“The road less traveled” is a phrase that could take on several different interpretations depending on who you ask, but the overall sense of the phrase remains the same. Challenging, difficult, or maybe even impossible are some words that can best describe it, and yet people still choose the road less traveled. After all, to some, normal is boring plain and simple! Why take the easy route when you can prove yourself or prove to others that you can handle difficulty in whatever form it may arise.
Maybe an old muddy trail for instance, one with pits, ruts, and some of the stickiest mud anyone has ever seen, now that looks like a challenge! And to tackle that challenge you’re going to need reliable mud tires and that is where we come in! With expert advice from real mechanics and tire technicians to help you choose the best mud tire for you and your rig so that you may conquer those roads less traveled. Below we have cataloged which mud tires will keep you moving and not bogged down behind the competition, so let’s dig in!
So today we are going to cover the best mud tires according to an experienced Tire Technician and Mechanic. How I will reach these conclusions will be based on my own experiences with the tires, what the promises the companies make about their products, and the countless in-person customer reviews that I have collected over years of working in the shop. I will also factor in cost of course and what I think would be the best bang for your buck. This post will include a mixture of passenger car tires as well as light truck tires and the accessibility to whether or not you will be able to obtain a certain tire on this list will be determined by the specific tire size of your vehicle(s).
Before I begin there may be some terminology, acronyms, and symbols like (DOT, load rating, speed rating, etc.) that might seem confusing but I will do my best to provide clear information and tell you which terms and information you want to look for when picking the right tire for you and your vehicle. Below, in the “Buying Guide” section, I have provided a short explanation of some of the key points of information about tires that you will need to know to go ahead and choose the right tire for you.
***Lastly and also VERY important, although these tires are numbered from 1-11 it does NOT mean that the tire in the #1 spot is better than the last tire on the list. This is because when selecting a tire there are too many variables that come into play when finding the right tire for you (i.e. your vehicle type, what type of driver you are, and what type of climate you drive in). So what I have done is list what each tire does better than the others on the list while also providing information on what tires work best for some vehicles. That being said, these are the 11 best mud tires on the mud market and I am confident that you will find the right tire for you and your vehicle on the list below!***
Here Are The Best Mud Tires
1. Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac
Key Specifications:
- Comes with 16/32″ of tread depth
- 50,000 Mile Warranty
- Treadwear Rating 500
- Traction Grade B
- Available in White and Black lettering
- Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rated
- Very capable extreme terrain tire
- Around $245 a tire
If you’re looking for some of the highest quality tires on the market Goodyear is always a safe bet. They have been in the tire manufacturing business for over 120 years and counting. Quality goes without question with their tires and that applies to this product as well.
The Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac is Goodyear’s most aggressive all-terrain tire before heading into their Mud tire selection but it is also a very capable mud tire. The DuraTrac was designed for on and off-road use for light trucks, SUVs, vans, and commercial vehicles. Goodyear aimed to target customers that routinely find themselves on terrain or in conditions that are less than favorable to the average person when designing the DuraTrac, we are talking about extremely inclined rough and muddy terrains for example. Goodyear also incorporated a specially formulated rubber compound that this highly resistant to chipping or tearing even when under heavy load. This three-peak mountain snowflake rated with is also capable on the road as well sporting pretty significant 50,000 mile warranty that is hard to find when looking at other tires that are this aggressive.
My Review: The Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac is one beast of an all-terrain tire. As far as I am concerned it directly competes with one of the biggest names in this category the BFGoodrich T/A KO2 which has been a crowd favorite for many years and which you’ll find later on this list. I believe there are a few things that let the DuraTrac overstep its’ competitors, one of them being the 50,000 mile warranty. Seeing a mileage warranty on any tire this aggressive isn’t in the norm trust me. Companies do not tend to offer mileage warranties on tires that are this aggressive for the sheer fact that the more aggressive a tire is, the faster the tread tends to wear. Another outstanding fact about this tire is that it is significantly quieter for how aggressive it is compared to the competitors, Goodyear focused on lowering the cabin noise or highway “humming” that customers of these kinds of tires are forced to deal with after purchase. The Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac retails for around $245 a tire and is also offered in E ratings.
2. Goodyear Wrangler MT/R With Kevlar
Key Specifications:
- Comes with 19/32″ of tread depth
- No Mileage Warranty
- Available in White and Black lettering
- Very capable extreme terrain tire
- Asymmetrical Tread Pattern
- Around $300 a tire
The Goodyear Wrangler MT/R With Kevlar is without a doubt Goodyear’s most aggressive off-road tire designed for light trucks and SUVs that are able to handle the worst terrain imaginable. The Goodyear Wrangler MT/R With Kevlar has a layer of DuPont™ Kevlar layered into the construction of the sidewall to protect against sharp rocks and other objects giving 35% more durability than the leading competitors. DuPont™ Kevlar is the same kevlar found in bulletproof vests to give you an idea of the durability increase of this tire. The Goodyear Wrangler MT/R With Kevlar also sports an asymmetrical tread pattern geared to keep you moving no matter how tough the terrain is or how deep the mud gets, as well as an aggressive wrap-around tread pattern for added bite force into the terrain.
My Review: It’s hard to describe how intimidating this tire looks in the person but I’ll do my best. As far as this list is concerned this one is quite possibly the most aggressive of the bunch with some of the largest gaps between tread that you will find out on the market. This means that this tire is a beast in any extreme weather/off-road situation, but also means that as far as road use is concerned, well, let’s just say you don’t want this tire anywhere near a road or highway unless you are using them to navigate to the next off-road obstacle. The Goodyear Wrangler MT/R With Kevlar will tackle heavy rain, deep mud, deep snow, and anything else you drive it into no question and that is why it has made it onto my list. The Goodyear Wrangler MT/R With Kevlar is also available in a vast array of sizes up to 40″ in some rim sizes!
3. BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3
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Key Specifications:
- Comes with 18/32″ of tread depth
- No Mileage Warranty
- Available in Black lettering only
- Very capable extreme terrain tire
- Symmetrical Tread Pattern
- Around $315 a tire
BFGoodrich is no stranger to the spotlight when it comes to the top-ranked tire manufacturers around. They have been in business for 150 years and counting, and with that kind of experience, you can expect nothing less than perfection with the tires this company produces.
The BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 is a beast of a mud tire built for serious offroading vehicles. This tire is both an excellent mud tire as well as a capable rock-crawling tire with a specially designed rubber compound to help the tire to stick and grip onto rocks and other extreme obstacles. BFGoodrich has dubbed this their “Krawl-TEK” technology combined with the tread pattern of the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 creates what they call a “flex zone” that molds around objects in air-down maneuvering. The BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 excels in formidable terrain and has even emerged victorious numerous times as the Baja 1000 champion! The tread pattern features an impressively aggressive profile along with a wrap-around tread designed to provide maximum grip strength in the toughest of conditions as well as an increase to the overall strength of the sidewalls by as much as 27% above the competition. The BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 boasts 5% better mud traction and control than its leading competitors as well.
My Review: The BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 is one monster of a tire to see in person, it sports an impressively aggressive tread pattern that is hard to put into words after seeing it in person. Like other mud-terrain tires, the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 isn’t ideal for highway use exclusively, the aggressive tread pattern will create a cabin hum on the highway along with poor wearing patterns such as “cupping” after prolonged highway use. These tires are definitely supposed to stay off-road and completely chew up rough terrain!
4. BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2
Key Specifications:
- Comes with 18/32″ of tread depth
- No Mileage Warranty
- Available in White and Black lettering
- Very capable extreme terrain tire
- Symmetrical tread pattern
- Around $250 a tire
The BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 is a slightly more aggressive version to the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3, with more of an emphasis on rock crawling and mud-terrain. Its’ tried and true design is still sought after but mud-terrain enthusiasts all over the world with BFGoodrich boasting that this tire has absolutely no limits when it comes to any off-road encounter. The BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 is as rugged as they come with sidewalls that contain an additional 3-ply of layering making the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 more cut and tear-resistant than the leading competitors when navigating sharp rocks and boulders along with any hidden terrain concealed by mud. The BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 is designed in such a way that in aired-down situations the KM2 can cup and mold around obstacles with ease allowing for maximum traction to reduce slippage.
My Review: I think BFGoodrich is slowly phasing out the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 and making more room for the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 but that being said the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 is still one beast of a mud tire, to say the least. Two key difference between the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 and the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 is that the KM2 has a slightly more aggressive tread pattern with slightly wider tread grooves making it an incredible mud and rock crawling tire but also increasing the amount of road noise while at speed compared to the KM3. Personally I still recommend the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 to anyone who is an avid mud-terrain and rock crawling enthusiast as the KM2 can still handle its’ business better than most under the most extreme conditions.
5. BFGoodrich Krawler T/A KX
Key Specifications:
- Comes with 22/32″ of tread depth
- No Mileage Warranty
- Available in Black lettering only
- Very capable extreme terrain tire
- Symmetrical tread pattern
- Around $570 a tire
The BFGoodrich Krawler T/A KX is a Monster. Period. The winner of the “Ultra4 King of Hammers Everyman Challenge” multiple years in a row and the most aggressive tire that BFGoodrich brings to the market. This tire was designed and built to easily handle the most destructive off-road machines and vehicles in the world, allowing them to crawl through and over mud and terrain that the average person might think impossible. The BFGoodrich Krawler T/A KX sports a super sticky rubber compound that is proven to stick to rocks and other extreme terrains better than the leading competitors.
One impressive feature of the BFGoodrich Krawler T/A KX is that the rubber and tread is so malleable and deep that BFGoodrich expects the experts that utilize this tire to cut, carve, and shape the BFGoodrich Krawler T/A KX’s tread to better suit the owner’s off-road requirements!
My Review: We need to pause for a second and admire the most aggressive tire that BFGoodrich produces, the BFGoodrich Krawler T/A. I’ve seen this tire only a few times throughout my career, probably because of the impressive price tag but also because of how niche this tire is and using it exactly for what it was purposed for takes a special kind of individual. The BFGoodrich Krawler T/A KX looks and even feels like a monster truck tire when you see it in person with tread grooves wider than half an inch in some places! The Krawler T/A KX has been dubbed by many as the unofficial “Off-Raod King” of tires and that is no laughing matter, this tire WILL chew up and spit out any terrain it has the pleasure of rolling onto.
The BFGoodrich Krawler T/A KX is only DOT highway legal in 37″ “Blue Label” only! “Red Label” non-DOT is for off-road and recreational use in some 37″, 39″, and 42″.
6. Cooper Discoverer STT Pro
Key Specifications:
- Comes with 19/32″ of tread depth
- No Mileage Warranty
- Available in White and Black lettering
- Very capable extreme terrain tire
- Symmetrical tread pattern
- Around $295 a tire
Cooper Tire & Rubber Company has been in the tire manufacturing business of over 100 years and with that kind of legacy, you can expect nothing but premium products! This Ohio based American manufacturer produced such high-quality rubber and tires in fact that numerous associated companies such as Mickey Thompson, Mastercraft, and Roadmaster, among others, actually use Cooper Rubber in the manufacturing of their tires
The Cooper Discoverer STT Pro is Cooper Tire’s most aggressive off-road/mud-terrain tire designed with a wide range of features to help the tire tackle any off-road obstacles. The Cooper Discoverer STT Pro’s best selling points are as follows. Firstly, the Cooper Discoverer STT Pro has a unique 3-2 inner tread rib construction meant to decrease road noise when driving to and from the trail, in addition to improved stability and responsiveness. Next, the Cooper Discoverer STT Pro has a dedicated “alternating shoulder lug” tread patterned that is designed to help the Cooper Discoverer STT Pro to dig and scoop its way through deep mud or other soft terrains. Cooper also paid special attention to other details in this tire like adding “mud release dimples” to the circumference of the tread pattern to aid in shedding mud that might accumulate between the tread. Lastly, Cooper Tire’s has added a special “anti stone retention” feature to the Cooper Discoverer STT Pro so that it does not carry pebbles and rocks out of the rough terrain you are leaving which increases overall tread health and life of the tire.
My Review: Cooper Tire’s is one of those companies that I have grown quite fond of in recent years and that is because of their production quality and attention to detail. The tires they produce are exceptionally well made and that goes for the Cooper Discoverer STT Pro as well. In the past two years, I have watched the Cooper Discoverer STT Pro explode in popularity among off-road and mud-terrain enthusiasts alike with both sides boasting that is one of the cheapest and reliable extreme terrain tires on the market. Additionally, I can tell you that the Cooper Discoverer STT Pro is no slouch when it comes to its impressive aggravated appearance and tread design.
7. Falken WildPeak M/T
Key Specifications:
- Comes with 18/32″ of tread depth
- No Mileage Warranty
- Available in Black lettering only
- Very capable extreme terrain tire
- Symmetrical tread pattern
- Around $220 a tire
Arguably one of the newest and up-and-coming tire manufacturers to date is Falken Tire. Founded in the early 80’s Falken tire and quickly jumped onto the tire manufacturing market by producing high-quality products that are impossible to ignore world wide. In only 37 short years this Japanese based tire company has managed to grace the European and North American markets with a thunderous applause of approval among car manufacturers and car enthusiasts alike and this solidifies their place the industry.
The Falken WildPeak M/T is by far the newest comer to the mud-terrain market than any other on this list but that doesn’t mean that it lacks in any way compared to the competition. In fact, the Falken WildPeak M/T has one fo the largest growing fan bases among off-road enthusiasts, and for good reason! The Falken WildPeak M/T was engineered with off-road handling in mind with its tread pattern featuring a “step-down” pattern to the center tread blocks which aids in tread rigidity and prevents the tire from accumulating stones as it rolls. The Falken WildPeak M/T also features increased sidewall strength and construction with an aggressive wrap-around tread pattern for added grip and durability. Lastly, and possibly one of the most important points of interest in the Falken WildPeak M/T, it features an impressively quiet highway tread pattern that was designed in a special three-block variable pitch position to reduce road noise when up to speed on the highway.
My Review: The Falken WildPeak M/T is currently one of if not, the most popular mud-terrain tire at my location. I’ve noticed an explosion in its popularity among the younger generation of off-road enthusiasts. I have also noticed a pattern in Toyota Tacoma and Ford F-150 owners buying this tire more frequently as well. The Falken WildPeak M/T is what I would call a “top-tier” mud-terrain tire with its aggressive appearance and sheer capability off-road!
8. General Grabber X3
Key Specifications:
- Comes with 19/32″ of tread depth
- No Mileage Warranty
- Available in Black lettering only
- Very capable extreme terrain tire
- Symmetrical tread pattern
- Around $295 a tire
The General Tire Company has been a big name in the business for more than 100 years and with that kind of experience, there is no mistaking their elite products. The Ohio based company has been producing popular, and more importantly, well-made products from the start to the present, and of course, promises for years to come.
The General Grabber X3 is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to off-road encounters. General Tire engineered the General Grabber X3 specifically to overtake the extreme terrain tire market by focusing on four main points of construction while designing this tire. Firstly, General Tire implemented their “Duragen Technology” into the General Grabber X3 allowing the rubber compound to resist cuts and scrapes from sharp terrain while allowing the tire to remain flexible even when the temperatures dip below zero. Second, the General Grabber X3 has increased sidewall protection and rigidity which helps the tire remain stable and responsive while also increasing the grip strength of the tire. Next, the General Grabber X3 has specially designed “Stone Bumpers” throughout the tread pattern which helps the tire release stones and other foreign objects from the tread to minimize the chances of a tire puncture. Finally and most notably, the General Grabber X3 features General Tire’s most open tread design to allow for tough terrain navigation anywhere and anytime.
My Review: In my experience, the General Grabber X3 is probably the most popular mud-terrain tire among Jeep Wrangler owners not only because they look incredible once installed but also because of the capability of the tire combined with the intensity of exploration that Jeep is known for. The General Grabber X3 has one of the deepest tread patterns that I have seen on a tire and I have heard stories from customers saying how impressively well they perform no matter how deep the mud is or how steep the terrain gets.
9. Hankook Dynapro MT2
Key Specifications:
- Comes with 17.5/32″ of tread depth
- No Mileage Warranty
- Available in Black lettering only
- Very capable extreme terrain tire
- Symmetrical tread pattern
- Around $320 a tire
Founded in 1941 this South Korean based company has grown in popularity in recent years in countries all over the globe including here in the US. Their technological approach to making successful tire and tread designs have sparked certain interests amongst car enthusiasts worldwide and has cemented Hankook as one of the new kids on the block when it comes to making quality tires.
The Hankook DynaPro MT2 is Hankook’s newest, most aggressive, and durable off-road/ mud tire to date. This tire includes an extended thick shoulder design with a characteristic V-shaped shoulder scallop purposed to reduce the chance of sidewall punction and increase overall traction. The Hankook DynaPro MT2 also includes Hankook’s patented “Mud and Rock Defender Technology” which helps shed rocks from the tread and lowers the overall chance of stone-drilling. Featuring the widest tread grooves that Hankook has to offer, the Hankook DynaPro MT2 will be able to overcome the toughest, most unforgiving obstacles and terrain without issue guaranteed.
My Review: The Hankook DynaPro MT2 is the newest production tire on this list with its’ release date not far behind at the time of writing this article. That being said, its popularity is currently sky-rocketing. Hankook has improved the Hankook DynaPro MT2 in every possible way compared to its predecessor, the Hankook DynaPro MT which was an impressive off-road tire in its own right. Bottom line, the Hankook DynaPro MT2 is powering its way through the competition and that is why it has obtained a spot on my list.
10. Kumho Road Venture MT KL71
Key Specifications:
- Comes with 18/32″ of tread depth
- No Mileage Warranty
- Available in Black lettering only
- Very capable extreme terrain tire
- Directional tread pattern
- Around $185 a tire
A South Korean based company, Kumho Tire has been in the tire business for 60 years which makes them the youngest company to make my list. That being said Kumho Tire has been making a major splash in the US and European markets in recent years by producing a lineup of tires that can compete with the best of them, and sometimes, for nearly half the price! With performance reviews and prices like that Kumho has without a doubt cemented themselves a place in the tire market.
The Kumho Road Venture MT KL71 is Kumho’s most aggressive off-road/ mud-terrain tire. Focusing on a wide array of off-road scenarios Kumho specifically designed the Kumho Road Venture MT KL71 to handle the worst terrain out there. Wide tread grooves combined with their patented zig-zag dual pitch center tread block design means the Kumho Road Venture MT KL71 will keep you and your vehicle moving no matter how deep the mud, sand, or loose gravel gets. Kumho also paid close attention to off-road handling when designing the Kumho Road Venture MT KL71 and improved overall tread block stiffness to increase responsiveness when navigating tedious situations. The tread of the Kumho Road Venture MT KL71 also includes angled chamfer cuts to help reduce stone and pebble carrying as well as a redesigned and more aggressive sidewall pattern compared to previous versions.
My Review: The Kumho Road Venture MT KL71 is the first and only directional tread patterned tire on this list which makes it a very unique mud-terrain tire, to say the least. It sports one of the most aggressive treads and some of the widest tread grooves you will find on the market making it an incredibly impressive off-road capable tire indeed. In my opinion, the Kumho Road Venture MT KL71 has the best “cool factor” out of any tire on the list on appearance alone!
11. Toyo Open Country M/T
Key Specifications:
- Comes with 21/32″ of tread depth
- No Mileage Warranty
- Available in Black lettering only
- Very capable extreme terrain tire
- Symmetrical tread pattern
- Around $340 a tire
The Toyo Tire & Rubber Company is a Japanese based tire company that has been in the automotive business for 75 years. In recent years their knowledge and expertise have carried them overseas into the American and Canadian markets with thunderous applause becoming crowd favorites in both the All-Terrain and All-Season tire categories. With that kind of staying power, you can be sure that the Toyo Tires are here and they are here to stay.
The Toyo Open Country M/T is Toyo’s most aggressive off-road/mud-terrain tire. Some key features of the Toyo Open Country M/T include a “high turn-up” 3-ply polyester construction for increased durability alongside Toyo’s pattened aggressive “hook-shaped” tread block designed means this tire has paramount off-road traction and strength. Toyo also implemented an “open scalloped shoulder” construction to provide unforgiving traction in snow, mud, and sand. The sidewall of the Toyo Open Country M/T features an over-the-shoulder tread pattern which also allows the tire better traction along with increased sidewall strength to reduce punctures and increase the responsiveness of the tire.
My Review: Toyo is quickly becoming one of the big names in the off-road tire market with the Toyo Open Country M/T tearing its way onto the scene. This tire features an insanely aggressive tread pattern with impressibly deep grooves and an astonishingly angry appearance in person. I have noticed the Toyo Open Country M/T to be very popular among the Toyota Tacoma crowd in recent years with the two pairing impressively well, forming some of the best off-road capabilities out there.
Choosing the Best Mud Tire (Buying Guide)
Knowing Your Tire Size
The size of the tire is easy enough. The important part is that you match the size specification of your vehicle. This information can be found on a sticker normally located on the driver side inside door panel below the locking mechanism of the door. The sticker will provide the size appropriate for the front and rear of the vehicle. Additionally, the tire size can also be found in almost every vehicle information manual provided by the dealership.
Load index & Speed rating of a Tire
This part is VERY important and in my experience, I have seen various companies and garages not pay attention to these values. They are important because each vehicle manufacturer specifies what value of load index and speed rating required for the given vehicle for “Optimal Performance”. These values will be located directly after the size written on the tire. For example (P275/65/17 100T), these values are the “100T” values and can be found in your vehicle manual for what range your vehicle needs to be within for the best performance of the vehicle.
DOT Number of a Tire
Finally, this piece of information may be small but is still of great importance because the “DOT” of the tire will tell you the age of the tire in question. The US Department of Transportation(DOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA) requires tire manufacturers to print the “birth date” of the tire if you will, so that the consumer, as well as professionals, know that the tire is still safe for sale and use.
This information will be located on every tire on the perimeter of the inner hole of the tire where the rim is mounted. It will always start with DOT followed by a mix of eight to thirteen numbers and letters. The numbers that will give you the production date, or “birth date”, of the tire, however, will be the final four numbers (DOT*********1221). In this example, we see “1221” as the final four numbers in the sequence. The first two numbers “12” refers to the 12th week of the year it was manufactured and the “21” refers to the year 2021 that it was manufactured. This is important because the US Department of Transportation recommends that no tires be sold as new if they are older than 6 years old.
Mileage Warranty of a Tire
As you search through different tires you might notice that some tires will include a “Mileage Warranty”. Simply explained this warranty is what the manufacturer guarantees their product will reach before it needs to be replaced. For example, if a tire specifies a 50,000 miles warranty this means that the manufacturer guarantees the tire will get at least 50,000 miles before needing replacement. Additionally, this warranty is important because depending on your place of purchase, if the tire does not meet the warranty then usually the provider will offer a replacement tire at a discounted or “pro-rated” price. If the place of purchase does not honor manufacturer warranties then a claim can always be taken to the manufacturer themselves with the appropriate paperwork for compensation. In short, when searching for a tire, if possible, you want to find a tire with a mileage warranty.
Tire Tread Depth
This refers to the amount of tread depth that comes with all new tires. This will always be provided in 32nds of an inch in the United States, for example, 9/32 is a common depth found with new tires. This measurement is subject to change depending on the type of tire one might be searching for with All-Terrain tires having the deepest and thickest tread as deep as 16/32. In my opinion, when looking for all-season tires you want to see at least 15/32 of tread or very close to that. This will guarantee the most amount of use in the form of miles driven for the tire.
Tire Treadwear Rating
This bit of information is usually a bit more confusing for tire buyers and even the most qualified technicians. This value is usually found on the product sticker found on all new tires. In short the higher the value the longer the tire will last over time when driven on its’ intended surface. Unfortunately, these values are not universal between companies which can create confusion. So if you are keeping track of these values when searching for the right tire I urge you to compare the ratings only when looking at tires from the same manufacturer.
Tire Traction Grade
This system of grading refers to how the tire performs under high stress. Specifically, these coefficients refer to how a tire performed when forcefully stopping on wet asphalt and concrete. Simply put there are four different grading coefficients (AA, A, B, and C) with AA providing the best performance and C having the lowest performance. Unfortunately, this universal standard was only applied semi-recently so this will only apply to tires manufactured after the standard was placed. All in all these grades are helpful when weighing out the safety of the tire under sub-optimal weather conditions.
Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF)
As you navigate the tires on this list you will notice this phrase or acronym numerous times. In short, this symbol is only branded on the sidewall of tires that meet the severe winter weather performance standards of the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) and the Rubber Association of Canada (RCA). These test standards take place on medium-packed snow only and any tire that holds this badge can be expected to have enhanced snow traction beyond any M+S branded all-season tire.
Pricing of a Tire
As you read through my reviews you will notice that I will list a given tire as “around” a certain price. This is because when it comes to averaging tire cost it is quite difficult and this is why. More common sizes are priced much cheaper than larger rim sizes and also there are the more uncommon performance tire sizes with inflated pricing for the added difficulty to manufacture and install. I have done my best to average together an all-encompassing price tag but don’t be alarmed if your tire size is $50 or more above my average price.
Tire Ply
The term “ply” refers to the number of layers of material that make up the thickness of the tire from the inner tube to the outer tread. It is not commonly known that tires aren’t just made of rubber, when in fact they are made of quite a few materials layered together chemically and heat-treated and adhered together. These layers or “ply’s” determine the durability and strength of a tire. This is important to understand when purchasing a heavy-duty tire because some heavier-duty trucks and vans require a certain tire ply count such as 8 to 10 or even 12 ply while normal passenger car tires only require 4 to 6 ply.
Luckily this information is relatively easy to find when looking at a tire itself. First, look around the inside bead of the tire where the tire is closest to the rim you will see a small oval with text inside that lists the ply counts and what each play is made of. You can also determine the ply count of a tire by looking at the load rating the tire was assigned, for example, (D is for 8 ply, E is for 10 ply, F is for 12 ply).
Tire Lettering Style
This term more commonly applies to truck tires and it simply refers to whether or not the tire comes with a white lettering option or an all-black sidewall. Some customers prefer white lettering on their tires to easily show off companies and specific tires they have on their vehicle. The list of tires below will include whether or not that specific tire comes with the option of white lettering in the specifications section.
Final Thoughts
It is imperative that you as a consumer take all of this information into account before purchasing any tire. Knowing this key information will not only create the safest driving environment for you but also for your passengers. Regretfully, I have witnessed even trained professionals in the automotive industry lacking knowledge on this type of subject matter so you can never be sure who you can trust, that is why I believe everyone should use the information above to be their own advocate when choosing the right tire for you. Here at Mechanic Approved, I hope that we have helped narrow your search down to the tire that best suits both you and your vehicle!
My name is Codi and I have been interested in automotive mechanics for as long as I can remember. Today I am a professional mechanic as well as a certified tire technician with over 10 years of combined professional experience.
I started this website because over the years I have noticed an increasing trend of false information among customers and automotive professionals alike. So I have gone to great lengths to provide the most factual information about tools, vehicles, companies, and other automotive products so that anyone can be provided with solid information on what they might be looking for.
I was born in South Florida and am currently located in Western Pennsylvania. I have seen how vehicles and tools respond to all types of weather conditions and scenarios over the years and I am happy to share every bit of automotive and mechanical knowledge I possess to help better inform the general public. Here at Mechanic Approved, our goal is to provide the best automotive mechanic information so that both customers and professionals can make better-informed purchases.
hey Codi, Terry here, I find it hard to believe you did not review the Atturo trail blade MT tire. I have been running these tires for a long time now and they are fantastic off road and mud tires. I have gone places and crawled rocks that scared the crap out of me. The price is great for this tire. Tell your experience with this tire and what you think about it. I think my buy will be the streight blade tire they make. I drive a 2018 jeep jk 4 door and man I can go anywhere on these tires. Thanks, Terry
Hello Terry,
Thank you for your comment! To be honest in all my years doing tires I have yet to see those tires in person. I believe it is because our distributer does not carry them. I’m not saying they aren’t a great tire though and I’ll read into them to learn more but as far as personal experience, I would not be able to provide any.
How do you feel about Interco Super Swampers? They have recommended to me for my 2008 2-door Rubicon.
I have seen some Super Swampers over the years but maybe only 3 or 4 times. As far as mud tires go, I would say that those can handle mud-terrain terrifically although some may find them to be overkill if you are a weekend mud warrior. On the other hand, if you are tackling mud trail competitions in a rig that is specifically built for the swamp then they are fantastic!
Codi, I compete in off road racing on dirt facilities that quite often feature a clay base. We run primarily run through fields with some tree obstacles, featuring elevation changes and off camber turns. I am running Buckshot KR78 tires (28″ height) (very old) and need to upgrade to a taller tire. My ideal tire would be a 30X9.50X15 that has often self clean out properties. Can you make a suggestion?
Thanks…Cliff
Hello Cliff, seems like you are a pretty extreme guy! That type of off-roading is what some people only dream of doing in their lifetime! Fortunately for you, I have had quite a few customers like yourself over the years and I have some thoughts about what might work best for you. First off if your rig is an off-road rig only and does not see the pavement I would highly suggest the Goodyear Wrangler MT/R With Kevlar. Super aggressive and have very deep and widely spaced treads which allow them to bite into the mud yet allow them to self-clean easily. With that option, you may have to change the wheel size though. My second recommendation and better one in my opinion for your experience and setup is the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3. The few mud junkies I have seen with them will not shut up about them haha. Newly upgraded from the KM2, similar tread pattern to your Buckshot KR78 tires, and more importantly, in your size! Both of which can be found on this page. Those are two solid options in my opinion. Be sure to let me know if I was helpful and please let me know what you ultimately decide! I’m curious myself!
What about mud grapplers
Hello John Doe,
I am assuming you mean the Nitto Mud Grappler. If that is the case those are quite a formidable mud tire by all means, but they didn’t make my list because of some negative feedback I’ve heard from some customers over the years. Don’t get me wrong I’ve heard very positive reviews as well but I couldn’t bring myself to put them on the list. In my personal opinion, the ones on the list do everything the Mud Grappler can and more. But I will say that do look pretty darn sweet! For those who are wondering this the aforementioned tire here.
Thank you for reading and let me know if I can answer any further questions you may have. Take Care!
I will add the Mastercraft Courser MXT. By far the best Mud and Snow tire I have run. I have been running these for the last six years and driving off road for forty years. All around best tire I have found. Not to much noise for those with sensitive ears with respect to heavy lug tires.
Codi, how is it that you labeled this as best of 2021 when you wrote the post in August of 2020?
Hello Doug,
To answer your question, I update my list yearly and add or remove tires as I gain more knowledge or hear the opinions of my customers. The publish date will remain the same.
As far as the Mastercraft MXT tires go I will admit that I am not experienced with those specific tires but I do have a lengthy experience with Mastercraft as a whole. That being said the many experiences I have with Mastercraft are quite negative in particular. For example, tread tearing, very poor mileage expectancy, and overall poor road noise on almost all of their tires to name a few. But like I said the MXT’s you speak of I have not had any opinions on particularly but since Mastercraft has left such a bad taste in my mouth over the years as well as my customers I tend to stay away from the company as a whole. I will however look into the MXT and see if I can broaden my opinions and knowledge because I’m happy to admit when I’m wrong. Anyways thank you for your comment, I hope this post was helpful for you or at the very least a good read. Thank you for reading!