You’ve seen them: off-roading vehicles all have those huge tires that seem to have been given an extra layer of rubber. Most people think that off-road tires are useful for the same reason that high-traction boot soles are; the larger indentations and grooves provide more traction. Although that’s true, traction isn’t the only reason or the most important reason to use off-road tires when adventuring on rough terrain.
Here are some other benefits of off-road tires:
a. Raising the height of the car – this is the main reason to use off-road tires. When you’re driving through mud, rocks, rough patches, etc., your vehicle will fare much better if it’s lifted higher above the ground. You’ll also be able to drive over larger bumps in the road, and larger, higher tires will change your break-over angle to your advantage. Remember, however, that taller tires do decrease performance somewhat, so it’s best to find a set of tires that accommodate all your needs in a balanced way.
b. Durability – the extra layer of rubber does make off-road tires more durable and less vulnerable to punctures. The tires’ larger footprints make flat tires much less likely. But the tires don’t only need to be durable in case you encounter extremely tough terrain; you also need them because, in the process of off-roading, you’ll need to deflate your tires, and you don’t want them to become flat when you do that. Climbing dunes and getting unstuck from an embankment are both activities that will demand lower tire pressure, and regular tires will weaken too much from the low pressure for you to reap the benefits.
c. Floatation – The larger footprints on off-road tires make it easier for cars to drive over soft terrain like swampland or mud. Why? The tires are more buoyant. When you drive off-road through semi-liquid terrain, you’re not just driving – you’re floating.
d. Balance – off-road tires are wider, so they allow your vehicle to balance better as you drive. This is especially valuable when you drive on hills or sand dunes; narrow tires are dangerous because they make it easier for your car to flip over.
In the end, driving off-road with regular tires just isn’t safe, and in the best case, you won’t be able to finish the trip. In the worst case, you’ll get hurt or worse. Make an investment in high-quality off-roading tires, maintain them well, and they will serve you for many years.