Would you know what signs to look for that you need new tires? Regular visual inspections are the best way to know if it’s time, and there are a handful of clear signs that your 4X4 tires need to be replaced. Here are a few signs that it’s time to talk to us about replacing your tires.
Cuts/Chunking
Running over rough terrain is sure to take a few chunks out of your tires along the way, but if you notice more cuts or chunking than usual, there could be a problem. Choosing the right tires for the terrain will help; all-terrain or mud-terrain 4X4 tires are made to withstand off-road terrain.
Damage From Spin-Outs
Sometimes the only way to get out of mud, sand, or snow is to spin your tires to get some traction. Other accessories like mud flaps or fender flares can get caught and rub against tire treads during spinouts. This can also cause irreparable damage to the tread that requires total tire replacement.
Damage From Brake Skidding
There are times when the best and safest way to avoid an accident is to brake, and in some instances, this can be abrupt enough for your 4X4 to skid if it’s older and not equipped with ABS. This causes “bald spots” on the tire tread or even a blowout, which means your tires will need to be replaced.
Rock Retention
If your treads are deep and you’re a frequent offroader, your tires could retain rocks or stones in the deep all-terrain tread. Occasionally this isn’t a problem, but over time your 4X4 or Jeep could put weight on the tire and pressure on the stone, leading to tire rupture and replacement. Make sure to regularly inspect for rocks in the tread and remove them ASAP.
Uneven Wear
The tires on your 4X4 are designed to stay in evenly-distributed contact with the roadway. If one side of the tires is wearing more unevenly than the other, there could be an issue with your vehicle’s alignment or weight balance. Going too long without getting this checked could affect tire pressure and result in a blowout.
Tips for Choosing the Right 4X4 Tires
It’s worth repeating: The best way to keep your tires in top shape is by choosing the right type of tires in the first place. If you’re planning to use your 4×4 as a daily driver, you’ll need to choose a set that can handle rugged terrain and pavement with minimal wear and tear.
If you’re planning to use your 4×4 primarily for pavement driving, you’ll want to look into all-terrain tires. These are the factory set on many 4x4s and other SUVs, and while they are designed for paved road use, they can also navigate well in inclement weather and some “easy” off-road trails. While all-terrain tires are great for sand and beaches, they may not offer enough traction for muddy environments.
Mud tires for 4x4s have pretty heavy tread, with deeper channels that can easily dig through sludge and mud without losing traction. If you’re the type of driver that takes your vehicle mainly off-road, these might be your best choice. The tread patterns on them are also great for rocky terrains. They can protect tires from punctures and conform better to the trail’s topography.
Talk to the Tire Professionals
How you choose to use your 4×4 is integral to knowing which tires you need. Axleboy technicians work with clients who use their vehicles for carpooling and drivers who want to take their 4×4 camping down by the river on the weekends. Once we learn where you plan on driving, we can help you pick out tires that will give you the most control of your vehicle.
When you come to us, we’ll work with you to determine what type of tires best fit your purposes. After choosing the appropriate tire options for your model, we’ll expertly mount and balance them. Contact us today to get the best tires for your ride!