Going Off-Road? Here’s What to Consider When Buying Off-Road Tires and Wheels
We’re all tempted at some point to just buy the cheapest tires we can get.
Unlike some things, though, cheaper isn’t always better, especially when it comes to the tires that are carrying you safely on (and off) the road.
This becomes an even bigger factor in off-road tires and wheels because they need to stand up to much tougher terrain than normal road tires.
So how exactly do you know what to look for in off-road tires?
Look no further than our handy guide. Let’s jump in.
Considerations When Buying Off-Road Tires and Wheels
We’ve broken down the important things to look for when you’re shopping around so that your next off-roading trip is a complete success.
We haven’t included things like tire size, as these measurements are specific to each vehicle.
Flexible Shop
The first aspect isn’t even the tires, but the place you buy them.
Tires are an interesting purchase because it’s not always possible to freely swap them out like you might a new shirt or a pair of shoes. However, it is possible to find shops that allow you to “try” your tires for a week or so before committing to a purchase.
This can be great if you just want to see if off-road tires are for you, or if you just want to check out a brand you’ve heard about.
Type of Tire
Just like with your shoes, the type of tire you choose depends on where you’re using them (and what terrain).
- Mud Tires– These tires are made for the toughest terrain, with deep tread voids and large tread blocks. These are the loudest and most aggressive tires.
- Hybrid Tires– These tires are a combination of all tires, they can be used on and off roads. Hybrid tires are the most popular.
- All-terrain Tires– These tires are good for rain and snow because they have more grip on the surface. These are also the least aggressive and good for a quiet drive.
Most people don’t know that there are different types of tires for different driving environments. For example, if you’re planning on offroading in the desert, you probably won’t need mud- or snow-terrain tires. Depending on your trips, you might just want to spring for all-terrain tires.
Make sure you consider your desired type of offroading when buying tires.
Construction
Another thing to keep in mind when buying off-road tires and wheels is the overall construction of the tire.
On off-road tires, you’ll see the term “ply” used a lot to describe a tire’s construction. For instance, radial ply tires are great for using on the highway because they provide a smoother ride, while bias ply tires are great for rough roads or bumpy off road terrain.
Just like you would with tire brands, research the construction of your off-road tires and wheels.
Accessories
These aren’t needed, but will definitely make your vehicle look better and enhance your wheel’s performance.
Ceramic Coat- This prevents your wheels from getting damaged faster. It creates a protective layer so you won’t get much scratches or damage to your new wheels.
TPMS- TPMS or Tire Pressure Monitoring System checks the pressure of your tires, and it can prevent driving risks and issues. This is handy when you are going for a long drive.
Lug Nuts- Generally, a set of lug nuts is typically used to give safety to a wheel to threaded wheel studs and thereby to a vehicle’s axles. Getting a set of these will not only give your wheels a new look, but will also give extra protection.
Budget
As always, you don’t want to break the bank on your new tires. However, you also don’t want to get the cheapest possible option, as a cheap tire going flat will for sure ruin your offroading trip.
Keep in mind the variety of fees that will go into buying off road tires. You’ll be on the hook for:
- Spares
- Shipping (if you buy online)
- Disposal fees for old tires
- Mounting and balancing service
It’s good to calculate these fees in your overall tire budget.
Now What?
Now that you know what to look for, head on over to off-road wheel shop to check out some great off-road tires and wheels.
Questions and concerns? Feel free to contact the wheel shop if you need help picking out a great new set of tires.