4X4 TYRE AND WHEEL FAQ’S

Common Queries About 4×4 Tyres

What are the benefits of 4×4 tyres? 4×4 tyres offer superior traction, durability, and performance, making them ideal for off-road adventures. They provide enhanced grip on rough terrain, ensuring a smoother and safer driving experience.

How do I choose the right size of 4×4 tyres for my vehicle? To determine the correct tyre size for your 4×4 or SUV, refer to your vehicle’s manufacturer specifications or consult with a tyre specialist. Factors such as rim size, tyre width, and aspect ratio should be taken into account to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.

Are all-terrain tyres suitable for both on-road and off-road driving? All-terrain tyres are designed to perform well in both on-road and off-road conditions, making them a versatile choice for 4×4 vehicles. They offer a balanced combination of traction, durability, and comfort, allowing you to tackle various terrains with confidence.

How often should I replace my 4×4 tyres? The lifespan of tyres for your SUV, 4×4, Pick-up or van depends on various factors, including mileage, driving habits, and maintenance. It’s recommended to inspect your tyres regularly for signs of wear and tear and replace them when tread depth becomes insufficient for safe driving.

Is the general grabber AT2 still produced?
The General Grabber AT2 has been phased out by General Tire, however, some sizes are still available due to utility purposes. This was originally replaced by the General Grabber AT, but now both of these 4×4 tyre patterns have been superseded by the brand-new General Grabber AT3.

Should I try winter tyres on my vehicle?
It is recommended that you keep a spare set of wheels fitted with winter tyres at your home throughout the year, allowing you to quickly switch to winter driving at home. This eliminates the need to drive in hazardous winter weather to a technical centre to have your tyres changed. It is also better for the wheels, as changing a tyre puts stress on a wheel and wears it out.

Where is my nearest fitting station?
For a full listing of our local fitting network for wheels and tyres, just head here. Alternatively, simply select fitting when picking items and using your postcode, we will show you the nearest fitting station to you. It’s that simple!

How do I use the website?
You can search for tyres using either your tyre size or your registration. Or, you can even head to our package builder and follow the steps to build your perfect wheel and tyre choice.

Can you mix 4×4 tyre patterns on a vehicle?
The simple answer to this is No! We strongly recommend that 4×4 vehicles are fitted with identical sets, with all four tyres being the same brand, size, pattern, and load index/speed symbol. The reason for this is that the rolling circumference and overall diameter specifications can vary, dramatically, between brands and patterns, as all 4×4 tyres are made within a tolerance from the standards set by the governing body ETRTO (The European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation). This is important advice as some vehicles are very sensitive to tyre mixing.

Should I use winter 4×4 tyres on my vehicle?
As summer tyres stiffen when the temperature drops, it is advisable that cold weather/ winter/all-season tyres are used at certain times of the year. At below 7 degrees, these tyres’ rubber compound gives much higher safety margins, giving better braking and handling performance on damp, cold, icy and snow-covered roads. Leading 4×4 tyre manufacturers, like General Tire and BF Goodrich, now produce all-terrain tyres that are marked 3 peak mountain snowflake (3pmsf), classing them as cold weather/winter/all-season tyres. This lets you fit one set that can be used all year round, rather than having two sets – a cost-effective alternative!

Are remould 4×4 tyres safe to drive on the road?
If these 4×4 tyres are not marked NHS, which stands for non-highway service, then yes they are safe to drive on the road. Brands like Insa Turbo use quality donor tyres which have no punctures, shoulder or suspension wear. They strip the tyre back to its bare casing and X-ray it for any belt slips or penetrations that the naked eye will be unable to see. The tyre is then made by adding the required tread pattern for its product range. Quality control is first class and the entire range of Insa Turbo offers a speed rating more than sufficient for roads in the UK. So yes, they are safe!

How much bigger can I go on my 4×4 tyre size without needing to modify my vehicle’s suspension, brakes, steering and bodywork?
The official answer will be to always make sure that the overall diameter (maximum dimensions from ETRTO) of the 4×4 tyre being fitted, is within the tolerance of +1.5% to -2.0%, in relation to that of the original tyre fitted. It is essential to make sure that the new 4×4 tyre being fitted has a speed symbol and load index suitable for use on the vehicle, with the load index being no less than what the vehicle was originally fitted with. However, you can fit taller tyres if the vehicle has had its suspension modified. But it is important to note that when this happens, the newly fitted wheel and tyre do not come into contact with any mechanical component or bodywork of the 4×4/SUV vehicle or protrude from the bodyline of the vehicle.

Can I use tubes in a tubeless tyre?
Most manufacturers will strongly advise that their tubeless tyres be kept tubeless. However, there are some instances when you would need to fit a tube if the tubeless tyre is being fitted to a tube-type wheel (the tyre manufacturers’ recommendations should always be followed). You can use tubes in tubeless tyres providing that: (1) tubes are made for the tyre they are being fitted to; (2) all builders’ tags (manufacturers’ labels) inside the tyre are removed, otherwise, they will chafe the tube and may cause a deflation; and (3) French chalk (or industrial talc) is used when fitting a tube to prevent friction.

What is the lowest tyre pressure I can safely run on the road if it’s just temporarily over short distances between green lanes?
Technically, the pressure is required to carry the load regardless of whether the tyre is being used on or off-road.

How long will an all-terrain or mud-terrain tyre last if it’s used mainly on the road?
This is an impossible question to answer as it will always depend on the 4×4 tyre manufacturer, how the tyre is being looked after, the right tyre pressures for the vehicle, correctly balanced wheels and of course, the conditions of service will all have a significant bearing on how long it will last.

What effect do off-road tyres have on my 4×4’s towing limit?
Off-road tyres, such as mud terrain, make little difference to the 4×4’s towing limit, providing they are marked with the correct load index.

Do I need to declare all-terrain tyres, or remoulds, as a modification to my insurance company?
We have not heard of any company specifying the need to declare all-terrain, mud terrain or remoulds on a vehicle. However, when changing tyre size some insurance companies prefer to be notified.

If I modify my tyres’ tread to make it more aggressive, will it still be legal to use on the road?
Providing the tyres are suitable for highway service carry the correct load and speed index, and do not protrude the bodyline of the vehicle, then they should be legal for use on the road.

Conclusion

In conclusion, upgrading your 4×4 tyres is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your off-road driving experience. By understanding the different types of 4×4 tyres available and considering key factors such as terrain and driving style, you can make an informed decision that ensures both performance and safety on the road less travelled. So, gear up, explore new horizons, and conquer the great outdoors with confidence, knowing that you’ve equipped your vehicle with the best 4×4 tyres for the journey ahead.