Can I put all-terrain tires on my SUV?
Yes, you can put all-terrain (AT) tires on your SUV. All-terrain tires are designed to provide better traction and performance on a variety of surfaces, including paved roads, gravel, mud, and light off-road conditions. However, there are some important factors to consider before making the switch.
Understanding All-Terrain Tires
All-terrain tires are a type of tire that is designed to provide a balance of on-road and off-road performance. They typically have a more aggressive tread pattern with deeper grooves and larger lugs compared to standard highway tires. This design helps to improve traction and grip on loose or uneven surfaces, such as dirt, gravel, or light mud.
All-terrain tires are a popular choice for SUV and truck owners who want to enhance the versatility and capability of their vehicles. They can provide better performance in inclement weather, improved handling on unpaved roads, and a more rugged appearance.
Considerations for Putting AT Tires on Your SUV
Before installing all-terrain tires on your SUV, there are a few important factors to consider:
- Tire Size: Make sure the all-terrain tires you choose are the correct size for your SUV. Consult your owner's manual or the tire information placard in your vehicle to ensure the new tires will fit properly.
- Ride Quality: All-terrain tires typically have a more aggressive tread pattern, which can result in a noisier and less comfortable ride on paved roads. This is something to consider if you primarily use your SUV for on-road driving.
- Fuel Efficiency: The increased rolling resistance of all-terrain tires may result in a slight decrease in fuel efficiency compared to standard highway tires.
- Legality: In some regions, there may be restrictions or regulations regarding the use of all-terrain tires on public roads. Be sure to check your local laws and regulations before making the switch.
Overall, putting all-terrain tires on your SUV can be a great way to enhance its off-road capabilities and versatility, as long as you carefully consider the potential trade-offs and ensure the tires are the correct size for your vehicle.
Can I put larger tires on my SUV?
While there are always exceptions to any rule, most passenger cars lack the needed clearance between fenders and suspension components to allow for such an increase. Most trucks, SUVs and crossover vehicles, however, have adequate clearance that would allow for a taller tire size to be used.
Are all-terrain tires good for SUVs?
All-terrain tires are designed for the highway, local commutes, gravel roads, some off-roading, and most weather conditions, including light snow. With the added traction, all-terrains give your SUV, CUV or light truck a more aggressive look without sacrificing much in the way of fuel efficiency or ride comfort.
How long will all-terrain tires last?
about 40,000 miles
They hold up well through four seasons of driving weather. A 4X4 drivetrain with all-terrain tires mounted to the wheels can take you many places other vehicles just cannot go. Still, some wonder: How long do all-terrain tires last? The short answer is all-terrain tires last about 40,000 miles.
Which SUV tires last the longest?
For cars and small SUVs, the Michelin Defender2 is the clear winner. It earns above-average scores for dry braking, resistance to hydroplaning, snow traction, and noise. Plus, its projected tread life is 100,000 miles, the highest of any tire we tested, making it a long-term value.
Can you put all-terrain tires on any car?
Most all-terrain tires are manufactured for use on trucks, SUVs, and campers, but the market for A/T tires for four-wheel drive cars is growing. Note that if you choose to put A/T tires on your car, you will need to make sure that the tire is a perfect fit for your car.
Are all-terrain tires good for regular driving?
If you frequently drive on dirt and gravel forest roads, investing in all-terrain tires is advisable for improved safety and performance. However, if your trips are infrequent and the roads are well-maintained, all-season tires may suffice, though they will not perform as well in off-road conditions.
What kind of tires get the best gas mileage?
Tires with low rolling resistance, such as the Michelin Energy Saver A/S, are designed to enhance fuel economy. Maintaining tire pressure at around 40-44 psi can also improve fuel efficiency. Always opt for low rolling resistance tires to achieve better fuel savings and performance.
Do all-terrain tires waste more gas?
2. Decreased fuel economy. Additional energy is required to motivate that bulky mud-terrain tread to get (and keep) rolling, and so a drop in fuel economy is almost inevitable. Test data demonstrates that a ~3% drop in fuel economy is possible when comparing all-terrain tires to all-season truck/SUV tires.
What is the best tire for a SUV?
Top 10 SUV Tires Of 2025
- Michelin Defender LTX M/S.
- Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady.
- Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza Plus.
- Continental CrossContact LX20.
- Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season.
- Yokohama Geolandar G055.
- Hankook Dynapro HP2.
- Kumho Crugen Premium KL33.
What are the disadvantages of all-terrain tires?
Cons. 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 best touring tires have many different types of patterns.
