For most people, a car is a convenient mode of transportation for everyday tasks or work, but for some of us, it’s a real passion. While others are interested in fact sheets or race tracks, there are those who prefer nature and the adrenaline rush of exploration.
Having nothing to do with asphalt, these off-road maniacs can be found on gravel and mud trails. Of course, to practice off-roading safely, it is important to have a well-equipped and perfectly adapted vehicle. The tires must be solid, but also offer sufficient traction to get the car out of any situation. In addition, its material must be stronger in order to absorb shocks and resist scratches.
To solve these technical concerns, in the last few decades, some manufacturers have begun to design tires that are specialized in off-roading. These tires are particularly useful for thrill seekers or workers who often have to go through difficult conditions. Without further ado, find out how to find your way in the world of off-road tires.
Tire makes the car
Most car journalists and real connoisseurs will tell you: it’s the tire that makes the vehicle. Yes, it’s a small exaggeration, but it’s certainly based on reality. Since tires are your vehicle’s only point of contact with the ground (or at least we hope so), they’re the ones who have the heavy task of keeping you stable, both while turning and under acceleration. Off-road tires are designed to provide the best possible traction on all surfaces.
Although their performance is not optimal on asphalt, a quality off-road tire will still perform better than a low-end tire. One of the reasons for this is their tread design, which is designed to bite into the ground thanks to its deep pattern. Its tread is usually composed of small blocks, which balances its performance on mud, gravel and pavement.
Mud tire!
There is also another type of tire designed for even more extreme driving: the mud terrain tire. The blocks of its tread are thicker and its sidewalls are more resistant. One of the reasons for this is that they have to withstand heavy loads while constantly rubbing against rock.
However, before choosing the type of tires you will install on your car, the most important thing is to carefully consider your needs. If you’re primarily a highway driver, tires with aggressive tread patterns may not be suitable for your driving style because of noise and poor road performance.
Conversely, if you’re often off-road, you can take full advantage of the qualities of an all-weather tire. Unfortunately, you will only be able to take advantage of these tires during the summer season, since they are not approved by the Government of Quebec for winter driving, but don’t let that discourage you. In fact, if you’re an off-roader, they could one day get you out of trouble!
Discover the best 2023 all-terrain tires
