Tread lightly: Choose the right tyres for your next off-road adventure

Any 4X4er worth their salt knows the importance of choosing the right tyres. But, with so many options available, it can be difficult to decide which type of tyre best suits your needs. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between mud-terrain and all-terrain tyres, and help you choose the right set of rubber for your next adventure.

First, let’s define the two types of tyres.

Mud terrain vs all terrain

Mud Tyres: The Kumho Road Venture MT71

MTs

Mud terrain tyres (MTs) are designed for off-road use in extreme conditions, such as deep mud, rocks, and steep inclines, and suit wheelers who spend the majority of their time on the rough stuff.

MTs, such as the Kumho Road Venture MT71s, are known for their aggressive tread pattern and sidewalls. Which feature deep, wide lugs that are designed to dig into the ground for maximum traction. While expelling as much mud and debris from the tread as possible. They also have a softer rubber compound that provides a better grip on uneven surfaces, such as rocky inclines. 

All-Terrain Tyres: The Kumho Road Venture AT52

ATs

All-terrain tyres (ATs), on the other hand, generally strike a balance somewhere between 50% road use and 50% off-road use, with a tread pattern and sidewall design that provide adequate traction in a variety of conditions. 

Which would I choose?

Well, if you’re like me and spend most of your time tackling tough tracks in extreme conditions, mud-terrain tyres are generally the way to go. But they don’t come without their compromises. On the road, they’re prone to filling the cabin with a tyre howl and don’t provide the same handling characteristics as an AT will. Hit the tracks, though, and the negatives are more than made up for in off-road capability. 

Image Credit: Instagram @KumhoTyres

ATs are great for weekend warriors

While MTs are ideal for the majority of sticky situations out bush, they may not be the best fit for you. If you’re a weekend warrior who occasionally hits the tracks, a tourer, or a tow-er, ATs are likely a better choice. ATs are designed to provide traction both on and off the road, with a tread pattern that balances grip with road noise and fuel economy.

ATs, such as the Kumho Road Venture AT52s, are a perfect choice for those who need versatility in their tyres. The AT52s feature an optimised tread design and a dual silica compound that provides excellent traction in both wet and dry conditions and prolongs tread life, making them a solid option for those who need a tyre that can handle a variety of conditions while performing on the blacktop.

More factors to consider

In addition to the type of tyre, there are other factors to consider when choosing the right set of rubber for your vehicle.

Size

Tyre size is critical for proper vehicle performance and safety, so it’s important to choose a height and width that suit your specific vehicle. It also pays to know your state’s or territory’s legislation surrounding tyre size; otherwise, you risk a run-in with the 5-0 and potential insurance issues down the line. 

Image Credit: Instagram @KumhoTyres

You’ll see plenty of maniacal blokes and blokettes out on the tracks running massive rubber, but that doesn’t come without serious compromise and modification (ask me how I know!). The answer to your off-road woes isn’t always fitting the biggest tyre possible; it’s about fitting the right size, with the right tread pattern. 

Load capacity

Another important factor to consider is load capacity. Make sure you choose a tyre with a load capacity that matches your vehicle’s weight and towing capacity. Most manufacturers, including Kumho, offer a range of load ratings for their tyres. if you aren’t sure which load rating you should opt for, a quick chat with your local tyre fitter should put you on the right path. 

One of the most important mods

There’s no doubt about it: tyres are one of the most important (if not THE most important) modifications you can make to your vehicle. They’re the only thing keeping your pride and joy out of a ditch, and they’re the difference between making it up the track or relying on a winch and getting roasted by your mates. 

I’ve tried both

I’ve toured Australia extensively and completed laps on both MTs and ATs; on semi-tame laps, ATs and the right pressures got me almost everywhere I wanted to go and provided far better fuel economy, all without leaving my ears bleeding.

Image Credit: Instagram @KumhoTyres

On later laps, where I’ve chosen to go to increasingly isolated and inhospitable environments, I’ve done so with MTs, knowing I’d be paying more for fuel and hearing aids but also knowing I had a far better chance of getting to places I may not have been able to reach with ATs alone.