| When you're mudbogging, you need a different tire | | | | manufactured with a rubber compound that is more |
| than when you're driving on ice. Choosing the right | | | | flexible in cold weather. The colder the climate, the |
| tire, however, can be complicated unless you know | | | | less suitable your all-season tire becomes. STUDDED |
| what types of tires work best in what | | | | SNOW TIRES. These are for icy winter conditions. |
| circumstances. This is a quick guide to various truck | | | | They are "studded" (have metal posts embedded in |
| tires, your most important truck accessory. There | | | | them), allowing for up to 40% better traction in |
| you are, driving along the highway in your 4X4 when | | | | hard-packed snow and ice than an all-season tire. The |
| you glance off to the side only to see an | | | | downside, however, is the increased noise level as |
| oh-so-inviting muddy logging trail. "Can't pass this one | | | | well as the fact that traction is decreased on dry and |
| up", you say to yourself, as you tug on the steering | | | | wet surfaces. Beyond that, due to the fact that they |
| wheel and head off to 4-wheeler's heaven. Next | | | | tend to "chew up" the pavement, many regions have |
| thing you know, you're using your cell phone (if it | | | | either banned them all together or restricted their |
| works out in no-man's land) to call a tow truck. What | | | | use to certain months of the year. WINTER TIRES. |
| happened? In the excitement of the moment, did | | | | Winter tires provide better traction in snowy and icy |
| you forget you still had highway tires on your truck? | | | | conditions. Their tread patterns and tread compounds |
| Oops!Most light trucks come equipped with All | | | | are specifically designed for winter conditions. These |
| Purpose tires, which are fine for everyday driving. But | | | | tires perform better not only in snow, but also in |
| if you're an offroad enthusiast, you'll want to take | | | | slush and rain. And they're generally quieter than the |
| the time to find the tire that's perfect for your | | | | snow tire. Look for the snowflake/mountain symbol |
| offroad adventures. And there are plenty of options. | | | | which means they are certified to have met specific |
| ALL-SEASON (All-Purpose) TIRES. These tires are | | | | snow traction requirements. |
| adequate for driving in all four seasons. Most carry an | | | | MUD TIRES. If you're mudbogging, you need wide |
| M/S designation (Mud/Snow) but are really meant | | | | tires with large lugs. The lugs should have deep voids |
| only for light snow. They don't have the proper | | | | in between to expel the mud, allowing for better |
| rubber compound for cold weather, nor the open | | | | traction at each rotation. These tires, however, are |
| tread block pattern for the traction provided by a | | | | generally loud on the highway, although you may find |
| snow tire. | | | | some exceptions. Mud tires are also good for rock |
| ALL-TERRAIN TIRES. These tires are a compromise | | | | climbing, sand and unpacked snow but do not |
| for those who use their truck for general daily driving | | | | perform well in icy conditions or in rain. |
| with only occasional off-road use. Surprisingly, they | | | | Two additional points to keep in mind ... don't try to |
| are designed with added grip for "all terrain", dirt, | | | | cut corners by changing out only two tires. All four |
| sand, wet surfaces, light snow and light mud. But | | | | tires, whether they are snow tires or mud tires, |
| they are also good for general highway use and are | | | | should be the same. Two just won't do. And while |
| relatively quiet on pavement. If you're going to be | | | | the above list does not include any particular brand |
| driving in heavy snow or thick mud, however, you | | | | recommendations, the quickest, most reliable way to |
| need to move on to a tire designed with that | | | | choose a good tire brand is to talk to other offroad |
| purpose in mind. | | | | entusiasts and find out what they're using in your |
| SNOW TIRES. If you drive in light snow sporadically, | | | | area. |
| you don't necessarily need snow tires--all-season tires | | | | So there you have it. Tires are the most important |
| should do the trick. But if you live in a | | | | truck accessory. Always make sure you have the |
| severe-weather climate (or do a lot of driving in | | | | right tires for the right job and you'll never have to |
| heavy snow), snow tires are for you. Snow tires | | | | embarrass yourself by calling a friend to come tow |
| have an open tread block pattern for better traction | | | | you out of an ugly mess. |
| and should be narrower. More importantly, they are | | | | |