All Terrain Vs. Mud-Terrain: Understanding your 4WD Tyre Needs

If you consider yourself an adventurer and appreciate a good drive off the beaten path, you are probably considering changing your tyres every now and then.

The truth is, all terrain and mud terrain are scenarios which demand different tyres – or a tyre that can handle both with ease. Choosing one for your specific vehicle type, needs and budget may be something to think about.

Below, we are sharing our guide on choosing all terrain vs. mud terrain tyres, what to look for in a model and how to know that you are getting the best value for your money.

How To Find The Best 4WD Tyres For Rocky Terrains And Muddy Conditions?

Whether you drive a Jeep, a ½ ton pickup, a 1-ton tow rig or a full size SUV, you probably know that there is no tyre that is as universal and as accepted both on and off road as an all-terrain.

If you are a true lover of muddy grounds and rocky terrains, you should be happy because there are plenty of 4WD models for off road use that offer a more aggressive and bulkier tread. The result of fitting your wheels with tyres like these is outstanding performance and comfort that adapts to your driving needs.

However, there are a couple of factors that can help you once you decide to step into the all-terrain tyre market in UAE. The thing is, every small detail adds up to the big picture and can make your all-terrain tyre a better choice for your application than any other. Below, we are sharing some of the most important things to consider when choosing these 4WD tyres.

All-Terrain Vs. Mud-Terrain Tyres

One of the biggest dilemmas of off road enthusiasts is whether they need all-terrain or mud-terrain tyres.

All-terrain tyre models are generally suitable for light pickups, vans, and SUVs. Their symmetrical and wraparound tread design allows for a large surface area and plenty of grip. There are stone ejectors on them, reinforced by internal steel belts, rim flange protectors and excellent traction even on the most challenging surfaces.

Mud-terrain tyre models are perfect for taking your vehicle’s off-road performance to the next level and just get stuck in some wet mud. Used on trucks, SUVs and Jeeps to get maximum possible off-road traction, they are amazing because of their unique tread design but not that great when it comes to use on-road.

If you are considering all-terrain tyres, you should know that you can get the most of both off-road and on-road usage. However, if you prefer mud-terrain tyres, you should know that they are mostly ideal for people who will spend most of their driving off the beaten path. Also, with mud-terrain tyres, you won’t get the same comfort on the highway as you would with the all-terrain choice.

The only feature that gives mud-terrain tyres a solid competitive advantage is obviously, the thick mud. Knowing that all-terrains are great in normal mud, dust and even slightly wet mud, they only lose the battle with mud-terrains when it comes to thick mud. So, you should know what you are getting yourself into when considering both options.

In short, these are a couple of facts you should know:

• All-terrain tyres perform well in a variety of conditions, but are particularly excellent if you mix between on-road and off-road use.
• Mud-terrain tyres have treads that have more gripping edges, featuring sipes (cuts in the tread that open up and provide additional grip).
• All-terrain tyres work well in the sand when they are properly aired down, and are better for wet weather on-road performance.
• Mud-terrain tyres are designed to move material, which is why they can sometimes get stuck in the sand, but are better than all-terrains in wet mud.

Are All-Terrain Sidewalls Weaker Than Mud-Terrain Sidewalls?

Sidewall punctures are less likely occurring in all-terrain tyres compared to mud-terrain ones. However, this does not mean that all all-terrain tyres have weak sidewalls. In fact, the construction of high quality all-terrain tyres mimics mud-terrain tyres.

The best way to make sure that your all-terrain tyres have good sidewall durability is by looking for a radial all-terrain tyre with three-ply sidewalls. There are some models with proprietary two-ply sidewalls with a tighter weave or unique materials which are resistant to punctures companred to traditional two-ply sidewalls.

How Many Miles Do All-Terrain Tyres Last?

Considering the fact that all-terrain tyres are more suitable for the landscape in UAE, choosing these models comes with a lot of factors and questions. These include tyre tread compound, regular tyre rotations, chassis alignment, shock absorber conditions, overall vehicle weights, temperature as well as driving habits.

The variables make it impossible to predict how long a set of tyres will last in any given application. However, the average tyre life when everything is maintained accordingly is up to 60,000 miles.

Are All-Terrain Tyres Noisy When Driving On The Road?

If you are deciding between these two options and weighing down more towards the all-terrain tyre type, this is another important question you probably asked.

While all-terrains are typically designed to be relatively quiet for road use, they are still big tyres and may not be as quiet as basic street-friendly all-season tyres. However, the features you get by using them in sand, mud and off the beaten path are what makes them great. Generally speaking, you should look for a less aggressive tread pattern if low noise levels are important – but you should also know that doing that may sacrifice some of your performance when going off road.

Final Words

In the end, it is safe to say that all-terrain tyres offer drivers a good mix between on road and off road use. They are the best of both worlds and for the landscape in UAE, they might be a better option for adventurers. Many users reported that all-terrains are also a good option when you need a solid and year-round tyre, especially if you live in the suburbs or near rough terrains.

Mud-terrains, on the other hand, are good if you really want to go deep in the mud and if you want to use them solely for these conditions. Their only disadvantage is the low performance on asphalt roads.

So, if you want a quality tyre that you can use in the urban jungle and sandy surfaces, an all-terrain is definitely what you need. And if you want to spice up the fun and take your vehicle to the next level (as long as it is designed for it), choosing mud-terrain tyres can also be an exciting option.

We hope this guide helped you choose the best option for your needs and budget. For more information and a FREE consultation about your next set of tyres in UAE, contact us today!