Your Guide to Shopping Off-Road Tires

Off-roading is an exhilarating adventure that allows you to explore the road less traveled. However, equipping your vehicle with the right tires is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

For many, finding the right tires for their off-roading needs can be a challenge. And while you can always stop in and chat with a knowledgeable retailer, the era of online shopping has made it more convenient for customers to find the right tires for their off-roading needs from the comfort of their own homes.

This guide will help you understand what type of tire is best for your vehicle and how to make a purchase online. We'll go over everything from identifying the size and type of tire to selecting a model that fits within your budget.

Step 1. Determine Your Off-Roading Needs

Before diving into tire specifications and features, it's crucial to identify your off-roading needs. Be honest with yourself about the type of terrain you'll be driving on and how often you'll be off-roading. Do you fall into one of these categories?

Occasional Off-Roading

If you plan to use your vehicle primarily for daily driving, with occasional off-roading on dirt, gravel, or snow, all-terrain tires are likely the best choice. These tires provide a good balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability.

Intermediate Off-Roading

For those who spend significant time off-roading but still require on-road performance, mud-terrain tires are an excellent option. They offer improved traction on challenging off-road surfaces like mud, sand, and rocks, with the trade-off of increased road noise and faster wear on the pavement.

Advanced Off-Roading

If you're an avid off-roader who frequently tackles extreme terrain, you may need a set of extreme terrain tires. These tires are specifically designed for off-road durability and performance, with aggressive tread patterns and reinforced sidewalls. However, they may not be suitable for regular on-road driving due to their harsh ride and high road noise levels.

Depending on the category you fall into will determine the type of tire that is best suited for your needs!

Step 2. Understand Tire Types

Whether you are an avid offroading enthusiast or just getting started on the journey, it's important to know your tire options. Several types of off-road tires are available, each designed to cater to specific driving needs and preferences.

All-Terrain Tires

All-terrain tires are the go-to choice for drivers who need a versatile tire that performs well both on and off-road. They feature a compromise between all-season and mud-terrain tires, providing good traction on various surfaces without sacrificing on-road performance.

Mud-Terrain Tires

Going mudding? Mud-terrain tires are designed for drivers who frequently encounter challenging off-road conditions like deep mud, sand, and loose rocks. They feature large, aggressive tread blocks for improved traction and self-cleaning capabilities but may have reduced on-road performance and increased road noise.

Extreme Terrain Tires

Some trails are made to be conquered. For those trailblazers, extreme-terrain tires are the only choice.

Extreme terrain tires are the ultimate choice for serious off-roaders who need maximum traction and durability in the toughest off-road conditions. They often have reinforced sidewalls and unique tread patterns for optimal performance on rocks, mud, and other challenging surfaces.

Step 3. Analyze Tire Features

Did you know that different tires offer different features? When choosing the right off-road tire, it's essential to consider various features, such as rubber compounds, tread patterns, and tire construction.

Rubber Compounds

The rubber compound used in a tire influences its flexibility, grip, and performance in different temperatures. Soft rubber compounds provide better grip and flexibility in warmer temperatures, while harder compounds perform better in colder climates. Some tires feature specialized compounds designed for specific off-road conditions, such as mud or snow.

Tread Patterns

Tread patterns significantly affect a tire's off-road traction and performance. More aggressive tread patterns with larger blocks and wider spacing offer better grip and debris ejection, making them ideal for off-road conditions. However, these patterns may increase road noise and reduce on-road performance. Knowing the type o terrain you'll be driving on is important when choosing a tread pattern.

Tire Construction

Off-road tires often feature reinforced sidewalls and additional layers (or plies) for increased durability and puncture resistance. This added protection is crucial for tackling challenging off-road terrain but may result in a stiffer ride - so you’ll want to choose the right balance of toughness and comfort.

Step 4. Consider Tire Size

Tire size can impact off-road performance, ground clearance, and vehicle handling. Choosing the right tire size for your vehicle is essential without causing issues like tire rubbing or clearance problems. This will help ensure better off-road performance and reduce the risk of costly wear and tear on your vehicle.

Upsizing Tires

Upsizing your tires can improve off-road performance and ground clearance. However, going too large can result in the tire rubbing against your vehicle's body or suspension components. Consult your owner's manual and research online resources to find the largest tire size that fits your vehicle without causing issues.

Balancing Size and Performance

While larger tires may offer better off-road performance and ground clearance, they can also negatively impact handling, steering response, ride quality, and fuel mileage. When choosing the right tire size, it's crucial to strike a balance between improved off-road capability and on-road performance.

Step 5. Check Tire Ratings and Reviews

Before making a purchase, research tire ratings and read consumer reviews to gain insights into the tire's performance, durability, and overall satisfaction. There are tons of websites online where you can browse through ratings and reviews from real customers.

When browsing, make note of the specific conditions and circumstances in which customers tested their tires. Although reviews are generally reliable, take into consideration that everyone has different expectations and opinions on performance.

Don't limit your options to just one brand or model. Explore various tire manufacturers and models to find the best fit for your off-roading needs and budget. Some well-known brands for off-road tires include BF Goodrich, Pirelli, Toyo, Nitto, Mickey Thompson, and General Tire.

Step 6. Ensure Proper Load Rating

Each tire has a load rating that indicates its ability to carry a specific weight. It's essential to match the load rating recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer to ensure optimal performance and safety.

Using tires with an incorrect load rating can lead to premature tire wear or even tire failure. If you're unsure what load rating to choose, your local tire shop or dealership can help.

Step 7. Assess Road Noise and Comfort

Like load rating, you’ll also want to check out the noise rating of the tires you’re considering. Road noise is an important factor in comfort while driving, and you'll want to ensure you're getting the most comfortable ride possible.

All-terrain tires generally balance off-road capability and on-road comfort, while mud-terrain and extreme terrain tires may produce more noise and a harsher ride on pavement.

Step 8. Monitor Tire Wear and Maintenance

Tires will eventually wear out - that’s just part of the experience!

Off-road tires, especially those with aggressive tread patterns, may wear faster on pavement than all-season tires. Regularly inspect your tires for signs of uneven wear, damage, or punctures, and rotate them as the manufacturer recommends to prolong their lifespan.

Step 9. Seek Professional Advice

As with anything, don’t be afraid to reach out to a professional for help if you’re not sure which type of tire fits your needs.

A knowledgeable mechanic or enthusiast will be able to find the best off-road tire solution for your vehicle and driving style. You may even learn a thing or two about different types of tires and how to care for them - and snag a discount while you're at it!

Step 10: Enjoy the Ride

The final step is the most important of all: enjoy your newfound off-roading freedom!

With the right tires and preparation, you can confidently explore any terrain. And with every drive you take, you'll become more comfortable navigating off-the-beaten paths and better understand how to get the most out of your vehicle!

The Easiest Decision? What To Wear!

While shopping for tires can be a multi-step process of research and decision-making, choosing what to wear while you are on the road doesn’t have to be challenging! At Goats Trail , we offer a line of excellent apparel that is ideal for off-roading.

With our gear, you can​​​​​​​ stay safe and stylish while exploring the outdoors. With a variety of options in styles, sizes, and colors, you're sure to find something that makes your adventures even more enjoyable! Visit us online today to learn more about our collection of off-road apparel!​​​​​​​

Happy trails!