The Right Tire for the the Desert Sand.
Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2015 2:29 pm
Having a read of this months Australian 4x4Action magazine and there is a good comparison test of both tire size and tread type over various terrains. In Australia there are so many types of terrain from mud to sand and everything in between that a lot of research goes into tire choice before purchase. Some kind of compromise must always be made.
For most of us in the UAE the majority of our off roading is in soft sand, and occasionally up into the rocky mountainous terrain. Which begs the question. Why do so many off roaders put Mud Terrains on their 4x4's? I know it's good to experiment between all the brands out there and different All Terrain and "Aggressive" All Terrain Tires available, but Mud Terrain really should not feature. I myself briefly tried them out. Noisy on the road, difficult to balance, and very good at digging holes in the sand requiring me to pull out my shovel!
I guess its it's good we are all individual and have our own opinions on what works best. But a brief review of the Tire Test I have just read suggests Mud Terrain have little use on soft sand. All Terrains work well, and a more aggressive All Terrain (e.g. ST Maxx) work best. Also, tire diameter plays a part. The test compares 31 inch tire against 33 inch tires. The larger size wins as it gives the bigger foot print, hence better floatation for a given tire pressure.
If anyone is looking at investing in new rubber, think carefully what you want out of the tire and what best performs to your needs before spending your hard earned cash. Sure, Mud Terrains look great on your 4x4, but it seems they are not the best option here in the sands of the UAE!
For most of us in the UAE the majority of our off roading is in soft sand, and occasionally up into the rocky mountainous terrain. Which begs the question. Why do so many off roaders put Mud Terrains on their 4x4's? I know it's good to experiment between all the brands out there and different All Terrain and "Aggressive" All Terrain Tires available, but Mud Terrain really should not feature. I myself briefly tried them out. Noisy on the road, difficult to balance, and very good at digging holes in the sand requiring me to pull out my shovel!
I guess its it's good we are all individual and have our own opinions on what works best. But a brief review of the Tire Test I have just read suggests Mud Terrain have little use on soft sand. All Terrains work well, and a more aggressive All Terrain (e.g. ST Maxx) work best. Also, tire diameter plays a part. The test compares 31 inch tire against 33 inch tires. The larger size wins as it gives the bigger foot print, hence better floatation for a given tire pressure.
If anyone is looking at investing in new rubber, think carefully what you want out of the tire and what best performs to your needs before spending your hard earned cash. Sure, Mud Terrains look great on your 4x4, but it seems they are not the best option here in the sands of the UAE!