3 Considerations For Off-Road Tires
A truck can be more than just a source of transportation — it can provide you with a source of entertainment as well. Many truck enthusiasts like to drive their vehicles off-road.
Trekking through the mountains or desert can be exciting, but it can also be hazardous. The terrain in an off-road environment can be unpredictable. You will need the right tires to ensure that your truck can navigate through deep ruts and over boulders with ease.
1. Tire Size
Tire size is one factor that you need to take into consideration when investing in off-road tires. As a general rule, bigger is better when it comes to off-road tires for your truck. You want a tire that is large enough to lift your truck off the ground.
The added clearance will protect the truck's undercarriage against damage when driving over brush and boulders. You should never go smaller when buying tires that will be used specifically for off-roading.
2. Tread Pattern
The next factor that you want to take into account when you are purchasing off-road tires is the tread pattern of the tires themselves. Tread is designed to give your vehicle traction. Traction is critical to the safe navigation of rough terrain.
Look for tires with aggressive tread patterns and thick side walls to ensure maximum traction at all times. Thicker tread will also help to protect your tires from being punctured by sharp objects while you are driving in extreme terrains. Being stranded with a flat tire in a remote location can be dangerous, so tires that can resist punctures are a great safety feature.
3. Tire Width
The width of the tires that you install on your off-road vehicle can also have an effect on the way your truck handles while navigating extreme terrain. A wide tire increases the amount of surface area that is in contact with the ground at any given time.
Maximizing ground contact will provide added stability and give you more control over the movements of your truck while you are driving on rough roads. Many tires that are designed specifically for off-road use will be wider than the tires you are used to seeing, so you will need to ensure your vehicle's chassis can accommodate the added width.
New rims will also be required to support wider tires.
Purchasing off-road tires is a significant investment. Look for large tires that have durable tread and a wide design to maximize your truck's performance in rough terrain.
Contact a store that sells products like XD wheels for more information about choosing off-road tires.