Contents
– 4×4 off-road tyres: characteristics and specificities
– Points of sale for 4×4 off-road tyres
While off-road vehicles offer the advantage of choosing between city and country, their tyres must meet certain specific requirements to guarantee total safety for the driver in all circumstances.
Here’s everything you need to know about choosing your off-road tyres.
4×4 off-road tyres: characteristics and specificities
The first feature of 4×4 off-road tyres is visual: they are more massive and much wider than car tyres.
Off-road 4×4 tyres are designed to stick to the asphalt without crashing, thus guaranteeing good road handling. Their function is similar to car tyres since they are the only point of contact between the vehicle and the asphalt, but they must meet specific properties. For instance, you can customise them to:
– Readjust the vehicle’s centre of gravity: off-road vehicles are raised to guarantee visibility and obstacle clearance for the driver. Their centre of gravity is therefore much higher. However, in the event of a sudden change in direction, the stability of the 4×4 can be compromised.
– Slow down heavy vehicles: 4x4s tend to be larger and therefore heavier than regular cars. When braking, depending on the weight and inertia of the vehicle, the stopping distance can quickly become significant! Off-road 4×4 tyres, therefore, meet much greater constraints. Sometimes twice the size of ordinary tyres, inflated with air or nitrogen and in good condition, they will give you a better grip and improve braking.
– Ease the work of the four-wheel-drive: most 4x4s have four-wheel drive, unlike road vehicles. The various electronic sensors allow the vehicle to identify which wheels (front or rear) to use on a slippery road. Your four tyres are therefore connected to the steering wheel, and in case of wear, you will directly feel a loss of grip. Consequently, it is impossible to cheat with 4×4 off-road tyres since all four must be perfect.
– Slow down heavy trucks: 4x4s tend to be larger and therefore heavier than regular cars. When braking, depending on the weight and inertia of the vehicle, the stopping distance can quickly become significant! Off-road 4×4 tyres, therefore, meet much greater constraints. Sometimes twice the size of ordinary tyres, inflated with air or nitrogen and in good condition, they will give you a better grip and improve braking.
– Ease the work of the 4-wheel-drive: most 4x4s have four-wheel drive, unlike road vehicles. The various electronic sensors allow the vehicle to identify which wheels (front or rear) to use on a slippery road. Your four tyres are therefore connected to the steering wheel, and in case of wear, you will directly feel a loss of grip. Consequently, it is impossible to cheat with 4×4 off-road tyres since all four must be perfect.
– Adapt to the roads used: off-road vehicles have the particularity of driving on muddy roads full of obstacles in the mountains. Depending on where you live, what you want or even what you need, you’ll need to use certain surfaces more than others, which is why there are road tyres, multipurpose tyres, and even crossing tyres.
Good to know: whatever your choice, tyres must be installed and checked carefully. Have a professional check the mounting and balancing, tyre pressure and alignment.
Prices and where to buy 4×4 off-road tyres
To purchase these tyres, you can go to a custom tyre supplier, ANP WHEELS & TYRES.
Larger and more specialised, 4×4 off-road tyres are also more expensive than passenger tyres. If the price varies according to the brand and the range, these professionals will advise you on what is best for your vehicle.