Choosing the right tyres for your car can be a difficult task. There are so many different tyres on the market at different price points each talking about their featues and benefits. And then there are the sales guys, who are there to sell tyres. Its all quite confusing if you do not know what you’re doing.
Four-wheel drive owners will know that their tyres are an important addition to their cars and having the right ones on the car make a huge difference. A question we get asked a lot is; what is the difference between mud tyres and all terrain tyres. If you need to have your tyres replaced and want to know which of the two options will be best, check out below the differences between mud terrain and all terrain tyres.
What is a mud terrain tyre?
Mud terrain tyres are designed exactly as they are named. They are designed to be used on terrains that include a lot of mud or rock climbing.
These tyres are best suited for those who are doing a lot of four wheel driving along various tracks and courses.
Mud tyres or ‘muddies’ are a heavier tyre that are built with thicker side walls and more rubber. Because they are heavier it does mean that the load you are carrying is higher and can result in a quicker use of fuel.
What is an all-terrain tyre?
An all-terrain tyre is a type of tyre that can be used in any situation. These tyres are designed to be used on roads, dirt and everything in between. All-terrain tyres are lighter than your muddies and are not as well designed to tackle the harder situations such as mud and rock climbing.
These tyres are perfect for everyday use and do not need to be swapped out if you are going on a trip or changing the type of terrain you are driving on.
So, which are better?
At the end of the day, it does come down to personal preference. However if you are doing a lot of road driving and the muddy terrains are just a rare occasion, you are better off going with all terrain tyres. Mud tyres are not ideal for road surfaces and do not have the best grip when the roads are wet.
On top of that there is also the added fuel consumption when using the heavier tyres and they are also a lot nosier that all terrains.
If you are still unsure which tyres are best for your needs, speak to a qualified tyre fitter and get their opinion. They work with tyres everyday and will know the best options for you and make informed recommendations.
The main thing is to ensure your safety both when you are driving on the roads and the muddy terrains