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Tyre Buying Guide - Mud Terrains
What is a Mud Terrain Tyre?
Anyone with a 4WD, an SUV or who takes their vehicle offroad has undoubtably been let down by their factory tyres at some point.
One of the first upgrades many owners do is to swap out their OE (original equipment tyres) for a set of tyres aimed more towards heavy duty and offroad use.
Why Should I Upgrade my Tyres?
The highway terrain (HT) tyres that most manufacturers fit to their vehicles are designed for on-road use and offer a smooth and quiet ride on pavement which helps make a great impression on the initial test drive.
They have a smooth tread pattern with noise-reducing features, making them ideal for highway driving but not as suitable for off-road use. Notably, many highway terrain tyres perform great in sand when aired down.
A common upgrade many drivers make is to fit a quality all terrain (AT) tyre. All terrain tyres are a compromise between highway terrain tyres and mud terrain (MT) tyres, offering a balance of off-road traction and on-road comfort.
They are designed to work well on various types of terrain, such as gravel roads, rocks, snow, as well as perform well when highway driving.
Compared to HTs, AT tyres have a open tread pattern that provides good traction in a variety of conditions, but may not perform as well in extreme mud or soft terrain compared to mud terrain tyres.
Why Choose a Mud Terrain Tyre?
What if you are looking for outright offroad performance that an AT just can’t provide? This is where the Mud Terrain tyre comes into play.
Mud terrain tyres are designed for primarily off-road use and are optimised for traction in rocky, muddy or soft terrain.
A feature found on every mud terrain is large, aggressive tread patterns with deep tread, self-cleaning lugs, stone ejection features and a higher level of cut and chip resistance compared to other tyre types.
However, due to their design, mud terrain tyres tend to produce more road noise and have a harder ride on paved roads.
A mud terrain (MT) tyre is a type of off-road tyre designed for use in challenging terrain such as mud, rocks, and loose soil.
MT tyres are characterised by their aggressive tread patterns with large, deep lugs, wide voids between the lugs, and reinforced sidewalls.
The deep lugs on the tyre provide better traction in mud and loose soil, while the wide voids between the lugs help to clear mud and debris from the tyre tread.
Who Are Mud Terrain Tyres For?
MT tyres are aimed at drivers who use their vehicles off road and require increased traction and durability in challenging terrains such as mud, rocks, sand, and snow.
Typically off-road enthusiasts, farmers, hunters, construction workers, and adventurers need a tyre that can handle tough terrain.
These tyres can provide the necessary traction and durability for these types of activities, however, it's important to note that MT tyres may not be the best choice for everyone.
They are designed primarily for off-road use and may not perform as well on paved roads as other types of tyres.
A side effect of the heavy duty construction and open tread patterns is that MT tyres tend to be louder and heavier than other types of tyres.
As with any tyre purchase, it's important to consider your driving needs and preferences before making a decision.
What Tyre Is Right For Me?
Regardless of what type of vehicle you drive, it's important to choose the right tyre type for your needs, as each type has its own strengths and weaknesses.
For vehicles primarily used off-road, you may want to consider mud terrain tyres. If you mostly drive on the highway but still want some capability for light off-roading, all terrain tyres may be a good choice.
If you primarily drive on paved roads, highway terrain tyres should be considered.
Donnellans are your local tyre experts, with 4 locations across the greater south-east Melbourne region, we specialise in tyres, wheels and suspension and can provide qualified advice and product recommendations.
Blackburn
Collingwood
Preston
Balwyn
