Are All-Terrain Tires Worth Investing In?

A winning effort begins with preparation.

Joe Gibbs

ARE ALL-TERRAIN TIRES WORTH IT?

All-Terrain tires are specifically designed for trucks and SUVs used for off-roading on various terrains like gravel, mud, sand or snow; so before delving into the weeds of All-Terrain tires, first ask yourself if you’re going to be driving this type of vehicle on various surfaces. If the answer is "no", then stick to regular highway tires for good fuel economy. If the answer is a resounding, “yes” or even a less pronounced “maybe?” then read on.

What makes all-terrain tires different?

All-Terrain tires quickly release rocks or debris as you drive on unpaved roads, allowing you to move quicker and more smoothly and not become stuck as you drive. This makes them ideal for off-road adventures because the AT-specific design makes your tires more agile and also safer. As the name suggests, they are best for all types of terrains so if you’re not sure what kind of climate you’ll be driving in or whether it will be snowy or muddy, these will give you flexibility when deciding where to take your next exciting camping/road trip or leisurely off-road drive. All-Terrain tires are also ideal for rugged surfaces because they have softer rubber and can grip a wide variety of terrains closer, giving you more stability where you drive and additional comfort for highway driving.

Do All-Terrain Tires Offer Good Fuel Economy?

Because All-Terrain tires hug the road, this makes them work harder than your average highway tire, so typically they will wear quicker and may give you less fuel efficiency. If you have more than one vehicle, you may decide to only use the SUV/Truck with AT tires just for off-road driving and your A to B car with highway tires for everyday driving – if fuel efficiency and longevity is more important for you than comfort. However, keep in mind, they also provide a more comfortable ride for everyday driving. You could think of All Terrain tires as a universal tire in the sense that they will be applicable in all situations. Some SUVS and trucks already come equipped with All-Terrain tires directly from the manufacturer so check on this information first before purchasing new ones.

How do Groundspeed’s All-Terrain Tires Compare?

GroundSpeed’s Voyager AT features an extra rugged tread pattern which provides exceptional off-road traction. Its benched-shaped shoulder design also gives more stability in high-speed turns in both wet and dry road conditions. Additionally, it’s designed with a zig-zag pattern to reduce noise, repel rocks and increase grip. And the corners of the tread groove pattern increase comfort and stability on all types of terrain, allowing for better control in all road conditions. A standout feature of the Voyager AT is that you are covered for up to 50K under Groundspeed's warranty, compared to some other ATs, which may only cover you up to 40K. The Voyager AT also comes with the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol on the sidewall of the tire which guarantees its performance in snowy conditions. Additionally, the Voyager AT comes with the bonus road hazard warranty which covers you for accidental punctures and other non-manufacturing related accidents.

So is it worth switching to All-Terrain tires?

While All-Terrain tires provide extra comfort for highway driving, they’re not necessary for everyday driving. If you’re planning any kind of off-road adventure however – even if it’s that once a year camping trip where you get to drive on the sand up close to the ocean’s waterfront to watch a sunset – you’ll have a much safer and enjoyable ride with All Terrain tires.