Bridgestone all terrain tyres are designed for trucks, SUVs, and 4x4s that drive on a mix of paved roads, gravel, mud, and rough tracks. An all terrain tyre has a more aggressive tread than a highway tyre, with larger blocks and deeper grooves, so it grips better on loose surfaces while still coping with everyday road use. This guide explains what to look for in an all terrain tyre, how to match it to your vehicle, and where to check current Bridgestone models.
What an all terrain tyre does
An all terrain tyre balances on-road comfort and noise with off-road grip. Its tread blocks bite into mud, gravel, and loose ground, while its grooves help clear material from the tread. The sidewalls are usually stronger than those of a highway tyre, which helps resist cuts from rocks and stones on rough tracks.
Tread, sidewall and load
Check the tread pattern for the terrain you drive most. Open, aggressive tread suits mud and loose surfaces, while a less aggressive design gives quieter, more stable driving on mixed roads. Look at the sidewall rating, often shown as a ply rating or load index, and make sure it meets or exceeds the load requirement of your vehicle. Heavier vehicles and trailers need a tyre with a higher load capacity.
Matching the tyre to your vehicle
Tyre size must suit the vehicle. Check the diameter, width, aspect ratio, and speed rating on your current tyre, and make sure any new tyre is approved for the wheel width. Changing tyre size can affect speedometer accuracy, clearance under the wheel arch, and how the vehicle handles, so check these before fitting larger tyres.
On-road comfort and noise
Aggressive tread can be louder and less comfortable on tarmac than a road-focused tyre. If you drive mostly on paved roads with occasional off-road use, check reviews and test results for noise and wet braking, and choose a tyre that suits your main use.
Checking current Bridgestone models
Tyre ranges change over time, so check the current Bridgestone all terrain range on the manufacturer’s website or with an authorised tyre supplier before buying. Compare current independent test results for traction, wear, noise, and wet braking, and ask a fitter which models they have had good results with on your type of vehicle.
Fitting and maintenance
Have new tyres balanced when they are fitted, and check the wheel nut torque after the first short drive. Keep pressures correct, and reduce pressures only as recommended for off-road use. Rotate the tyres at the interval recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, inspect for cuts and sidewall damage after rough trips, and check the tread regularly. Clean mud and debris from the tyres and wheels after off-road use.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between all terrain and mud terrain tyres? All terrain tyres are designed for a mix of road and off-road use. Mud terrain tyres have more aggressive tread for heavy off-road work, and they usually produce more road noise.
Will all terrain tyres use more fuel? They can, because of higher rolling resistance and weight. The effect depends on the tyre and the vehicle.
Can I fit all terrain tyres to any SUV? Only if the size, load rating, and speed rating match the vehicle specification. Check with your owner’s manual or a qualified fitter.
Get help choosing all terrain tyres
For more on choosing tyres, read our tire guides and our wheel guides. If you are not sure which all terrain tyre suits your vehicle and driving, contact us with the make, model, and year and we will help you choose.