Check Tyre Pressure: 4x4 tyres are used for carrying heavier loads or for towing something heavier, so it is crucial to maintain the proper tyre pressure of such tyres, so that they can perform smoothly on the road. If the tyres get underinflated, it can become difficult to control the vehicle properly and can cause tyre wear quickly.
· Rotate Tyres Every 6,000–8,000 Miles: To have top-notch performance of your vehicle, it is required to rotate the 4x4 tyres every 6,000–8,000 miles.
· Terrain Pressure Adjustment: As per the road conditions, you should also adjust the tyre pressure. Drop the pressure on your car tyres slightly for sand or mud to provide more grip, but also reinflate them before you start driving on highways.
Final Thoughts
Before buying tyres, it is important to consider your driving requirements and style, terrain, and budget. If your 4x4 car is utilised for towing heavy loads or if driving on rougher roads is regular, then choosing the appropriate set of 4x4 tyres is a must. 4x4 tyres are extremely durable and provide better grip and traction. They might be a bit more expensive, but they are certainly worth the money. So, if you want to buy tyres Birmingham, contact Smart Mot & Service Centre.
