Choose the right 4x4 tyre
There's a BFGoodrich 4x4 tyre for every driver.
BFGoodrich recommends that you fit four identical tyres on 4x4 vehicles (the same brand, with the same tread pattern and same load and speed ratings), and that you follow the car manufacturer's recommendations.
4x4 tyres are grouped into different categories based on the type of vehicle and terrain they're designed for.
4x4 road tyre: for 4x4 cars
- Responsive and extremely accurate on corners and straights
- Designed for use on motorways and in urban areas
Mixed tyre: for SUV-style 4x4 vehicles
- Very rugged tread pattern and sharp design
- Reinforced tread patterns and sidewalls
- Versatile: performs equally well on-road and off-road
"Off-road" all-terrain tyre: for off-roading
and hill-climbing
- Wide tread blocks
- Very high rubber ratio (50%)
- High tread depth: 13 to 17 mm
- Reinforced tread patterns and sidewalls
- Excellent off-road performance
CHANGING TYRE DIMENSIONS
Why would I want to do this?
Some 4x4 drivers may want to fit tyres of different sizes when changing the way a vehicle is used, improve its performance or simply to alter the vehicle's appearance.
Bear in mind that the UK Highway Code applies in full to 4x4 vehicles and you must always follow its rules when making size changes.
Precautions to take
BFGoodrich recommends you follow this advice before making any changes to the size of your tyres:
- The load index must be greater than or equal to the index of the original tyre and must be suitable for the maximum load per vehicle axle.
- For tyres not marked M+S, the speed rating must be greater than or equal to the rating of the original tyre. For tyres marked M+S, the speed rating can be lower, provided you display the label indicating the new speed rating inside the vehicle.
- The vehicle must be fitted with four identical tyres (same brand, same size, same tread pattern, same load and speed ratings, and same usage category) in order to avoid any mechanical issues with the transmission and ensure maximum performance.
- Follow the car manufacturer's recommendations at all times.
- Check that the new tyres are not touching any mechanical components or body parts.
Furthermore, the tyres must not extend beyond the 4x4 vehicle's wings.
- Ensure that the wheel is compatible with the new tyre dimension.
- Seek the advice of a professional before making any modifications; there are always rules and regulations to comply with when changing a vehicle's dimensions.
Changing your tyres
Of course, tyres don't last forever. The two main reasons for tyre changes are tread wear and tyre damage.
IN FOURS OR TWOS?
Ideally, the four wheels of a vehicle should be fitted with identical or at least similar tyres (in twos).
Tyre advice and tips:
- always change your tyres in twos or fours: it is essential that the tyres on a single axle are absolutely identical, i.e. the same brand, same tread pattern, same dimensions and same ratings (speed and load);
- always try to stick to the dimensions approved by the vehicle manufacturer (keep modifications to a minimum, or seek professional assistance);
- always fit the newest tyres to the rear axle to reduce any loss in grip, whether it is a two or four-wheel-drive vehicle or rear or front-wheel-drive vehicle. Grip losses are very difficult to control at the rear.
BFGoodrich strongly recommends that you comply with the sizes approved by the vehicle manufacturer. However, if you do decide to change the size of the tyres, it is vital that you seek the assistance of a professional.
WEAR, PUNCTURE, REPAIR
It is strongly advised that you check the condition of your tyres at least once a week. Additionally, once a month, check their pressure, groove depth, and whether they are showing signs of sidewall damage or any other signs or wear. If you are in any doubt, do not hesitate to contact a professional to confirm your tyres are roadworthy.
Five reasons to change your tyres
While in some instances a tyre can be repaired, it must be thoroughly checked by a professional first; only a professional can confirm that it has not sustained any internal damage. A tyre must also be removed so that its condition can be judged accurately.
1 - PUNCTURED TYRES
If punctured, your tyre must be examined by a professional to ensure that the inner tube has not sustained any damage that makes it irreparable.
2 - LEGAL WEAR LIMIT REACHED
The UK Highway Code states:
- "The legal minimum tread depth for cars is 1.6 millimetre. This 1.6 mm should be in a continuous band throughout the central three-quarters of the tread width, throughout the whole of the circumference."
3 - SIGNS OF AGEING
How long tyres can be used is difficult to specify and does not depend on the date of manufacture. Tyres that have not been used much or at all can also show signs of ageing. Lots of factors affect the lifespan of tyres, including weather conditions, storage and usage, load, speed, inflation pressure, maintenance, etc. Each of these can considerably alter the expected lifespan of a tyre.
4 - DAMAGED TYRE
A kerb, pothole or blunt instrument can do serious damage to a tyre. Any perforations, cuts or distortions must be examined carefully by a professional mechanic who will confirm whether the tyre has sustained any internal damage and if it can be repaired. As a general rule, and for your own safety, never drive with a damaged or flat tyre without consulting a professional first.
5 - ABNORMAL WEAR
Abnormal tread wear - which is located in patches, in the centre or on the shoulders - is often a sign of a mechanical problem such as misalignment or a balancing, suspension or transmission issue. It can also be the result of unsuitable tyre pressure. Contact a professional if you notice the slightest abnormality.
