How to Choose Tires Properly for Your Off Road vehicle
When you are considering adding new off road wheels, it is important to understand how to select the best tires. This will ensure that they look great and perform well. This article will cover the essentials but if you want expert advice, call 146 Kustom now!
The first number is the load index. The second number indicates the speed rating.
Wheel offset
The wheel offset is the distance in millimeters between the hub mounting surface and the centerline of a wheel. The offset can be positive or negatively.
A positive offset brings the wheel nearer to the vehicle and reduces tire wear because it increases the amount of contact the suspension components, such as axle bearings and ball joints, have with the wheel.
On the contrary, a negative off-set can cause the wheel to be further from the vehicle body, which may reduce the steering feeling and decrease the stability of the vehicle at high speeds. It can also increase load on axle and hub-bearings.
Wheel width
A wider wheel and tire set-up can offer better traction for off-roaders who are serious about the sport. Wider setups also require more space between tires and other components of the vehicle, like brake calipers and bushings.
The bolt pattern of a wheel consists of two numbers, which represent the number lugs that the wheel has in an imaginary circle. To ensure a safe and successful installation, it is important that the bolt pattern matches your vehicle. The section width of a tire varies according to the size of the rim. A tire with a narrower section width will be smaller in size.
Tire tread
If you are a frequent off-roader, you'll want a tread pattern that is deep to increase traction. These tires are also better suited for lifted vehicles. They give them a rugged and aggressive appearance.
Smoother tires will reduce road noise, and improve fuel economy if you spend most of your time on highways. Your truck's load capacity may dictate the tire size you need.
Place a quarter on the tread groove of your tire to measure its tread depth. If the tread reaches or exceeds George Washington’s head, then the tire is 4/32" deep and safe to drive.
Terrain clearance to avoid rubbing
Tires with blocky tread patterns will help you grip the surface without damaging your sidewall. You'll need a tire capable of handling traction in ice or snow if you plan to tackle mountainous terrain.
If you live in the Northeast as 146 Kustom does, you will need M+S-rated tires to combat the harsh winter weather conditions. M+S rated tire are designed to offer traction and comfort on the highway while also providing traction in snow and ice.
Scrub radius
The scrub distance is the distance viewed frontally between the center of a wheel's contact area and the point on the ground where the steering line crosses. This has a major impact on steering feel and effort.
If your scrub radius is negative, road forces can cause the tires' toe-out. This will reduce torque steer. OEM vehicles often specify a scrub radius that is positive.
You should choose mud-terrain and all-terrain tire if you plan to drive your truck or SUV off-road. Off-road tires are designed to provide excellent grip and a quiet ride.
Quantity of vehicle suspension travel and lift
The options are endless. Bigger tires on trucks look fantastic. It is important to consider the suspension travel that can be used by a particular vehicle. You can choose the lift level and tire size.
The best truck tires can be used for a variety climate conditions. If you only have one set of tires optimized for a certain type of weather, your performance will be limited when the weather gets bad.
Consider getting mud terrain tires for your offroad vehicle if you spend a lot of time in muddy trails or deep sand. They provide maximum traction for highway use as well.
Axle size
You should be aware that increasing your tire size will also increase the stress on the drivetrain and especially the axle shafts. The axles are designed based on the vehicle's weight and the load ranges. The force on axle shafts increases when you add larger tires. Multiplying that force by the force applied to the axle shafts when the tire becomes stuck in mud against rocks or in other offroad conditions could lead to a catastrophic failure.
If you find yourself stuck in the mud, or driving through the snow during your worst conditions, then it is time to look for tires that have been specially rated for such environments. If you upgrade your tires, you might regret it when you're stuck in a situation beyond their capability.
When you are considering adding new off road wheels, it is important to understand how to select the best tires. This will ensure that they look great and perform well. This article will cover the essentials but if you want expert advice, call 146 Kustom now! The first number is the load index. The second…