Equipping your vehicle with the right tires is essential for effectively navigating different types of weather and terrain. While most cars come with standard tires, those tires may or may not be best suited for your needs. If you enjoy frequent off-road adventures, switching to more appropriate tires could boost your vehicle's performance. Below is a brief guide to the different types of tires available to assist you in making a decision. 

A Guide to Off-Road & Standard Tires

What Are Standard Tires?

Standard, or all-season tires, come equipped on most new vehicles on the market today. Not only are these tires built to handle driving on paved roads and highways, but they also provide a comfortable ride and can withstand wet surfaces from light to moderate precipitation. All-season tires are also more fuel-efficient than most other types of tires, as they're designed for standard driving practices. While all-season tires perform well in normal conditions, they aren't built to handle any significant off-roading.

What Are Off-Road Tires?

Off-road tires are specifically designed for driving over unpaved surfaces. These tires provide more of a grip and resistance to punctures than standard tires because they usually have unique tread patterns with deep and wide grooves in between the blocks. Reinforced sidewalls help keep off-road tires from deflating after running over something sharp. However, because they are often made of softer rubber for enhanced performance, they can have a shorter lifespan than standard tires.

Are There Different Types of Off-Road Tires?

There are several different types of off-road tires to choose from. An all-terrain option is well-suited for both paved and unpaved driving, making it a versatile choice if you have to use your vehicle for work and play. If you enjoy off-roading in rocky areas, rock tires are designed with the maximum amount of reinforcement to prevent puncturing. Mud-terrain tires are perfect for slippery, muddy areas that would cause most standard tires to spin out. They are also reinforced and have wide blocks with deep grooves for the best handling possible. Both rock and mud tires should only be used in the areas they're designed for, as they don't perform as well on paved surfaces.

If you are looking for high-quality off-road tires for your vehicle, make an appointment with Pono Tires in Honolulu, HI. This tire shop has been serving drivers all over Oahu since 1974. They have a diverse inventory of new and used tires, and their team provides mounting and installation services to get drivers on the road as quickly as possible. To view their gallery, visit them online, or call (808) 888-7666 to obtain an estimate.