Choosing The Perfect Tires For An Off-Road Trip
When you decide to take your truck out on the road, you might want to look at your tires to determine if they will perform well in an off-road environment. How tires are designed influences how easy it is to navigate a muddy terrain and the likelihood that your tires will be punctured. There are a few characteristics you will want to look at to help you make your selection.
Tread Void
The tread void is a gap in a tire that allows for the tire to flex. When the tire does not have a lot of tread void, it will perform well on a dry pavement. However, it will perform poorly when you are engaged in off-roading, because you will little traction on uneven surfaces.
The Bead
The bead is the edge of the tire that comes in contact with the rim of the wheel. The bead needs to be very strong and must be reinforced with a steel wire. This will ensure that the tire remains in close contact with the rim even as the tire is subjected to many stresses.
The Sipe
The sipe is a very small void area that is designed to increase the flexibility of the tire. These tires are better at navigating muddy, snow-covered and icy terrain. The only downside is that these tires have worse breaking distances.
The Ply
Off-road tires can be subjected to serious stresses, so getting tires with ply that is oriented for off-roading will improve the tire's performance. Ply is a layer of the tire designed to hold it together, making it a must-have addition for a rough, off-road environment.
The Tread
Check your tire's tread before going off-roading to make sure that the tread is deep enough. Take a penny and stick it inside the gap in the head. If Lincoln's head is visible, you will need to replace the tire. Otherwise, the tire tread is in good enough condition for off-roading.
The Shoulders
Your tire's shoulders should be square rather than rounded, especially if you will be driving through snow. The square allows for your tires to dig into the snow rather than simply sliding. If you do not intend to drive through snow regularly, it is better to have tires for all-seasons since they will improve your stopping distance.
The Tire Size
Larger tires are more suitable for off-roading because the tires are better-able to clear rocks and other debris. Also, lifting your vehicle higher off the ground reduces the risk that the bottom portion of your vehicle will be damaged.
For more information, contact a company like Terpstra's Sales Service & Rentals.