"Choosing the Right Tyres (Cont’d)”

As we had earlier seen (in the last episode), the additional cost this modification could add to the value of the vehicle.  It is not merely the change of tyres and reams but a host of many other items.

The deviation from ordinary to truck tyres has a number of its own pros and cons, any driver will tell you that radial truck tyres have innumerable advantages over bias ply truck tyres. In fact, the tyre industry has almost completely abandoned manufacturing bias truck tyres, save for a few exceptions.

Yet despite the advantage of working well on Off-road conditions, bias truck tyres come attached with a number of disadvantages, they still have their advantages when it comes to Off Road conditions.

These are specialised tyres. Bias truck tyres provide unparalleled performance in extreme Off Road situations, such as deep mud, jagged rocks, and rough trails. The tread is designed to self-clean and release mud or foreign objects much easier to assist in maintaining traction and the rubber compounds are softer to produce better grip on rough terrain. Additionally, the tyre sidewalls are typically reinforced to prevent damage.  On the disadvantage, however, the ride and wear characteristics of bias truck tyres on pavement are rather poor. High speed street driving is an uncomfortable and noisy undertaking, and a set of bias ply truck tyres won’t last long. Even for Off Road scenarios, while on low air pressure bias truck tyres will deliver excellent performance, but the centre tread will still take a beating.

Even though Bias truck tyres are ideal for the extreme Off Road fanatic, this is not to suggest that radial truck tyres are not effective on harsh terrain. On the contrary, the latest radial truck tyres perform quite well in Off Road situations, and are designed with versatility in mind to produce better road handling characteristics, even at high speeds.  While radial truck tyres may not provide the same traction or performance as a set of low air pressure bias truck tyres, their longevity, handling, and smooth ride on paved roads makes up for it. Radials are perfect for the weekend Off Road fanatics who see a lot of driving time on paved roads.
 
Tyre sizing can be a tricky thing, mostly because the size of truck tyres you have in mind is dependent upon a number of factors. The most obvious question is first whether your vehicle is capable of handling the size of truck tyres that you want, and if not, what modifications do you need to make in order for the truck tyres to fit? Unfortunately, there aren’t any universal accepted guides to streamline the process, since customization and modification is vehicle-specific. Your best bet for getting a better idea of your Jeep’s specifications is to contact the manufacturer. This will give you a general sense for what your vehicle is capable of so that you do not exceed its limits, or that you have the right parts installed in case you do.

 In terms of choosing the right lift kit, accessories, and knowing what modifications to make, factory service manuals, Off Road magazines, internet message boards, manufacturer’s guides, and a number of other resources are available to assist you.  Always remember that, before diving into the notion of Off Road truck tyres and coming out with the meanest, most intimidating monsters you can find, you have to at least know what type of monsters will best suit your Off Road needs. First and foremost, you need to ask yourself a few questions. What type of Off Road activities will I be doing the most? How much on-road and Off Road driving will I do? What qualities in particular Am I most concerned with durability, performance, traction, appearance, ride quality? How much am I willing to spend? Taking some time to consider these important questions can help to narrow down what type of truck tyres are best for you.
 
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