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Last Updated on April 2, 2025 by Paul Clayton
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Beginners Guide to Maintaining Off Road Tires
Off-roading is a good time to let loose and have fun. However, your vehicle may have limits and you should take the proper precautions. Rough riding can significantly affect your suspension and chassis. Specifically, it damages your off-road tires.
The good news is you can manage your off-road tires to reach peak performance and extend their life. Read on for a beginner’s guide to maintaining off-road tires.
How Do Off-Road Tires Differ From Regular Sets?
You may have a sedan or a truck in the garage. The tires on those vehicles help you navigate conventional roads and highways. However, your off-roader needs an entirely different set of wheels. How else are you going to navigate the dunes and mud?
Off-road tires are unique because they’re more durable. You need more downforce on uneven terrain, so your big rig’s tires have a softer compound. You’re likely driving over sharp rocks and other obstacles that would harm typical tires. Off-road tires have enhanced protection from punctures to extend their life.
These wheels also have special treads that are much deeper than conventional tires. They significantly assist your braking and traction, even when the road isn’t doing you any favors.
Have you ever been caught in the mud or sand? It’s not fun at all. Fortunately, your off-roader also has sidewall construction in the tires to prevent getting stuck.
How Can You Protect the Tires From Damage?
Off-road tires are durable but not invincible. Improper care and reckless driving can shorten the life span and cost you money. Use these tips to protect your off-road tires for as long as possible.
Safe Driving
The first tip is mostly in your control — safe driving. You may feel tempted to let loose out on the dunes. However, you should always proceed with caution. Drive your off-roader at a reasonable speed. You should only use high speeds when navigating steep hills. Otherwise, tone it down. Your 700cc ATV can reach 85 mph, but that doesn’t mean you should.
Fast speeds heat your tires more than usual, causing them to wear quickly. Why do you think NASCAR drivers have to change their tires so often? Their bald Goodyear tires only last about 100 miles before needing a change.
Treat your off-road tires carefully and save your Dale Earnhardt impression for a racetrack.
Low Pressure
Off-roading can be tricky for beginners because you do things you wouldn’t do for your typical commercial vehicle. For example, you need to keep your off-road tires at a low pressure.
Off-road tires require a low psi. Start at 20 psi and work your way down. Lowering to around 10 to 12 psi for off-road tires is safe, considering some people go as low as 5 psi with their rigs. This strategy is not wise for a Toyota Camry. Experts recommend 25-30 pounds per square inch (psi) for road vehicles.
A low psi is necessary for off-road vehicles to increase their grip levels. Traction is vital when driving in mud, snow and sand. Your suspension will thank you later for a smooth drive.
Tire Sealant
Off-road tires are ideal for going off the grid but they aren’t indestructible. You may accidentally run over a sharp rock or nail. After a few hits, your tires will need repair. One way you can protect them is with tire sealant.
Tire sealant is a liquid you can insert into tires when they have a hole. The liquid dries up when it hits the air, forming a seal to heal the tire. When you drive off, it’s like nothing happened.
Your tire sealant may seem like a temporary fix, but many products have evolved to help your tires throughout their lives. Tire sealants also protect against corrosion and dry rotting.
Seasonal Tires
Off-road tires have high levels of durability no matter the terrain — but you should consider your wheels depending on the season.
Think about it like the gasoline you put in your car. There are winter and summer blends to adhere to the season. You can get all-season tires if your area experiences varying conditions. If you live in a frequently colder or warmer climate, you should find winter and summer tires, respectively, to help your driving.
If you need to drive in the snow, winter tires are necessary. These tires maximize traction and break through snow and ice. Their compound remains super soft to give grip despite the unforgiving terrain.
You may need summer tires if you live in Florida or other warmer climates. A set of these tires optimizes your speed and agility. Summer tires are best if you’re looking for upgraded braking abilities.
Tires for the Correct Terrain
You should also consider the terrain. Is there a particular area that keeps calling your name? Many off-road enthusiasts have a specific landscape they stick to.
Rainy climates are more likely to have mud bogs. Here, you’ll need special mud tires to handle the conditions. These tires maximize grip because you’ll have minimal traction on the ground. Your mud tires have deep tread depth to chew through the mud and move your off-roader.
Conversely, you may need sand tires if you’re roaming the desert dunes. These tires, also called paddle tires, are unique because they paddle through the sand. The tires act like a dog when it swims through the water. You’ll maximize your traction through the soft sand and increase your speed if necessary.
Nowadays, you can use apps to check any terrain before your adventure. You can track your routes and see where others have driven. Some apps let users upload pictures and videos to see what they’re getting into ahead of time.
What Maintenance Do Off-Road Tires Need?
Wear and tear is inevitable — thankfully, there are ways you can maintain your wheels when they’re not in use. These three maintenance measures are necessary for your off-road tires.
Cleaning
Have you ever been to the mud bog and returned with clean tires? If you did, give yourself a pat on the back. Otherwise, you’ll need to clean your tires.
Cleaning your off-road tires is crucial or else you risk corrosion, leading to tires with improper sealing and extra rough surfaces. Aim to wash your tires after every trip with your off-roader to ensure their cleanliness and performance.
Cleaning your tires is similar to your approach for standard tires. A quick wash can use a hose or pressure washer to rid the dirt buildup. Then use dish detergent or car wash soap to scrub each tire.
After a while, your off-road tires can become stained or faded due to the wear. If the tires look browned even after cleaning, what you’re likely seeing is blooming, a process in which the antiozonant in the rubber stains the sidewalls of the tires. You may see it as a badge of honor, but there are ways to restore your tires.
One option is to use tire paint. This paint is unique because it bonds with the tire rubber to look new again. Once your tires are clean, spray the tire paint on the stained or faded areas. After 15 minutes, it’ll dry and look beautiful.
Align, Balance and Rotate
Every few thousand miles, you should take your car in for an inspection. Some preventive maintenance measures for your tires include alignment, balancing and rotation. Treat your off-roader with the same amount of care.
The rough terrain strains your vehicle. Over time, it can affect your off-roader’s alignment. A misaligned rig wears tire much faster and compromises your performance. The last thing you want is your vehicle constantly pulling to the side.
An imbalanced machine may have too much weight on one side, causing uneven tire wear. Balance your tires to smooth the ride and protect your drivetrain. The last part of the equation is tire rotation. This maintenance measure is another way to ensure even tire wear.
Depending on the vehicle, your off-roader likely relies on the front or rear wheels. The added weight leads to extra wear for these tires. Rotation is necessary every 5,000-7,500 miles for regular vehicles. However, you should rotate the tires every 3,000-5,000 miles for your off-roader due to the extra wear they endure.
Storage
Dedicated off-road enthusiasts take their rigs out every weekend to get their adrenaline rush. Others only go out once in a while. One essential part of off-road tire maintenance is your storage.
The garage is a popular place to store ATVs and UTVs. This option is convenient, but think about how hot or cold your garage can get. The typical garage gets balmy in the midday sun. Storing your off-roader here advances tire wear and increases the risk of cracks. Cold air from the winter lowers tire pressure, which may help your off-roader. Still, you’ll want full control over this aspect.
So, what’s the solution? One strategy is to remove your off-road tires when they’re not in use. Instead, store them in a climate-controlled room where they’ll be safe. Another option is to use tire covers. These slips protect against ultraviolet (UV) rays and prevent sidewall cracking. They also safeguard from the occasional flooding.
This video has been included for its clarification of the topic matter. Credit goes to Nathan Mueller
Wrapping It Up
Off-road tires are famous for their durability. After all, how else can you tackle the Imperial Sand Dunes in California or the mud bogs in Azusa Canyon?
Despite their endurance, you do need to take care of these tires. Preventive maintenance and careful driving go a long way toward ensuring you have these tires for a long time.
Maintaining off-road tires for muddy, rocky, and tree-root-filled terrains is crucial to ensure optimal performance and durability. Here is a summary of key points to consider:
- Tire Pressure: Adjusting tire pressure based on the terrain is essential. Lowering the tire pressure provides better traction on muddy surfaces and helps absorb impacts from rocks and tree roots. However, it’s important to balance this with the risk of damaging the tire or rim, so follow manufacturer recommendations and use your judgment.
- Tire Tread: Off-road tires typically have aggressive tread patterns designed for different conditions. Regularly inspect the tread for signs of wear and ensure it is deep enough to maintain traction in muddy terrain. Clean out any mud or debris that may accumulate in the tread, as it can affect performance.
- Sidewall Protection: Rocks, roots, and sharp objects can pose a risk of puncturing or damaging the tire’s sidewalls. Consider using tires with reinforced sidewalls or adding protective measures like sidewall guards or rim protectors. Regularly inspect the sidewalls for cuts, bulges, or signs of damage.
- Cleaning: After off-road adventures, clean your tires thoroughly to remove mud, dirt, and debris. Leaving mud or dirt on the tires can cause imbalance and affect performance. Use a gentle brush or pressure washer to clean the tread and sidewalls, ensuring all dirt is removed.
- Inspection and Maintenance: Regularly inspect your tires for signs of wear, damage, or uneven tread wear. Check for embedded rocks or objects that could lead to punctures. Rotate the tires periodically to ensure even wear and prolong their lifespan.
- Driving Technique: Adjust your driving technique based on the terrain. Approach obstacles like rocks and tree roots with caution, selecting the appropriate line and speed to minimize the risk of tire damage. Avoid sudden acceleration or braking, as it can put excessive stress on the tires.
Remember, proper maintenance and care of your off-road tires will enhance their performance, prolong their lifespan, and help keep you safe during off-road adventures. Consult with tire manufacturers or off-road experts for specific guidance on tire maintenance and recommended practices for the terrain you’ll be encountering.
