2006 Rotary Drive
2006 Rotary Drive
Are you preparing for your next off-road vacation in your Toyota but you do not know if the tires are suitable for the journey? Your tires are the only part of your Toyota that is in contact with the ground and therefore have the responsibility of handling any rough terrains you may encounter. Whether you own a 4Runner, Land Cruiser, Tundra or any other 4×4 Toyota vehicle, having the right tires will go a long way when you are off-roading. When picking a tire for your Toyota, the most important factors to consider are the terrain and size of the tire. Let’s go into details!
Know Your Terrain
When choosing a set of off-road tires one has to determine the type of terrain that he or she will be using the vehicle most frequently. There are different types of off-road tires that are available in the market. Some are made for rocks, some for mud and some for snow or sand. Below are the most common types of terrain and the ideal tire attributes to look for when dealing with each:
- Mud: If the situation involves driving on a muddy surface, then you should opt for mud-terrain (MT) tires. These tires come with long and deep tread patterns that are capable of sinking in the water and mud and allow your Toyota to plow through the thick mud. They are noisy on the highway, wear out faster on pavements, but in deep mud, they cannot be outperformed.
- Rocks: When riding on rocky terrains, it is advisable to use tires with more aggressive tread pattern and tough sidewalls. You will need something that can cling to rough surfaces without being ripped apart. Many people opt for all-terrain (AT) tires for rocky terrains, but if you intend to do serious rock crawling, hybrid or MT tires with strong sides are safer.
- Sand: When it comes to sandy terrains such as in a beach or the desert, there is a special type of tire that you should use. Sand tires should be wide with low air pressure so that your Toyota floats on the sand as a ship floats on water. The ideal tires should have narrow treads and softer rubber to ensure maximum contact with the road surface.
- Snow: If the trails are snowy or icy, you should get tires with a good snow traction. Some all-terrain tires are great for snow and are designated with the mountain/snowflake symbol. These tires have ‘sipes’ – tiny grooves across the tread to provide better grip on snow or ice.
What Tire Size Is Best?
The size of the tire of your Toyota depends on the model of the vehicle, the suspension system, and the extent to which you want to lift your vehicle. Bigger tires are stylish and offer more height above the ground but they are less fuel efficient and may need a lift kit. It is also important to ensure that the size of the tire that you are using fits your wheels and does not rub when turning.
When is the Right Time to Replace Your Tires?
Even if you have off-road tires that are long lasting, they cannot last a lifetime. As time passes, even with the best maintenance, there will always be deterioration that will affect the performance and safety. One of the most important things to look for is tread depth, and once it gets worn out, your tires may lose traction with the ground. You should also consider visible signs such as cracks, bulges, or any other signs of damage on the sidewalls because they are a sign that your tire is due for replacement.
Bring Your Toyota To MW4 Outfitters If You Need The Best Tires For Any Terrain
At MW4 Outfitters, we understand that off-road driving is not just a leisure but a daily activity for some drivers. Whether you are going on rugged terrain in Texas or just want to have better control during the weekend trips, we are here to help. We focus on Toyota off-roading and modifications, so we will be able to advise you on the choice of tires depending on your use. We don’t just sell tires but we also replace them, align them, and ensure that your Toyota is ready for the trail the moment you turn the key. If you are still in doubt on the type of tire you will need for your offroad adventure, feel free to visit our shop or call us now. We’ll guide you through our selection to find the right set of tires for any surface you may plan to drive over.
