EXPLORING THE WORLD OF 4X4 TYRES

Tyres make up a crucial part of a vehicle as it is one of the key elements that determine the steering, braking, and cornering safety. They are the only part of your car that comes in direct contact with the road surface. So you must choose the right kind of tyre.

Tyres Milton Keynes differ from conventional passenger tyres; they come in bigger sizes and have large rim diameters. They are specifically designed to provide a good service on different surfaces and at high speeds. 

Usually, 18-19 inch 4x4 tyres are fitted to almost all 4x4 vehicles. Coming with Y speed ratings, they can go up to 186mph. Some tyres also come in 22 inches.

4x4 tyres are normally used for off-road and on-road use; so the tyres you select depend on the terrain you generally come across while driving. The two main 4x4 tyre types are – mud-terrain tyres and all-terrain tyres. 

Also called AT tyres, they are suitable for both on-road and off-road driving (they have a 50%-50% split). These tyres are ideal for someone who encounters these terrains on a daily basis. The tread patterns of the tyres are chunky to deal with the uneven road surface.

To lessen the off-road driving impact, all-terrain 4x4 tyres have a more robust pattern than that of conventional tyres. 

Mud-terrain 4x4 tyres, also known as MT tyres, are more suited for uneven roads than even roads ( they have an 80%-20% split). These tyres are designed to disperse mud and maintain good traction, hence the name.  

As they perform well on uneven surfaces, these tyres are ideal for those interested in off-road driving. The deep tread of these tyres, along with wide gaps in between them, ensure extraordinary traction needed on such surfaces. 

Mud-terrain 4x4 tyres have a few drawbacks – they don’t provide a comfortable ride and are very noisy. Moreover, they don’t offer good service on even roads. Thus, these tyres are not the best choice for someone who drives a lot on smooth roads and motorways. The aggressive tread design also increases their noise level. 

As 4x4 vehicles have been gaining popularity, manufacturers have branched out to provide more options in 4x4 tyres. These tyres have different subcategories now to give more options in different circumstances. Some of them are –

Recently, 4x4 tyres have become popular concerning large vehicles. Thus, their demand has increased exponentially, with families opting for luxury 4x4 vehicles. It is because of the increased space and better safety features. Generally made for on-road use, these tyres have features similar to standard tyres such as enhanced traction, comfort, stability, low noise level, and reduced off-road driving ability (normally 20% off-road and 80% on-road). 

To meet these criteria, their tread patterns bear similarity to that of conventional tyres, having lesser tread blocks. 

Nowadays, manufacturers are prioritising performance and designing 4x4 vehicles accordingly. The tyres of these vehicles are suitable for 95% on-road use and 5% off-road use. They can handle high speeds and fast manoeuvring. For a car-like performance in larger and heavier vehicles, the tyres have directional tread patterns. These patterns also make them conducive for wet and dry weather. The silica technology used in the tyre tread also ensures enhanced handling and traction. But these tyres are not suitable for winter and off-road driving. 

Make sure to attach the same 4x4 tyres on all the wheels, including the spare too. Using various types is illegal and will hamper your handling, thereby risking your safety. Just like all other tyres, you need to check the overall condition of 4x4 tyres, including tread and pressure to see that they are up to the legal standard. 

A lot of 4x4 vehicles have alloy wheels fitted to them. The cars not equipped with such wheels are upgraded to alloy wheels by the drivers. These wheels make the vehicles look aesthetically pleasing, especially in the case of performance and luxury vehicles. Plus, they have better heat-dissipating capability and weigh less than the standard wheels. Due to reduced unsprung weight, Tyres Milton Keynes have enhanced steering response, resulting in improved handling. Additionally less energy is needed for acceleration, thereby improving the overall performance.