All-terrain tires are a sought-after option for individuals seeking enhanced traction and a rugged look for their SUVs, CUVs, or pickup trucks. These tires deliver on these aspects thanks to their lug-patterned treads and wider designs. However, they do come with certain trade-offs, such as increased fuel consumption and a somewhat rougher ride. Yet, when it comes to tread life, it’s a distinct and subjective topic. In this article, I’ll delve into the longevity factors of all-terrain tires, contingent on how you use them. Let’s dive in!
The longevity of all-terrain tires can vary significantly based on several factors:
Tire Pattern: All-terrain tires tend to have a more aggressive tread pattern, which can lead to faster wear when used predominantly on-road. Highway-type pattern tires typically last longer on paved surfaces.
Vehicle Type: All-terrain tires are a great choice for owners of 3/4 ton or heavier pickup trucks who require durability and off-road capabilities. They might prefer all-terrain tires over highway all-season tires.
Tire Type: On-road all-terrain tires generally have better on-road longevity compared to their off-road counterparts. If your off-road adventures are mild, on-road all-terrain tires might be a more suitable choice.
Usage: All-terrain tires can offer superior tread life if you spend a significant portion (around 20-25%) of your driving time off-road or on uneven terrain.
Instead of giving the exact mileage, I share the warranty limits of these tire categories.
- On-road all-terrain tires: 65,000 miles
- Off-road all-terrain tires: 50,000 miles for LT, 60,000 miles for p-metric sizes
- Highway all-season tires: 70,000 – 60,000 miles
- All-season tires: 70,000 – 80,000 miles
- All-weather tires: 50,000 70,000 miles
Table of Contents
All-Season vs All-Terrain vs All-Weather Tires
| All-Season | All-Weather | All-Terrain | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Wet | Excellent | Excellent | Decent (Dependin on the tread, could be average) |
| Light Snow | Decent | Excellent | Average |
| Packed-Snow | Poor | Decent | Excellent |
| Slush | Poor | Decent | Average |
| Noise | Excellent | Decent | Average |
| Driving Comfort | Excellent | Decent | Average |
| Tread Life (Miles) | 55,000 – 80,000 | 40,000 – 60,000 | 40,000 – 100,000 |
| Responsiveness | Excellent | Decent | Average |
| Fuel Consumption | Excellent | Decent | Average |
Choosing the right tire begins with selecting the appropriate category. Each tire category offers distinct advantages. For example, all-season tires typically provide a balance of longevity and a smooth ride, while all-terrain tires excel in winter conditions. However, there’s also an option for those who seek a compromise between ride comfort and off-road capabilities: all-weather tires.
It’s important to note that there are also versions of these tires designed specifically for light trucks and SUVs, adding another layer of complexity to the decision-making process. To simplify matters, I’ve created the table above. Additionally, I highly recommend exploring the articles linked below, especially if you own a pickup truck, SUV, or Jeep:
Articles:
- LT Tires vs. Passenger Tires: https://tireterrain.com/lt-tires-vs-passenger-tires/
- All-Season vs. All-Terrain Tires: https://tireterrain.com/all-season-vs-all-terrain-tires/
These resources will provide you with valuable insights to make an informed tire selection.
How Long Do All-Terrain Tires Last On the Road?
The longevity of all-terrain tires hinges on the unique combination of their compound and tread design.
All-terrain tires are equipped with a specialized compound designed to resist cuts and chips, making them durable for off-road adventures. However, on-road usage can lead to wear primarily on the tire’s biting edges, which are more prominent in all-terrain tires.
Additionally, the lug-type pattern of all-terrain tires is prone to uneven wear. Therefore, regular tire rotation is essential to ensure their longevity.
It’s important to note that providing an exact mileage estimate for tire longevity is challenging due to various factors, including driving style, vehicle type, road conditions, and more.
For those who spend most of their time on the road, I recommend considering on-road all-terrain tires, which strike a balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability. You can find more detailed information on this topic in the article linked below:
- Highway Tires vs. All-Terrain (On and Off-Road) vs. Mud Terrain: https://tireterrain.com/highway-tires-vs-all-terrain-vs-mud-terrain/
Overall, all-terrain tires last between 40,000 and 100,000 miles on the road depending on your vehicle. However, using highway or all-season tires mostly provides superior tread life.
Do All-Terrain Tires Wear out Faster?
In short, all-terrain tires do tend to wear out more quickly when used primarily on-road. However, if your driving includes rocky terrains, these tires can offer greater longevity.
When Do You Need All-Terrain Tires?
If you find yourself spending more than 25% of your time off-road, all-terrain tires become a necessary choice. However, if longevity is your primary concern, highway all-season tires are an option. Keep in mind, though, that these tires are suitable for light off-road conditions like dirt and gravel.
Conclusion
The longevity of all-terrain tires can vary widely, ranging from 40,000 to 125,000 miles, depending on your usage and the specific tire model. The key factor in determining tire longevity is your reference point.
If you’re transitioning from all-season tires and your driving is primarily on-road, then sticking with all-season or highway all-season tires might be the better choice for maximizing tire life.
However, if you’re set on using all-terrain tires, I recommend opting for on-road all-terrain tires as they tend to offer better longevity for on-road driving.
I hope this article has been helpful in shedding light on the factors that influence tire longevity. If you have any further questions or need more information, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Safe travels, everyone!