How to Select the Right Tires for Off Road Vehicles
It's essential to choose the right tires for your off-road vehicle if you want to make sure they perform and look their best. 146 Kustom can provide expert advice on all the basics.
The first number of a tire size series is the load index. The second number represents the speed rating. This is indicated by a single letter.
Wheel offset
The offset of a wheel is measured in millimeters, from the mounting surface on the hub to the centerline. It can either be positive or negative.
Positive offsets bring the wheel closer to vehicle body, which can reduce tire wear. This is because they increase the contact between suspension components like king pins and axle bearings.
A negative offset, on the other hand can move the wheel further away from the body of the vehicle and reduce the steering feel. This will decrease stability at high speed. This can increase the load placed on hub and axle bearings.
Wheel width
A wider setup of wheels and tires can improve traction when you are off-roading. A wider setup requires more space between the tires and vehicle components such as brake calipers or suspension bushings.
The bolt pattern is made up of two numbers which indicate the number of lug holes on the wheel around an imaginary circle. For a successful, safe installation, the bolt pattern needs to match that of the vehicle. The section width is the fourth number on a rubber tire. It varies depending on rim size. A smaller tire is a result of a thinner section width.
Tire tread
You will want to choose a tire that has a deep tread pattern if you spend a lot of time off-road. This will improve your traction. These tires look great on lifted vehicles, and they give the vehicle a rugged look.
A smoother tire can improve fuel efficiency and road noise if your fleet is primarily on highways. You may need to choose a different size tire for your truck depending on its load capacity.
Place a quarter into the tread groove to check the depth of your tire. If the tread is equal to or greater than George Washington's head then the tire has a minimum of 4/32". It is safe for driving on.
Terrain clearance for rubbing
You'll want tires with a blocky tread pattern that will grip the ground and not tear through your sidewall if you plan to slog through mud, or rock crawl over large obstacles. If you are tackling mountainous terrain you will need a tire with traction on ice and in snow.
You'll need M+S tires to handle the harsh winter conditions in the Northeast, like 146 Kustom. M+S tires are designed for traction on ice and snow while providing a comfortable highway experience.
Scrub radius
The scrub radius, as seen from the front of the vehicle, is the distance between the center point of the contact patch on the wheel and the point at which the steering axis crosses the ground. This can have a significant impact on the steering effort.
If you have a positive scrub radius, the road forces will cause your tires to toe out and reduce torque steering. It is for this reason that OEM vehicles usually specify a positive radius.
Look for all-terrain or mud-terrain tires if you intend to use your SUV or truck for off-road driving. These tires offer excellent off-road grip, a smooth ride, and minimal road noise.
The amount of lift and suspension travel
There are many options for bigger tires. The amount of suspension travel that a vehicle is capable of using is also very important. The amount of lift you select and the tire size will have an impact on this.
The best truck tire is one that can be used under a wide range of weather conditions. Tires that are designed for one type of weather can limit performance in the worst weather conditions.
If you like to drive on deep sand or muddy trails, consider mud-terrain tire for your off-road rig. These tires offer maximum traction, and they are also good for highway driving.
Axle size
The axle shafts are particularly affected by the increased size of the tire. Axles are designed by manufacturers based on vehicle weight and load ranges. The axle shafts are also put under more force when adding larger tires. Multiply this by the force the tire is under when it's stuck in mud or against rocks.
You should choose tires that are rated specifically for these environments if your worst driving conditions include slogging in mud or through snow. You may regret upgrading your tires if you are stuck in an environment that exceeds their capabilities.
It's essential to choose the right tires for your off-road vehicle if you want to make sure they perform and look their best. 146 Kustom can provide expert advice on all the basics. The first number of a tire size series is the load index. The second number represents the speed rating. This is indicated…