The ultimate all terrain tyre checklist

When selecting all terrain tyres, certain features are vital for maintaining safety and performance regardless of conditions. Understanding these characteristics will help you make an informed decision.

Tread design

Aggressive tread blocks with deep grooves provide strong bite, or grip, on dirt, sand, and gravel surfaces. Tread patterns should also balance off-road traction with on-road stability, such as featuring large shoulder blocks for improved cornering grip and centre ribs for highway comfort.

Sidewall strength

Reinforced sidewalls offer puncture resistance on rocky terrain. This is critical in the outback, where jagged stones and thorny vegetation can cause unexpected damage. Strong construction features additional sidewall plies that resist cuts and abrasions.

On-road comfort

A balanced tread pattern reduces road noise during highway driving, so your off-road tyres don't compromise daily drives. To do this, modern designs use variable pitch tread blocks that minimise noise while maintaining the aggressive patterns necessary for off-road performance.

Load rating

Check that your tyres have sufficient load ratings to tow off-road gear safely. Touring often involves heavy loads. Select tyres that meet or exceed your specifications.

BFGoodrich all terrain tyres incorporate advanced technologies designed to handle Australia's most challenging conditions. These technologies represent decades of off-road experience and real-world testing.

• The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3® offers exceptional performance through its tough sidewalls and aggressive tread design. Providing excellent traction on all surfaces, this 4WD tyre has been thoroughly tested in conditions similar to those found across the country.

• The tyre’s CoreGard Technology™ provides reinforced sidewalls that help resist cuts and abrasions on rugged terrain. The technology uses high-strength materials to protect against sharp rocks and debris. It maintains integrity even after minor sidewall impacts.

• Its All Terrain Tread Compound is designed for extended tread life and excellent wear resistance across varying surfaces. The compound adapts to temperature changes, remaining flexible during cold starts while resisting excessive wear in hot conditions. It also improves performance in wet weather performance.

• Its high void tread design self-cleans to provide better grip on beach sand, outback mud, and clay.

Before leaving for an off-road adventure, conduct a thorough tyre safety check. This is especially important when driving in remote areas.

Tyre pressure

Decrease your tyre pressure when driving on sand or rocky surfaces, but don’t lower it below 20 PSI. The optimal pressure also depends on conditions like vehicle weight, speed, and weather.

Tread depth

The minimum legal tread depth in Australia is 1.5mm, but we recommend maintaining 3–4mm for better off-road traction. Use a tread depth gauge for accurate measurements, checking multiple points across the tyre width.

Spare tyre condition

Your spare tyre should match your main tyres and be in similar condition. Many vehicles come with temporary spare tyres unsuitable for off-road use. We strongly recommend carrying a full-size spare that matches your main tyres' specifications.

Valve integrity

Check valve caps and stems for cracks or leaks before long trips. Replace missing valve caps immediately. They protect the valve core from dirt and debris that could cause slow leaks.

Maintaining your tyres properly can help extend their life and contributes to consistent performance. This is especially important given the harsh conditions all-terrain tyres often encounter. Here are a few tips.

• Rotate tyres every 6,000–8,000 km to promote even wear patterns.

• Wash tyres after off-road trips to remove mud, sand, and debris that can cause premature wear.

• Inspect sidewalls for cuts or bulges after traversing rocky terrain and address any damage quickly.

• Keep tyres balanced and aligned to avoid uneven wear.
  
  

Regular maintenance checks can also help identify potential issues before they become safety concerns.

Knowing when to replace your tyres is also important. Several indicators signal it's time for new tyres.

• Cracked sidewalls or visible cords indicate structural damage, which requires immediate replacement.

• Heavy tread wear reduces off-road grip, even if above legal limits.

• Frequent punctures despite correct tyre care suggest the rubber has deteriorated.

• Tyres over 5–6 years old, even with minimal use, may have reduced performance, as rubber compounds degrade over time.

For your safety, replace tyres that show any of these warning signs before undertaking challenging off-road trips.

Before purchase

☐ Tread design features aggressive blocks with deep grooves

☐ Tread pattern balances off-road traction with on-road stability

☐ Large shoulder blocks for cornering grip

☐ Centre ribs for highway comfort

☐ Reinforced sidewalls for puncture resistance

☐ Balanced tread pattern for reduced road noise

☐ Load rating meets or exceeds vehicle specifications

☐ Load rating suitable for towing requirements

Before every trip

☐ Tyre pressure adjusted for terrain (decrease for sand or rocky terrain)

☐ Tread depth checked (minimum 3-4mm recommended)

☐ Spare tyre matches main tyres

☐ Spare tyre in good condition

☐ Valve caps present and secure

☐ Valve stems checked for cracks or leaks

Regular maintenance

☐ Tyres rotated every 6,000-8,000 km

☐ Tyres washed after off-road trips

☐ Sidewalls inspected for cuts or bulges

☐ Tyres kept balanced and aligned

Replacement indicators

☐ Check for cracked sidewalls

☐ Check for visible cords

☐ Monitor for heavy tread wear

☐ Note frequency of punctures

☐ Replace tyres over 5-6 years old

☐ Check tread wear indicator

Whether you're driving on outback dirt roads, beach tracks, or remote bush trails, BFGoodrich all terrain tyres, such as our All-Terrain T/A KO3®, provide durability, traction, and comfort for demanding off-road conditions –  crucial when you’re venturing into remote areas where professional help may be hours away.

Find a BFGoodrich dealer near you to get expert advice on the best all-terrain tyre for your vehicle and driving needs.