“Good off-road tyres for your 4x4 are essential, and ensuring they are fit for purpose for your driving adventure is the key”, says Dean McCormack, product portfolio specialist at Goodyear and Dunlop Tyres.
It might seem difficult to choose the right 4x4 tyres for your vehicle. But it’s important to make the right choice, as the tyres you choose will ultimately play a large part in determining the safety and performance of your car.
Need help choosing the best off-road or 4x4 tyres for your car? Read our buyers guide below or get in touch with your nearest Beaurepaires store.
What types of 4x4 tyres are there?
It’s important to know what to look for when it comes to choosing the right 4x4 tyre for your vehicle. When comparing your options, you’ll largely be guided by the type of driving you do and how often you off-road. There are four main types of off-road tyres you’ll find:
Highway Terrain Tyres (H/T)
- Tread similar to standard car tyres
- Designed primarily for on-road driving
- Capable of only light off-road use
- Comfortable and quiet drive when in urban areas
All-Terrain Tyres (A/T)
- All-round tyre best for both on- and off-road use
- Thicker construction and deeper tread depth
- Not the best tyre if you’re primarily an on-road driver
- Reduces fuel economy compared to H/T tyres
Mud-Terrain Tyres (M/T)
- Causes lots of on-road noise
- Deep, blocky tread pattern and durable construction
- Heavy-duty construction to lower risk of punctures
- The best tyre for off-roading
Light Truck Tyres (L/T)
- Durable tyre designed to carry higher loads
- More resistant than standard tyres for improved traction
- Great for off-roading and towing
- Offers good puncture resistance
What’s the best 4x4 tyre for road use?
Generally speaking, the best 4x4 tyre for road use is a highway terrain (H/T) tyre. For advice specific to your needs, check in with your Beaurepaires technician.
4x4 wheel tyre sizes explained
Finding the right size tyre for your 4x4 can seem confusing. To break it down, here’s how to identify the size of a tyre. By reading the sidewall of the tyre you will learn:
Example | 265/75R16 120R |
Section width in millimeters | 265 |
Aspect ratio | 75 |
Tyre consutrition | LT |
Rim diameter in inches | 16 |
Load rating | 120 |
Speed rating | R |
Speed ratings explained
In the example above, the speed rating for the tyre was ‘R’, indicating a max speed of 170km/h. For the full breakdown of speed ratings, refer to the table below:
Speed Rating | Max Speed |
N | 140km/h |
P | 150km/h |
Q | 160km/h |
R | 170km/h |
S | 180km/h |
T | 190km/h |
U | 200km/h |
H | 210km/h |
V | 240km/h |
Load ratings explained
In the example above, the load rating for the tyre was ‘120’, indicating a max permissible load of 1,400kg. For the full breakdown of load ratings, refer to the table below:
Index Number | Max permissible load |
60 | 250kg |
70 | 335kg |
80 | 450kg |
90 | 600kg |
100 | 800kg |
110 | 1060kg |
120 | 1400kg |
130 | 1900kg |
What’s the best size wheel for off-roading?
Generally speaking, most off-road wheels will range from 15 to 20 inches, with 16- and 17-inch variants being the most common. For advice specific to your needs, check-in with your Beaurepaires technician.
What’s the best brand of off-road & 4x4 tyres?
Beaurepaires offers drivers the most durable, high-performing tyres. Beaurepaires stocks a wide range of the top tyre brands from around the world, including Goodyear, Dunlop, Kelly, Pirelli, Continental, Roadstone and Remington tyres, so you can always be confident in your decision.
Each tyre set tends to have specific properties and certain benefits. With so many great brands to choose from, choosing the best tyre for your vehicle will depend on your circumstances.
To invest in the best off-road & 4x4 tyres for your car, check in with your Beaurepaires technician .
4x4 wheel & tyre packages
If you’re wondering how to buy the best 4x4 car tyres, a great place to start is with a good deal!
Beaurepaires stocks a wide range of the top 4x4 tyres from around the world, and we frequently offer promotions to ensure we’re not only delivering the best quality tyres on the market, but deals and service to match.
How much do 4x4 tyres cost?
The cost of 4x4 tyres varies depending on the manufacturer, as well as the specific tyre you fit to your vehicle.
To receive an accurate quote, you can shop the range of Beaurepaires tyres here, or get in touch.