What 4x4 Tyres Do I Need?
Customers are sometimes confused regarding the difference between 4-wheel drive (4WD) and all-wheel drive (AWD).
The “4 by 4” (4WD) was designed specifically for off-road capabilities, but the way that front and rear axles interlock in 4WD limits manoeuvrability on dry tarmac. Therefore, drivers either switch manually between 2 and 4-wheel drive, or some shift automatically in response to a change in traction.
In contrast, AWD vehicles are usually in AWD permanently, because each wheel’s movement is isolated by a differential axle. Some AWD vehicles are intended for off-road capability whilst others are not. AWD is also useful on tarmac.
The distinction is really moot when considering tyres. What matters is whether you will use your vehicle off-road or not.
If your driving is exclusively on normal highways, you can safely choose from the same range of tyres as anyone else. The more time you spend on grass, mud and snow and the worse the conditions, the more you need true off-road tyres.
The best 4x4 tyres for a farmer will be substantially more rugged than those for the occasionally adventurous, but they respond sluggishly and wear quickly on roads. For the rest of us, there are many tyres that balance road performance with off-road capability.
Tread patterns
Tyres intended for only limited off-road use look similar to ordinary tyres. They may have slightly wider and deeper channels to disperse water and soft mud. Tyres designed for more rugged conditions often have an out-swept groove pattern and full off-roaders often have a knobbly design like those on a tractor.
These are only generalisations. Our tyre professionals are always on hand to help you choose the best 4x4 tyres for your specific vehicle and intended use. You can get in touch with a Protyre professional at any time using the online contact form.
We Can Help You Choose The Right Tyre
Tyres are essential for keeping your car safe and performing at its best, but with so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to start. That's where our informative articles come in – we're here to help you navigate the world of tyres and make the best choice for your specific needs.
Whether you're considering upgrading to Premium car tyres for enhanced driving dynamics, run flat car tyres for added peace of mind, or trying to decide between summer car tyres and winter car tyres, Protyre can help. Our articles have got you covered with a wide range of tyre-related topics to help you make informed decisions.
The brand you choose matters too. We offer recommendations for trusted names such as BF Goodrich tyres, Bridgestone tyres, Continental tyres, Dunlop tyres, Falken tyres, General tyres, Goodyear tyres, GT Radial tyres , Hankook tyres, Michelin tyres, Pirelli tyres, Runway tyres, Sumitomo tyres, and Toyo tyres. But our articles don't just focus on choosing the right tyres – we also offer practical advice for maintaining them. From simple tips like checking your tread depth and keeping your tyres inflated to the proper pressure, to more advanced topics like extending tyre life through regular rotation and balancing - we've got you covered!
Dive in and discover everything you need to know to keep your car running smoothly and safely with Protyre.
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Mixing tyres
Different types of tyre on the same axle are never recommended. Opinions vary as to whether front and back tyres need to match, especially on a 4x4. Ask our tyre professionals for advice if you’re considering it, or only need two replacement tyres.
Tyre recommendations
Remember you need extra load (XL) tyres for heavy vehicles, or if you pull a trailer.
If your budget will stretch to it, Pirelli P Zeros are a great premium summer tyre for tarmacked roads. XL and runflat versions are available. The Pirelli P Zero Asimmetrico is recommended by Mercedes. For more off-road use, consider Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season (recommended for Land Rovers).
Also in the premium category, Bridgestone offers Dueler, Ecopia and Weather Control tyres, while Michelin offers the Primacy 3, Pilot Sports and more rugged Cross Climate tyres.
More affordable summer tyres that will suit lighter vehicles in this class are offered by Falken. These include the Falken Ziex, Falken ZE914 Ecorun, and the Falken ZE310. These are versatile tyres readily available for most vehicles. For heavier vehicles and those that venture into worse conditions, the XL-rated Falken Euroall Season AS210 is a better choice.
For lighter vehicles and conditions also consider the (usually cheaper) Yokohama G91A or G95A, Toyo Proxes, or Dunlop Sportmaxx.
The more adventurous who need to optimise for off-road performance should look into the Falken Wildpeak, Bridgestone Dueler All Terrain, and Pirelli Scorpion MTR.