How do they work?
4x4 (SUV) tyres have a tread pattern that is more widely spaced than conventional tyres and feature a larger tread block and deeper tyre grooves.
This allows the tyres to get a better purchase on tough terrain like mud, grass and snow without the tread area becoming clogged. Even if the tread does fill up, the increased surface area in contact with the ground will usually provide enough friction to keep the vehicle moving.
Conventional tyres perform poorly on surfaces like boggy ground because the tread fills with mud and grass quickly and the wheel begins to spin, digging the Tyre into a deeper and deeper hole.
Which 4x4 (SUV) Tyres should I use?
The type of 4x4 (SUV) Tyres you choose depends a great deal on its intended usage.
If the vehicle is to be used almost solely for road and motorway use then a 4x4 (SUV) on-road tyre will provide the greatest benefits. These tyres look very much like conventional car tyres but have a tread pattern ideal for occasional off-road use.
On the other end of the scale, off-road tyres will provide the best grip and handling on the most extreme terrains but are not intended for road usage. As a result, when used on regular tarmac roads, these tyres are loud, wear much faster than normal tyres, and increase fuel consumption due to increase rolling resistance.
All terrain tyres offer a balance between these extremes with a tread pattern more suited to regular off-road usage but designed to be used on roads without excessive wear and fuel consumption.