Every ute owner knows that feeling when the road opens up and the weekend finally begins. Work is done and it is time to head off and explore. But off-road driving is only enjoyable when your tyres can handle the terrain. They are what carry you through sand, dirt, mud, and rocky climbs, and help you feel confident every step of the way.
Of course, you want your ute set up properly for those trips. That is why in this guide, we will walk through how to choose off-road tyres that match your ute and your travel style.
How to choose the best off-road tyres for your UTE?
Start With How You Actually Use Your Ute
Before you start looking at tyre brands or tread patterns, take a moment to think about how you really use your ute. Some people spend most of their time on the road with the occasional dirt track to a campsite, while others are out on rough tracks most weekends. Some tow gear into remote spots while others use their ute as a daily driver with the occasional off-road trip.
Again, there is no perfect off-road tyre for everyone. A tyre that works well in deep mud may be loud and wear faster on the highway. A tyre that feels smooth and quiet on the road may struggle on sand or rough tracks. What you actually need to think about is how you drive during the week and where you go on weekends. That picture will point you towards the tyre that suits your ute best.
Choose Between All-Terrain and Mud-Terrain Tyres
Most ute owners who want better off-road performance end up choosing between all-terrain tyres and mud-terrain tyres. While both are suited to off-road driving, they are made for different types of use.
All-Terrain Tyres
All-terrain tyres are made to handle both sealed roads and off-road tracks with ease. This is the main reason why they are the most popular choice in Australia. They sit between a road tyre and a mud tyre. This means they offer better traction on gravel, dirt, and light mud but still can ride smoothly on sealed roads. Aside from that, compared to mud-terrain tyres, they run quieter and last longer on sealed roads, but it’s always good to check the pros and cons of the all-terrain tyres before making a decision.
They work well for:
- Gravel roads and back roads
- Dirt tracks
- Sand driving
- Light mud
- Mixed surface towing
Mud-Terrain Tyres
Mud-terrain tyres are built for rough off-road driving. They use chunky tread blocks with wide gaps that help clear mud and grip into loose ground. Furthermore, they have tougher sidewalls to cope with rocks, deep ruts, and rough tracks. So if your ute spends a lot of time in rugged terrain, these tyres can be a game-changer. However, one of the trade-offs of using them is increased road noise and faster wear on sealed roads. In addition, they can also feel harsher during everyday driving.
These tyres suit drivers who:
- Drive through muddy terrain and rocky trails
- Spend more time off-road than on it
- Gear their ute towards hardcore off-road use
What to Look for When Choosing Off-Road Tyres
Once you have worked out which type of tyre suits your driving, there are two main things that really affect off-road performance. These are the tread pattern and how your tyres handle heat and grip.
Tread Patterns
Tread depth is important but safe off-road driving is not solely dependent on how much rubber is left. Of course, you also want tyres that can grip different surfaces.
All-terrain tyres typically use a balanced tread design. The blocks are spaced to grip dirt and gravel, but close enough together to stay quiet and steady on sealed roads.
In terms of tread patterns, mud-terrain tyres are built with large tread blocks and wide gaps. As such, they can easily bite into soft terrain and clear mud while driving. That same aggressive pattern gives them a better grip on rocky tracks.
Overall, the right tread pattern depends on where you spend most of your time. If your off-road trips are mainly on gravel and dirt roads, an all-terrain tyre will feel more comfortable. If your weekends are spent tackling bog holes and steep climbs, a mud-terrain tyre is worth considering.
Tyre Pressures
Even though it plays a huge role in how your ute performs, tyre pressure is one of the most overlooked parts of off-road driving. The numbers on your tyre placard are set for sealed roads and highway speeds. That is fine on the bitumen, but those same pressures do not suit off-road conditions.
When you are driving on sand, mud, or loose gravel, letting some air out of your tyres helps them spread out across the surface instead of digging in. Dropping your tyre pressure a little on rocky tracks helps the tyre shape itself around rocks and bumps. This gives you better control and helps prevent damage.
Then, when you are back on sealed roads with a load on board, bringing the pressure up a little helps keep heat under control and supports the extra weight. Learning how to adjust your tyre pressure to the conditions you are driving in makes a noticeable difference to both performance and tyre life.
Making Sure Your Tyres Are Ready for the Tracks
Having the best 4x4 off-road tyres for your ute is only part of being ready for the tracks. They also need to be in good shape and set up properly before you head bush.
- It is worth checking your tread and sidewalls regularly. Look out for cracks, cuts, or bulges. Your tyres take a lot more punishment off-road than they do on sealed roads, so even minor damage can worsen fast.
- Keep an eye on how old your tyres are as well. The tread can look fine while the rubber underneath is slowly hardening. Heat, sun, and long periods of sitting around all take their toll over time.
- Do not forget about your spare. It needs to be in just as good condition and inflated properly. There is nothing worse than finding out your spare is no good when you really need it.
Find the Best Off-Road Tyres for Your Ute at Tyrepower
Even with everything we have covered earlier, there is no single tyre that suits every ute. The right choice depends on how you drive, where you go, and what you want from your vehicle. If your ute is built for more than just the job site and you want it ready for the tracks, your local Tyrepower can help you choose the right setup. We can help you compare all-terrain and mud-terrain tyres, look after tyre safety and repairs, and get you set up with the gear you need to make the most of your off-road driving.
