What Does All-Terrain Mean?

Shopping for aftermarket tires can be overwhelming for first-time drivers and people who aren’t too knowledgeable about vehicles. There are many options out there, so it can be hard to choose which one fits your needs. If you’re looking for tires that are good for both weekend off-road adventures and your daily work commute, check out all-terrain tires.

What Are All-Terrain Tires?

All-terrain tires or A/T tires can technically be used for all types of roads. They come with an open tread design which is commonly used for off-roading. Although they are considered off-road tires, they can also give you the superb handling you need for street driving.

All-terrain tires are well-recommended for SUVs, CUVs, and light trucks because most of them are occasionally used for off-roading. A/T tires also give these vehicles a more aggressive look, so it’s perfect for drivers who want to make their ride look more tough.

What Are Aggressive A/T Tires?

Aggressive A/T tires feature a wraparound tread, which means the tread extends several inches up the sidewall. This allows more traction and additional sidewall protection. These tires are made for tough road conditions, so they’re perfect for your next off-roading adventure.

All-Terrain vs. All-Season Tires

When shopping for aftermarket tires, you might get confused between all-season and all-terrain tires. What’s the main difference between these two?

A/T tires are versatile tires that can be used for off-road and street driving. On the other hand, all-season tires are specifically engineered to perform their best on smooth roads and all types of weather situations.

Another thing that sets these two apart is their tread pattern. A/T tires have a deeper tread pattern, making them likely to produce more road noise than all-season tires.

All-season tires are also typically more affordable compared to all-terrain options. You’ll also spend less on fuel if you choose all-season tires. All-terrain tires’ off-road tread contributes to a vehicle’s rolling resistance, making it less fuel-efficient compared to all-season tires.

If you’re not planning on going off-road, you may be better off with all-season tires. These tires provide great traction for road trips in warm or cool weather.

All-Terrain vs. Snow Tires

While A/T tires are considered all-around tires, you should consider getting snow tires during the colder months of the year. Snow tires are designed for winter driving, and most manufacturers recommend switching to winter tires when the temperature hits below 45°F.

Snow tires feature a zig-zag tread that allows them to maintain traction on snowy or icy roads. The rubber compound used in snow tires is also engineered to stay soft, so they don’t harden or freeze in low temperatures.

If you live in an area where winter conditions are rough, you’re better off switching to snow tires during the colder months.

Disadvantages of Getting All-Terrain Tires

While all-terrain tires can contribute to your vehicle’s improved handling and performance, this type of tire also has its own set of disadvantages.

Road Noise

As mentioned earlier, an A/T tire’s block tread design makes it noisier compared to traditional and all-season tires. The rubber thickness as well as the tire size may also make the noise more noticeable when driving at high speeds.

Uneven Tire Wear or Cupping

A/T tires can be prone to cupping because of their aggressive tread design. These tires are usually equipped with large tread blocks and open voids for increased traction.

Uneven stress or impact can lead to cupping. It’ll appear as if someone scooped parts of your tire’s tread. This can be bad for both your ride’s looks and your tire’s performance.

The best way to prevent cupping is to inspect your tires regularly and rotate them every 6,000 to 8,000 miles.

Decreased Fuel Efficiency

Since all-terrain tires can also be used for off-roading, expect these tires to create more mechanical friction and rolling resistance compared to regular tires. Although your vehicle would consume more fuel when it’s equipped with A/T tires, it may be worth it to get them because of the traction they provide.

How Long Do All-Terrain Tires Last?

A/T tires will typically wear out faster compared to regular street tires. Most can last up to 40,000 miles, while some can last up to 80,000 miles. However, the exact mileage you may get out of your tires will depend on many factors like your driving habits and the road conditions in your area.

The Right A/T Tire Size for Your Ride

When shopping for A/T tires, it can be tempting to get tall tires that give you more clearance. However, experts recommend sticking to the same size that originally came with your vehicle if you only plan on changing tires.

If you’re bent on installing bigger tires, you may need to install a new suspension kit as well as new wheels. This will require a lot of adjustments, so consider this before buying a new set of tires.

Do You Really Need A/T Tires?

Is it worth switching to A/T tires? If you’re just using your vehicle as a daily driver, it’s probably best to use all-season tires. If you go off-roading occasionally, then A/T tires might fit your needs. However, if you’re a hardcore off-roader, make sure to find tires that are meant for rough off-roading adventures. You can also explore the advantages of mud tires.