Tires are the only parts of the vehicle that engage in direct contact with the road underneath. And in an emergency situation, the right set of tires can save more than one life.
That said, there is no lack of tires on the market, and which ones are the right fit for your vehicle can depend both on your own driving skills, and on the type of the vehicle itself.
In this Falken Wildpeak AT3W vs. BFG KO2 guide, we will be talking about, comparing, and contrasting two tires from two brands: the Falken Wildpeak AT3W and the BFGoodrich (BFG) KO2.
Table of Contents
What Are All-Terrain Tires and Which Vehicles Need Them?
Since both the Falken Wildpeak AT3W and the BFG KO2 are all-terrain tires, let us have a look into what that means exactly.
All-terrain means exactly what it sounds like. These tires are suitable to run on all types of terrain, whether that be on-road or off-road.
And these tires feature a combination of the open-tread design seen on off-road tires and the impeccable handling of regular street tires.
It should be noted that all-terrain tires are meant to be operated on all types of roads, not just highways or paved roads or off-road.
Usually, all-terrain tires will have reinforced sidewalls, which allow for more load carrying capacity for the vehicle they are attached to.
They are also usable during all weathers, and this includes wet or icy weather.
The types of vehicles that benefit the most from all-terrain tires are usually light trucks, pick-up trucks, sports utility vehicles (SUVs), campers, and any four-wheel-drive car.
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An Overview of the Falken Wildpeak AT3W Tire
The Falken Wildpeak AT3W is an all-terrain and any-weather tire that is suitable for rocky, muddy terrain, as well as for paved roads.
It performs equally well both on-road and off-road. This tire features a heat diffusing technology that directs heat away from its internal parts.
Keeping the internal components of the tire helps it remain stable while carrying heavy loads.
The shoulders of the Falken Wildpeak AT3W are interlocked, thanks to the 3D Canyon sipe technology. This technology prevents wear and tear due to high torque.
Not to mention the ample tread depth and functional design, which not only improves handling of the vehicle and makes it able to operate during all weathers, but also repels grime and stones from getting stuck inside the grooves.
All in all, this all-terrain tire from Falken is suitable for adventure rides as well as for day-to-day driving.
It also comes with a limited tread life warranty of 55,000 miles. The tire is available in diameter sizes of 15 inches, 16 inches, and 17 inches.
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An Overview of the BFG KO2 Tire
Similar to the Falken Wildpeak AT3W, this 4th generation of BF Goodrich’s all-terrain tires is not only suitable for all types of terrain, but also for all kinds of weather.
The BFG KO2 is great for both on-road and off-road driving, as well. Its sidewall is 20% stronger than that of its previous generation, which is a much-desired feature when driving on tricky terrain.
CoreGard technology was used to enhance the BFG KO2’s sidewall to make it resistant to splitting and bruising and to also help it deflect debris such as soil or rocks.
The serrated shoulder design makes way for impeccable handling of the vehicle on softer terrain, such as deep snow.
And the 3D sipe technology also helps with better traction on snow.
Its tread rubber has been specially formulated to endure gravel roads well.
The tread design also distributes stress evenly throughout the tire so that wear time is extended and, when it does wear down, it does so in a more uniform manner.
And the BFG KO2 tires are available in diameters of 15 inches and 16 inches.
Falken Wildpeak AT3W vs. BFG KO2 – Head-to-Head Comparison
As we can see, both of these all-terrain tires are great for on-road and off-road driving, as well as for driving in any weather condition.
However, there will still be some differences between the two, which might influence your final decision of which of the two to buy.
Advantages of Falken Wildpeak AT3W
Here are the advantages of using a Falken Wildpeak AT3W;
Heat Diffuser
The heat diffuser technology of the Falken Wildpeak AT3W helps keep the tire and its internal components cool.
Commendable Tread Design
Its tread design makes it durable and helps it remain stable while carrying heavy loads.
An Off-Road Performer
Not to mention, the Falken Wildpeak AT3W is great for off-road driving, be it on muddy or rocky terrain.
Sensitivity to Handling
It is also quite responsive to cornering, and makes for a comfortable ride, no matter what the road conditions are.
Minimal Vibration and Affordability
This tire also gives off very little vibration on uneven terrain and is relatively affordable.
Disadvantages of Falken Wildpeak AT3W
Here are the disadvantages of using a Falken Wildpeak AT3W;
Mild and Occasional Vibrations
All that said, the Falken Wildpeak AT3W can, on occasion, produce vibrations and noise during highway drives.
This is because it specializes in off-road driving. Though, it should be noted that the vibrations and noise have only been noticed by a handful of drivers.
Limitation of Sizes
This tire also comes in only a limited number of sizes.
Advantages of BFG KO2 Tire
Here are the advantages of using a BFG KO2 Tire;
A Much-Improved Successor to an Already Reputed Tire
While the BFG KO2 can be an expensive option, it does build on the reputation of its predecessor as an excellent all-terrain, off-road tire.
Tread Design and Durability
It has a tough tread design and a historically durable tread life.
Decent Range of Available Sizes
This tire also comes in a number of sizes. More so than the Falken Wildpeak AT3W.
All-Season Suitability
The BFG KO2 provides fabulous traction on icy and wet roads, in addition to its great performance on dry roads.
Disadvantages of BFG KO2 Tire
Here are the disadvantages of using a BFG KO2 Tire;
Tread Life Isn’t as Long as the Falken Wildpack AT3W
Although boasting a long tread life, the BFG KO2 still does not beat the tread life of the Falken Wildpeak AT3W.
Conclusion
As has been mentioned already, though both tires can be judged objectively (based on their respective features), it is important to note that a driver’s choice to pick one or the other will always be something that is subjective.
Therefore, this article has attempted to highlight the central features and traits of each tire as they stand, so that you can decide which one will suit your individual driving needs best and purchase that one.