Off-Roading 101

A few things in life are as fun as the thrill of taking your vehicle off-road. However, there are a few things you want to take into consideration before you veer off the asphalt, so things don't make a turn for the worse.

All-terrain tires versus off-road tires

When preparing to take your vehicle off, consider what kind of terrain you will be driving on. You will want to make sure your tires match the type of ground you will drive on. If you are off-roading on back roads made of dirt, then an all-terrain tire might suffice. However, if you plan on taking your vehicle out on terrain that is sandy, jagged, muddy, or contains a lot of loose gravel and large rocks make sure you have tires that are designed to be taken off-road.

All-terrain tires are equipped with a wider, deeper tread to give you more grip to that you don't end up spinning your wheels, literally.

Size matters

In addition to the type of tire you choose when off-roading, you also need to be aware of the size of the tire. You want to make sure you have a tire that is large enough to handle the terrain you will be driving on, but will still fit your vehicle. According to FabFour.com there is a formula that is used to determine what sized off-road tires you need. This formula includes the width of the tires (in millimeters), the percentage of the tire width in millimeters to the sidewall height and then the wheel diameter measured in inches. If you are going to opt for a tire that is larger than recommended, according to the formula, make sure you have a lift kit to balance out the size difference.

Taking the time to purchase the right type of tire, as well as the appropriately sized tire for your off-road vehicle will ensure that your adventure off the beaten trail will be safe, as well as fun.