What Are All-Terrain Tires?

  • Aug 26,2019
What Are All-Terrain Tires? What Are All-Terrain Tires?

Pick up truck on country backroad during sunset You're the kind of driver who likes to take the road less traveled. Often, the paths you and your truck go down aren't roads at all! But with the help of AWD and a quality set of tires, your truck can find its way through mud, snow, and gravel.

Not sure if your truck or SUV tires are ready for your next on- or off-road adventure? Learn about all-terrain tires, and how they can bolster your truck’s powerful features!

What are all-terrain tires?

All-terrain tires, or A/T tires, are designed to perform on- and off-road, providing traction and comfort in wet, dry, and lightly snowy conditions. They’re a sort of hybrid between highway and mud tires, providing a smooth ride on the road and reliable traction on the rocks!

Bottom line: All-terrain tires are incredibly versatile. They take the guesswork out of having to change your tires for different seasons and terrains.

What are all-terrain tires good for?

You might think A/T tires only benefit 4WD vehicles, but putting all-terrain tires on a 2WD truck can make a big difference. In fact, Traction News says that "a good set of all-terrain tires on a two-wheel-drive vehicle can outperform bad tires on a four-wheel-drive truck. That's how much they matter.”

All-terrain tires can practically upgrade your truck’s performance thanks to the unique features they offer.

All-Terrain Tire Features and Benefits
Features Benefits Tires to Consider
Wider, deeper treads*
*As compared to highway tire
Better grip on dirt and rocky roads Firestone Destination A/T
All-season capabilities Perform reliably in wet, dry, and snowy conditions Primewell Valera A/T
Radial tread blocks Grip snow and mud for increased off-road control Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 3
Sturdy construction
Resists tears and chips Firestone Destination A/T

What vehicles use all-terrain tires?

All-terrain tires are best suited for light trucks, pickup trucks, and SUVs. However, more all-terrain tires for sedans and crossovers will continue to surface as vehicle manufacturers continue equipping cars with off-road features.

Are all-terrain tires right for you?

Do you want comfort on the highway and peace of mind off the beaten path? Are you torn between mud tires’ off-road benefits and highway tires’ on-road comfort? If so, consider all-terrain tires. They’ll give you the reliability you need and the comfort you deserve!

Which all-terrain tires are best for your truck?

"All-terrain tires provide the extra measure of grip and grit required in the toughest conditions," notes Car and Driver. However, not all all-terrain tires are made equal!

If your heart’s set on all-terrain tires, choose a top-rated model such as Firestone Destination A/T. Car and Driver ranks the Firestone Destination A/T tire among the best all-terrain tires for SUVs and trucks, though it is available for CUVs, too! Check out the table below to learn what sets these tires apart from the competition.

Features All-Season Tires Summer Tires Winter Tires
Traction Versatile traction for wet, dry, and snow-covered roads High-performance traction on wet and dry roads, but not on snow or ice Dependable traction in snowy, icy, and wet conditions
Tread Features Grooves and slits designed for solid handling in rain and light snow Wide grooves to help resist hydroplaning Zig zag grooves and special slits for reliable braking in snow and slush
Benefit Smooth ride Maneuverability Comfortable ride
Best For Places that experience all seasons to mild degrees Places with long, hot summers Places that consistently experience temperatures of 40°F or less
Top Picks Firestone AS Bridgestone Potenza RE-11 Bridgestone Blizzak or Firestone Winterforce

 

Firestone Destination A/T Features and Benefits
Features Benefits
Noise-canceling treads Provides a smooth and quiet ride
Off-shoulder tread blocks Increase lateral traction in deep snow and mud
Long-link carbon and steel belt construction Increase resistance to chips, tears, and punctures
Spiral wrapped shoulder seams Prevents cupping by helping tires hold their original shape
Wide tread grooves Repel rocks and enhance traction
Computer-Optimized Component System (CO-CS) Ensures optimal combination of tread design, casing shape, materials, and construction features

Bottom line: All-terrain tires are incredibly versatile, but some are more incredible than others! Consider a set of Firestone Destination A/T tires if you want on-road comfort and off-road reliability.

What are you waiting for?

Work hard and play hard—wherever you want, whatever the season. With Firestone Destination A/T tires, you can always take the beaten path. Explore your all-terrain tire options online or visit your local Firestone Complete Auto Care for more advice on picking the best tires for your truck.

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