4x4 tyres cover quite a broad area, but can be easily separated into three subcategories: road tyres, all terrain tyres and off road tyres.
Road tyres, for example, are usually shown with H/T and S/T markings, as well as asymmetric treads. The design focuses on on-road driving (80%) rather than all terrain (20%).
As for 4x4 all terrain tyres, these have a 50/50 mix of road and all terrain features, usually marked with ATR, AT2, A/T or All Terrain labels.
The last subcategory are 4x4 off road tyres, which favour all-terrain (80%) features over on-road driving (20%). These are marked by the likes of MTR or M/T in their specifications.
What are the best winter tyres for my 4x4?
The variety in the choice of 4x4 tyres enables drivers to pick the perfect set for the terrain they frequent the most. All terrain tyres, for instance, feature better grip and handling on uneven surfaces, such as woods and fields. When it comes to 4x4 winter tyres, however, there are no subcategories, as every winter tyre is a road tyre by design.
All terrain tyres also offer reliability and safety both on smooth roads and more demanding terrains alike, making them the best choice for drivers who are likely to encounter different challenges in their journey. As an additional feature, these tyres come with a rim protection system to prevent damage, an inner steel belting in the tyre construction, and a tougher sidewall to help lift heavier loads – important for SUVs.
Despite a more robust build, 4x4 tyres can still deliver excellent driving comfort with low noise and vibrations. Some may also come with additional sipes and a harder compound, which enables them to tackle more challenging environments such as wet roads, providing grip when needed.
Finally, it should be noted that 4x4 tyres cannot be fitted to non 4x4 cars due to their build and unique construction. When fitted to an FWD or RWD car, 4x4 tyres will offer a harder drive and be much louder in comparison to regular car tyres.