As our lives get increasingly urbanised and busier, there’s an increasing desire to just escape into nature and forget about our daily lives for a couple of hours. Whether in their SUVs or any other car, people are taking mini breaks off the beaten track.
It not only is a way to get away from technology and screens but is a thrilling experience that is mentally and physically challenging. It is the perfect way to blow off steam and enjoy your free time.
But going off on unknown terrain means that one needs to be properly equipped. A key requirement here is the right set of wheels. These can make the difference between your vacation being a delight or potentially troublesome and will give you that extra bit of protection you need from the trail you are travelling on.
Here’s how really good tires support your off-roading adventure:
- Right quality: Unlike regular tires, meant for paved surfaces, off-roading tires need to be suited for rough terrain. The unique wheel mods allow for a hardier experience compared to on-road tires, which are meant for gripping paved surfaces instead. TireAgent hostile tires are a great example of specially designed high quality tires.
- Size of tires: The size of tires makes a big difference, because big tires are better at overcoming obstacles. It’s a toss-up between ease and fuel usage, however. They use a lot of fuel efficiency, so getting a consultation on the ideal tire size for your needs would be a good idea. This will not only save you a little bit of money, but it will also ensure you get the correct tire for the vehicle you are driving.
- Sidewalls: Considering that off-road tires might need to roll over difficult terrain, their sidewalls come with superior protection. This ensures that they can withstand sharp edges that may occur on rocks and left over debris on a road that may cause a puncture in the tire. Which is the last thing that you want when off-roading.
- Tire pressure: Off-road tires can also be adjusted for the appropriate tire pressure. A low tire pressure can provide a better grip and also absorb shocks better. But it can also leave the tire vulnerable to damage. This is why adjusting pressure can work well when off-roading.
- Tread pattern: A key aspect of off-road tires is the tread pattern, made of grooves that prevent slippage. There’s a variety of tread patterns available to cater to the intended conditions.
- Weather adjustable: Off-road tires can also be effective in any road conditions, irrespective of the weather. So, whether it’s slippy ice or hot weather, they can adjust to them. That said, there are specific tires for different conditions available as well. So, if you are unlikely to be in a hot place, but a colder one, then winter off-road tires might be your perfect choice.
- High load capacity: Since they are meant for getaways or for even longer trips, chances are you’d be carrying a fair bit of stuff with you which will add weight to an already heavy vehicle. Off-road tires offer a high-load capacity, thanks to their reinforced sidewalls. So, you can drive for long times without worrying about whether your vehicle would be able to withstand the load.
- Better vehicle handling: Since off-road tires can make the vehicle more stable in a challenging terrain, they allow for better manoeuvring too. So, you can make smoother turns or stop quickly if required. This can be an essential asset if you find yourself in a dangerous situation as you will need as much control as you can get.
Why not to use normal tires when off-roading
If the advantages of off-road tires haven’t convinced you enough, consider the disadvantages of street tires on hard terrain. Using street tires might well get downright risky on unpaved surfaces. It is proven every winter how useless street tires are in tough, weathered terrains and you are more likely to get stuck or stranded.
If you do try with an average vehicle and street tires, make sure to not pick The Rubicon Trail. You will be assured to get stuck on that trail due to its challenges.
Since they don’t have the enduring tread pattern of off-road tires, the vehicle is susceptible to losing control. This is particularly true for muddy roads, where the car can skid or slide as a result.
Further, they might even get you stranded with a puncture, since their sidewalls aren’t similarly bolstered. Even if you don’t come to a complete halt, because of this reason, debris can stick itself to the tire making driving harder.
This is where the design of off-roading tires come in handy. As, an off-roading tire has a specifically designed wheel pattern to not only improve your grip but the larger grooves in the pattern allow for mud and debris to build up less.
There is also a design in them that allows the build up to fall out faster. This ensures that you can have a good amount of control and grip regardless of the terrain.
Don’t skimp on the off-road tire
The conclusion is written on the wall, really. If you are planning an off-road adventure, it’s essential to ensure that you have proper tires in place. They have numerous advantages that can ensure that your journey is as smooth as it can be and safer overall. From appropriate tread patterns to the right pressure and size, they can help in navigating the terrain and making you experience even better.
Moreover, not having these tires in place can be risky. Street tires can slip over muddy or icy surfaces and even lose control, which is the last thing you want depending where you are on a trail. They can also be more prone to punctures and attract more debris resulting in inferior performance, if not downright stopping.
They are an essential park of off-roading and should be one of your main upgrades that you make if you make any. So, make sure that you make the right pick of tires before that off-road trip and check them against the terrain you are planning to go on.