{"id":939,"date":"2017-06-16T05:20:14","date_gmt":"2017-06-16T02:20:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/?p=939"},"modified":"2024-08-28T17:05:19","modified_gmt":"2024-08-28T14:05:19","slug":"what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding All-Terrain Tires: The Ultimate Guide to Versatile Driving"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/1.Understanding-All-Terrain-Tires-The-Ultimate-Guide-to-Versatile-Driving.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5339\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/1.Understanding-All-Terrain-Tires-The-Ultimate-Guide-to-Versatile-Driving.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/1.Understanding-All-Terrain-Tires-The-Ultimate-Guide-to-Versatile-Driving-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/1.Understanding-All-Terrain-Tires-The-Ultimate-Guide-to-Versatile-Driving-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/1.Understanding-All-Terrain-Tires-The-Ultimate-Guide-to-Versatile-Driving-60x40.webp 60w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/1.Understanding-All-Terrain-Tires-The-Ultimate-Guide-to-Versatile-Driving-150x100.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You&#8217;re in the market for some new tires, and you like the idea of driving off-road, so you&#8217;re considering all-terrain tires. If you&#8217;re unsure if they&#8217;re the right tires for you, read on, and we&#8217;ll explain the difference between all-terrain tires and other types of tires so you can make an informed choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In short, all-terrain (AT) tires are good for traction on all kinds of surfaces, including on and off-road. They combine the open-tread design of<a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/t\/terrain-off-road\/\"> off-road tires<\/a> with the good handling of street tires. It\u2019s important to remember that this type of tire is all-purpose. So, it\u2019s probably not the best option for people who only drive on highways and paved roads or who like serious off-roading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_69_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires\/#Features_of_all-terrain_tires\" title=\"Features of all-terrain tires\">Features of all-terrain tires<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires\/#Pros\" title=\"Pros\">Pros<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires\/#Cons\" title=\"Cons\">Cons<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires\/#Vehicles_that_use_all-terrain_tires\" title=\"Vehicles that use all-terrain tires\">Vehicles that use all-terrain tires<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires\/#Our_all-terrain_tire_recommendations\" title=\"Our all-terrain tire recommendations\">Our all-terrain tire recommendations<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires\/#BFGoodrich_All-Terrain_TA_KO2\" title=\"BFGoodrich All-Terrain T\/A KO2\">BFGoodrich All-Terrain T\/A KO2<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires\/#Toyo_Open_Country_AT_3\" title=\"Toyo Open Country A\/T 3\">Toyo Open Country A\/T 3<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires\/#Falken_Wildpeak_AT_Trail\" title=\"Falken Wildpeak A\/T Trail\">Falken Wildpeak A\/T Trail<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires\/#Mickey_Thompson_Baja_Boss_AT\" title=\"Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A\/T\">Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A\/T<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires\/#Yokohama_Geolandar_G015\" title=\"Yokohama Geolandar G015\">Yokohama Geolandar G015<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires\/#All-terrain_vs_other_types_of_tires\" title=\"All-terrain vs. other types of tires\">All-terrain vs. other types of tires<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires\/#All-terrain_vs_highway_all-season\" title=\"All-terrain vs. highway all-season\">All-terrain vs. highway all-season<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires\/#All-terrain_tires\" title=\"All-terrain tires\">All-terrain tires<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires\/#All-season_tires\" title=\"All-season tires\">All-season tires<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires\/#All-terrain_vs_winter_rated_vs_winter_tires\" title=\"All-terrain vs. winter rated vs. winter tires\">All-terrain vs. winter rated vs. winter tires<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires\/#All-terrain_tires-2\" title=\"All-terrain tires\">All-terrain tires<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires\/#Winter-rated_tires\" title=\"Winter-rated tires\">Winter-rated tires<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires\/#Winter_tires\" title=\"Winter tires\">Winter tires<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires\/#All-terrain_vs_mud-terrain_tires\" title=\"All-terrain vs. mud-terrain tires\">All-terrain vs. mud-terrain tires<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires\/#_All-terrain\" title=\"&nbsp;All-terrain\">&nbsp;All-terrain<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires\/#Mud-terrain\" title=\"Mud-terrain\">Mud-terrain<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires\/#Should_I_go_all-terrain\" title=\"Should I go all-terrain?\">Should I go all-terrain?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires\/#TOP-5_all-terrain_tire_brands\" title=\"TOP-5 all-terrain tire brands\">TOP-5 all-terrain tire brands<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires\/#BFGoodrich\" title=\"BFGoodrich\">BFGoodrich<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires\/#Cooper_Tire_Rubber_Company\" title=\"Cooper Tire &amp; Rubber Company\">Cooper Tire &amp; Rubber Company<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires\/#Toyo_Tires\" title=\"Toyo Tires\">Toyo Tires<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires\/#Dick_Cepek\" title=\"Dick Cepek\">Dick Cepek<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires\/#Goodyear_Tire_Rubber_Company\" title=\"Goodyear Tire &amp; Rubber Company\">Goodyear Tire &amp; Rubber Company<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires\/#What_are_all-terrain_tires_best_for\" title=\"What are all-terrain tires best for?\">What are all-terrain tires best for?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires\/#What_are_the_disadvantages_of_all-terrain_tires\" title=\"What are the disadvantages of all-terrain tires?\">What are the disadvantages of all-terrain tires?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires\/#Do_I_really_need_all-terrain_tires\" title=\"Do I really need all-terrain tires?\">Do I really need all-terrain tires?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Features_of_all-terrain_tires\"><\/span>Features of all-terrain tires<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/2.Features-of-all-terrain-tires.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5340\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/2.Features-of-all-terrain-tires.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/2.Features-of-all-terrain-tires-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/2.Features-of-all-terrain-tires-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/2.Features-of-all-terrain-tires-60x40.webp 60w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/2.Features-of-all-terrain-tires-150x100.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Understanding the key features of the all-terrain tire, as well as its advantages and disadvantages, will help you make your decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pros\"><\/span>Pros<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Open-tread design<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>This design improves the traction of the tires on off-road surfaces. The interlocking tread elements provide a good grip on rocks and mud, while still giving adequate handling on paved roads.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reinforced sidewalls<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Reinforced sidewalls are present on some models of<a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/t\/terrain-all\/\"> all-terrain tires<\/a>, providing more load-carrying capacity. These are usually more aggressive tires made for heavier trucks and more off-road use. Campers also often use reinforced all-terrain tires, as these vehicles have a greater load to carry and, therefore, use<a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/t\/terrain-rugged\/\"> rugged terrain tires<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>All-year operability<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Many all-terrain tires can be used year-round, as they have the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol (3PMSF mark), making them legal for use in winter weather conditions. However, this is not mandatory, so it&#8217;s important to check for this mark when buying new tires. Tires with this marking will provide traction when the temperature drops below zero and on snow-covered surfaces and allow you to use these tires year-round, so you don\u2019t have to change from<a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/t\/sn-summer\/\"> used summer tires<\/a> to winter tires. However, winter tires still have an advantage over all-terrain due to their tread pattern and rubber compounds.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cons\"><\/span>Cons<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Noise<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>These tires are noisier than regular all-season tires due to their tread design. Mud, off-road, and all-terrain tires have block tread patterns that make a louder noise. Such tires usually have symmetrical grooves, while<a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/t\/t-touring\/\"> best touring tires<\/a> have many different types of patterns. This makes a different sound when air passes through them, but mostly, the air flows cancel each other, creating less noise.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lower fuel efficiency<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>The all-terrain tire ranks in the middle in terms of<a href=\"http:\/\/www.fourwheeler.com\/how-to\/wheels-tires\/129-1104-tires-and-fuel-economy\/\"> fuel efficiency<\/a>, as regular street tires use less fuel, and off-road tires use much more. Mechanical friction, wind, and rolling resistance, and tread patterns all influence fuel economy. Rolling resistance could be eliminated with stiffer sidewalls and almost no tread, but the latter would also eliminate the traction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Vehicles_that_use_all-terrain_tires\"><\/span>Vehicles that use all-terrain tires<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/3.Vehicles-that-use-all-terrain-tires.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5341\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/3.Vehicles-that-use-all-terrain-tires.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/3.Vehicles-that-use-all-terrain-tires-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/3.Vehicles-that-use-all-terrain-tires-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/3.Vehicles-that-use-all-terrain-tires-60x40.webp 60w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/3.Vehicles-that-use-all-terrain-tires-150x100.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>There are certain types of vehicles that can benefit from all-terrain tires:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Light trucks<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Light trucks often run on both on- and off-road surfaces and frequently carry heavy loads. While regular used LT tires will handle the load, all-terrain tires are a smart choice for the best on-\/off-road performance. A light truck&#8217;s average load capacity is up to 4,000 pounds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pickup trucks<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Pickups also go on- and off-road, although these carry a larger load of up to around 6,000 pounds. Such vehicles are often used to transport goods or to travel, and both purposes may include driving over mud or rocks for some time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>SUVs<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>SUVs can also benefit from using all-terrain tires, as there are many models of tires with different ply ratings. This means they have different load indexes. SUVs are in the same load capacity class as pickup trucks, so many choices exist. However, you should carefully consider the type of driving you&#8217;ll be doing before choosing between all-terrain, SUV, and street tires.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Campers<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Campers need all-terrain tires or off-road tires of bigger sizes, up to 37 inches. Stiffer sidewalls and rather aggressive treads are great in this case because they have to carry not only the vehicle itself but also a trailer, and they need to handle mud, rock, and often snow.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>4-wheel drive cars<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Regular vehicles with 4-wheel drive capacity may also benefit from all-terrains if you drive off-road a lot. It\u2019s important to remember that the tire has to match or beat the speed rate and load index specified by the automaker. The size also has to match the wheel and the aspect ratio. This means that to fit all-terrain tires on a regular 4-wheel drive car, you may need to buy different wheels so the tire&#8217;s height doesn\u2019t interfere with the car&#8217;s performance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Our_all-terrain_tire_recommendations\"><\/span>Our all-terrain tire recommendations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are our favorite all-terrain tires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"BFGoodrich_All-Terrain_TA_KO2\"><\/span>BFGoodrich All-Terrain T\/A KO2<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/4.BFGoodrich-All-Terrain-T_A-KO2.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5342\" style=\"width:663px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/4.BFGoodrich-All-Terrain-T_A-KO2.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/4.BFGoodrich-All-Terrain-T_A-KO2-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/4.BFGoodrich-All-Terrain-T_A-KO2-768x511.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/4.BFGoodrich-All-Terrain-T_A-KO2-60x40.webp 60w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/4.BFGoodrich-All-Terrain-T_A-KO2-150x100.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For tire lovers, the BFGoodrich AT tire is iconic &#8211; as this company created the very first AT tires. They benefit from even tougher sidewalls than their predecessors and their aggressive tread and shoulder design will keep you safe on mud, rocks, and even snow. They are also rated for snow driving, sporting the 3PMSF mark. This means they allow you to take your SUV or light truck off-road in all weather conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mileage warranty: 50,000 miles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Snow rating: 3PMSF &#8211; Severe snow conditions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Toyo_Open_Country_AT_3\"><\/span>Toyo Open Country A\/T 3<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Toyo&#8217;s AT tires give a balanced and comfortable performance on roads and rougher terrain. They particularly focus on providing safe and stable performance in wet weather, so are a great choice if you live somewhere with high rainfall. They also offer great durability and long-lasting treads, with one of the longest treadwear warranties on our list, at 65,000 miles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mileage warranty: 65,000 miles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Snow rating: 3PMSF &#8211; Severe snow conditions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Falken_Wildpeak_AT_Trail\"><\/span>Falken Wildpeak A\/T Trail<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/6.Falken-Wildpeak-A_T-Trail.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5343\" style=\"width:710px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/6.Falken-Wildpeak-A_T-Trail.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/6.Falken-Wildpeak-A_T-Trail-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/6.Falken-Wildpeak-A_T-Trail-768x511.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/6.Falken-Wildpeak-A_T-Trail-60x40.webp 60w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/6.Falken-Wildpeak-A_T-Trail-150x100.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This rugged tire from Falken is designed to provide superior performance off-road while keeping you comfortable on the highway. Its tough upper sidewall makes it ideal for rough terrain, and it has a tread designed to keep you comfortable both off and on the road. With a 65,000-mile warranty, this tire is built to last. It also offers the 3PMSF snow rating, making it a great choice for driving in wintery weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mileage warranty: 65,000 miles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Snow rating: 3PMSF &#8211; Severe snow conditions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mickey_Thompson_Baja_Boss_AT\"><\/span>Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A\/T<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/7.Mickey-Thompson-Baja-Boss-A_T.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5344\" style=\"width:711px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/7.Mickey-Thompson-Baja-Boss-A_T.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/7.Mickey-Thompson-Baja-Boss-A_T-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/7.Mickey-Thompson-Baja-Boss-A_T-768x511.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/7.Mickey-Thompson-Baja-Boss-A_T-60x40.webp 60w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/7.Mickey-Thompson-Baja-Boss-A_T-150x100.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Baja Boss tire from Mickey Thompson offers a great balance of on and off-road performance thanks to its proprietary tread design and compound. With deeper Sidebiters than previous models, it has increased traction on rough surfaces, including rocks and mud. It also has great puncture resistance thanks to tougher cords. But it doesn&#8217;t forget about highway conditions, giving you less road noise and a smooth ride when you&#8217;re not off-roading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mileage warranty: 50,000 miles (light truck) or 60,000 miles (SUV )<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Snow rating: 3PMSF &#8211; Severe snow conditions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Yokohama_Geolandar_G015\"><\/span>Yokohama Geolandar G015<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/8.Yokohama-Geolandar-G015.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5345\" style=\"width:722px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/8.Yokohama-Geolandar-G015.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/8.Yokohama-Geolandar-G015-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/8.Yokohama-Geolandar-G015-768x511.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/8.Yokohama-Geolandar-G015-60x40.webp 60w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/8.Yokohama-Geolandar-G015-150x100.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Yokohama is also known for making great AT tires, and their G015 is designed for SUVs and light trucks, ensuring they can handle harsh driving conditions. They use a special &#8216;Enduro&#8217; compound, which keeps the tire flexible, giving it great traction while still providing long-lasting endurance. The tread has been designed to combine quiet and comfortable on-road driving while giving superior performance off-road. Their Endurocore construction also allows you to carry heavy loads safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mileage warranty: 60,000 miles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Snow rating: 3PMSF &#8211; Severe snow conditions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"All-terrain_vs_other_types_of_tires\"><\/span>All-terrain vs. other types of tires<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now you know about all-terrain tires, how do they compare to some of the other most popular types of tires available today?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"All-terrain_vs_highway_all-season\"><\/span>All-terrain vs. highway all-season<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/9.All-terrain-vs.-highway-all-season.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5346\" style=\"width:364px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/9.All-terrain-vs.-highway-all-season.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/9.All-terrain-vs.-highway-all-season-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/9.All-terrain-vs.-highway-all-season-768x511.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/9.All-terrain-vs.-highway-all-season-60x40.webp 60w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/9.All-terrain-vs.-highway-all-season-150x100.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As you might guess, all-terrain tires outperform all-season when driving off-road. However, on streets and highways, all-season tires provide more comfort, including driving on highways and country roads, concrete and patched asphalt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"All-terrain_tires\"><\/span>All-terrain tires<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>When compared to all-season tires AT tires have adequate performance with a bit more noise. They are also slightly less responsive when turning and braking. When it comes to minor sharp impacts, AT tires are suppeler. However, on a surface with continuous bumps and multiple impacts, AT tires start to jitter more than well-controlled highway all-season tires.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"All-season_tires\"><\/span>All-season tires<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Compared to their AT counterparts, all-season tires are quieter, deal with bumps well, and provide more responsive handling on turns and when braking. They provide a better grip on dry paved roads thanks to their tread patterns and rubber compounds. On wet surfaces, there&#8217;s a little difference between the tires, with all-season tires providing better handling on straight, wet surfaces.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"All-terrain_vs_winter_rated_vs_winter_tires\"><\/span>All-terrain vs. winter rated vs. winter tires<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/10.All-terrain-vs.-winter-rated-vs.-winter-tires.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5347\" style=\"width:398px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/10.All-terrain-vs.-winter-rated-vs.-winter-tires.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/10.All-terrain-vs.-winter-rated-vs.-winter-tires-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/10.All-terrain-vs.-winter-rated-vs.-winter-tires-768x511.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/10.All-terrain-vs.-winter-rated-vs.-winter-tires-60x40.webp 60w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/10.All-terrain-vs.-winter-rated-vs.-winter-tires-150x100.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you live somewhere with harsh winters, it&#8217;s good to understand how AT tires compare to their specialist winter counterparts. In short, winter\/snow tires are the best for use in winter conditions. In second place are winter-rated tires, and in third are all-terrain tires. The main difference is the specialization of the tires and rubber compounds which each type of tire is made from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"All-terrain_tires-2\"><\/span>All-terrain tires<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>All-terrain tires will provide you with sufficient grip and performance on snowy and icy roads. However, in temperatures colder than 44-50F, the tire\u2019s performance may suffer, as the rubber compounds are often designed for warmer weather use. Braking tests on snowy surfaces at 40 mph showed that AT tires need 56 meters to stop, considerably longer than specialist winter tires. However, these tires work best in light snow, so if you live somewhere with milder winters and the roads in your city are kept fairly clear, AT tires will provide you with sufficient handling. One advantage of AT tires is that you won&#8217;t have to change them when spring comes, as is necessary with winter tires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Winter-rated_tires\"><\/span>Winter-rated tires<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Winter-rated AT tires have rubber compounds more suitable for winter use. Their performance is almost as good as that of the winter tires. However, they offer only mediocre performance on snowy and dry surfaces. Braking tests showed that these tires need 39 meters to stop completely. With AT tires, even those rated for winter use, you&#8217;ll compromise on traction in winter and summer, making them most useful for people in temperate climates where temperatures rarely drop below 32F.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Winter_tires\"><\/span>Winter tires<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/t\/sn-winter\/\">Winter tires<\/a> will provide you with excellent performance in snowy and icy conditions. They remain pliable in extremely cold temperatures. However, once the weather becomes warmer, the tires\u2019 performance will suffer, as they&#8217;re not designed for warmer conditions. This means you have to change your tires twice a year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"All-terrain_vs_mud-terrain_tires\"><\/span>All-terrain vs. mud-terrain tires<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/12.All-terrain-vs.-mud-terrain-tires.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5348\" style=\"width:395px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/12.All-terrain-vs.-mud-terrain-tires.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/12.All-terrain-vs.-mud-terrain-tires-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/12.All-terrain-vs.-mud-terrain-tires-768x511.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/12.All-terrain-vs.-mud-terrain-tires-60x40.webp 60w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/12.All-terrain-vs.-mud-terrain-tires-150x100.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As their name suggests, mud-terrain tires are designed to work well in harsh, muddy, and rocky settings. However, with this level of specialization, you give up a lot when it comes to highway and road driving. AT tires are the compromise between ultra-rugged mud-terrain and smooth highway tires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_All-terrain\"><\/span>&nbsp;All-terrain<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Compared to a mud-terrain tire, AT tires are less agile and nimble on rocky surfaces and may struggle in really harsh, muddy, or rocky conditions. But when it comes to highway driving, they are noticeably more comfortable and have a much quieter ride than their mud-terrain counterparts. Along with this improved highway performance comes greater fuel economy due to lower rolling resistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mud-terrain\"><\/span>Mud-terrain<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Mud-terrain tires are extremely heavy-duty with an open tread pattern that grips onto anything and will get you out of tough situations when off-roading. This tread design also \u201cself-cleans,\u201d allowing the tire to continuously grip onto treacherous surfaces. Additionally, its construction prevents punctures, especially at lower tire pressures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All this is ideal for extreme off-roading, but mud terrain tires don&#8217;t stack up well against AT tires when it comes to highway driving. They are much louder and prone to vibration on paved roads, which makes for an uncomfortable ride. Ideally, you&#8217;ll only use mud-terrain tires on short highway drives, taking you into the wilderness, and then remove them for regular day-to-day driving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_I_go_all-terrain\"><\/span>Should I go all-terrain?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Hopefully, now you have all the information you need to choose your next set of tires. In short, all-terrains will be your best choice if you drive equally on paved roads and off-road surfaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When choosing the type of tires for your car, their purpose is the most important thing to consider. If you drive more on streets and highways and only go off-road for minimal periods of time, consider touring tires. And if you drive more off-road and hardly go on the streets at all, consider off-road, mud-terrain, or<a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/t\/v-suv-crossover\/\"> cheap SUV tires<\/a>. As well as where you&#8217;ll be driving, there are several other factors to consider when<a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/an-ultimate-guide-to-buying-tires-what-to-look-for\/\"> buying tires<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember that if you want to go all-terrain, you may need to upgrade your vehicle to fit these tires. Light trucks, pickups, and SUVs should have the correct size wheels, but if you own a standard car, you may need new wheels and suspension parts so your car performs at its best with AT tires. When purchasing new tires, you might want to consider choosing a brand specializing in off-road tires, such as<a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/t\/b\/Fuel\/\"> Fuel<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"TOP-5_all-terrain_tire_brands\"><\/span>TOP-5 all-terrain tire brands<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/12.TOP-5-all-terrain-tire-brands.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5349\" style=\"width:730px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/12.TOP-5-all-terrain-tire-brands.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/12.TOP-5-all-terrain-tire-brands-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/12.TOP-5-all-terrain-tire-brands-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/12.TOP-5-all-terrain-tire-brands-60x40.webp 60w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/12.TOP-5-all-terrain-tire-brands-150x100.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Our top picks for the best all-terrain tire manufacturers are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>BFGoodrich<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/t\/b\/Cooper\/\">Cooper Tire<\/a> &amp; Rubber Company<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/t\/b\/Toyo\/\">Toyo Tires<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dick Cepek<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/t\/b\/Goodyear\/\">Goodyear Tire<\/a> &amp; Rubber Company<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"BFGoodrich\"><\/span>BFGoodrich<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>BFGoodrich is an American tire maker that was founded in 1870 and is now owned by the tire giant Michelin. Many major innovations have come from this stalwart of the tire world, including the world&#8217;s first run-flat tires and, most importantly, the first-ever all-terrain tire. In 1976, they created the Radial All-Terrain T\/A, which has been followed by the highly popular All-Terrain T\/A KO tire and, today, the KO2.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cooper_Tire_Rubber_Company\"><\/span>Cooper Tire &amp; Rubber Company<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cooper Tire &amp; Rubber Company was founded in Akron, Ohio, in 1915 and remained an independent company until 2021, when it was acquired by Goodyear. Their all-terrain tires go under the Discoverer name and offer a great combination of quality, durability, and value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Toyo_Tires\"><\/span>Toyo Tires<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Toyo Tires is a Japanese-owned tire manufacturer that has been making tires in the US since 1966. Their all-terrain offering goes under the Open Country branding and is known for durability and solid all-season performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dick_Cepek\"><\/span>Dick Cepek<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Dick Cepek Tires and Wheels was founded in 1958, specializing in tires for the adventurous driver. In 2022, they were taken over by Mickey Thompson Tires, so you can find their high-quality extreme tires under the Mickey Thompson brand now. The most well-known is the Baja Legend EXP, which is known for its superior performance and great handling characteristics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Goodyear_Tire_Rubber_Company\"><\/span>Goodyear Tire &amp; Rubber Company<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Goodyear Tire &amp; Rubber Company started in Akron, Ohio, in 1898 and is known for its quality American tires. This company has been part of tiremaking history, with its founder, Charles Goodyear, inventing the vulcanization process. Before all-terrain tires were even considered, Goodyear invented the first off-road tire, the Rut-proof, in 1921. Today, they offer a wide range of all-terrain tires, including the Wrangler AT range. These tires present some of Goodyear&#8217;s many innovations\u2014such as self-cleaning treads and special rubber compounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_all-terrain_tires_best_for\"><\/span>What are all-terrain tires best for?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>All-terrain tires are best for drivers who split their time between paved roads and more rugged, off-road environments. These tires are designed to grip dirt and gravel roads and pavement, making them ideal for everything from daily commutes to adventurous weekend outings in the wilderness. The open-tread design also allows for improved traction in muddy or snowy conditions while maintaining enough smoothness for a comfortable highway ride. So, if you&#8217;re someone who enjoys a spontaneous off-road trip but needs reliability for everyday driving, all-terrain tires offer a balanced solution without having to switch between different sets of tires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_disadvantages_of_all-terrain_tires\"><\/span>What are the disadvantages of all-terrain tires?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>All-terrain tires are an excellent, versatile choice but have some disadvantages. As they are designed to handle two very different types of conditions (off-road conditions and regular roads), they won&#8217;t be perfect in either setting.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On paved roads, all-terrain tires often produce more road noise and offer a rougher ride than dedicated road tires. Due to their heavier tread patterns, they can also have slightly lower fuel efficiency.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While off-roading, they perform well in light off-road conditions but are unlikely to give the same level of grip or durability in more extreme off-road environments as specialized off-road tires. Essentially, they are a compromise if your driving is heavily skewed towards one type of terrain or the other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_I_really_need_all-terrain_tires\"><\/span>Do I really need all-terrain tires?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You might need all-terrain tires if you drive equally on rough terrain and paved roads and highways and don&#8217;t want to change your tires. Basically, deciding whether you need all-terrain tires depends on your driving habits and the conditions you regularly encounter. If you frequently travel off-road or on mixed surfaces like gravel, dirt roads, and occasional mud, as well as regular driving on paved roads and highways, all-terrain tires could be a great investment. They provide the versatility to handle various conditions with confidence. But if most of your driving is on paved roads or off-road, you might want to consider tires specifically suited to that single type of driving.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What are all-terrain tires best for?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"All-terrain tires are best for drivers who split their time between paved roads and more rugged, off-road environments. These tires are designed to grip dirt and gravel roads and pavement, making them ideal for everything from daily commutes to adventurous weekend outings in the wilderness. The open-tread design also allows for improved traction in muddy or snowy conditions while maintaining enough smoothness for a comfortable highway ride. So, if you're someone who enjoys a spontaneous off-road trip but needs reliability for everyday driving, all-terrain tires offer a balanced solution without having to switch between different sets of tires.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What are the disadvantages of all-terrain tires?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"All-terrain tires are an excellent, versatile choice but have some disadvantages. As they are designed to handle two very different types of conditions (off-road conditions and regular roads), they won't be perfect in either setting. \\n\\nOn paved roads, all-terrain tires often produce more road noise and offer a rougher ride than dedicated road tires. 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If you frequently travel off-road or on mixed surfaces like gravel, dirt roads, and occasional mud, as well as regular driving on paved roads and highways, all-terrain tires could be a great investment. They provide the versatility to handle various conditions with confidence. But if most of your driving is on paved roads or off-road, you might want to consider tires specifically suited to that single type of driving.\"}}]}<\/script>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You&rsquo;re in the market for some new tires, and you like the idea of driving off-road, so you&rsquo;re considering all-terrain tires. If you&rsquo;re unsure if they&rsquo;re the right tires for you, read on, and we&rsquo;ll explain the difference between all-terrain tires and other types of tires so you can make an informed choice. In short, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2,1],"tags":[33,8,34],"class_list":["post-939","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-buying-tires","category-general-information","tag-all-terrain-tires","tag-buying-tires","tag-tire-types"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What All-Terrain Tires Are Used for and How They Differ from Other Types<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Wondering what all-terrain tires are used for? Learn what vehicles may need them, what their features are, and whether you need such tires for your vehicle.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What All-Terrain Tires Are Used for and How They Differ from Other Types\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Wondering what all-terrain tires are used for? Learn what vehicles may need them, what their features are, and whether you need such tires for your vehicle.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Tire Reviews, Buying Guide &amp; Interesting Facts - Utires.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2017-06-16T02:20:14+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-08-28T14:05:19+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/1.Understanding-All-Terrain-Tires-The-Ultimate-Guide-to-Versatile-Driving.webp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Mike Skoropad\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Mike Skoropad\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"15 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires\/\",\"name\":\"What All-Terrain Tires Are Used for and How They Differ from Other Types\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-all-terrain-tires-are-used-for-and-how-they-differ-from-other-tires\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/1.Understanding-All-Terrain-Tires-The-Ultimate-Guide-to-Versatile-Driving.webp\",\"datePublished\":\"2017-06-16T02:20:14+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-08-28T14:05:19+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/b89c2cb73be916c1e30327fcc245f432\"},\"description\":\"Wondering what all-terrain tires are used for? 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