Although mud terrain tires are best known for their ability to handle rough off-road tracks as well as dirt, pebbles, and mud, they can also be driven on-road.
Furthermore, the advancements in the build of these tires have dramatically improved their performance on-road compared to mud tires made a decade earlier.
But if you are wondering how long do mud terrain tires last on-road, then read this article. We will discuss everything about mud tires so you can make a well-informed decision while buying tires.
Before we dive into the lifespan of mud tires, let’s take a look at mud tires.
Table of Contents
What Are Mud Tires?
Mud tires are off-road tires with large and widely placed tread blocks with deep unfilled spaces between them.
These spaces help channel water, mud, sand, dirt, and rocks from the tires and ensure that the surface area is always unclogged for superior traction on the terrain.
They are also heavy-duty tires, which means they can carry heavy loads.
How Are Mud Tires Different from Other Tires?
Unlike other off-road tires, mud tires are specially designed to be driven on off-roads. With thick sidewalls, you will not feel the roughness of the terrain.
The sidewalls are also made to hold against jagged or sharp rocks. Plus, the fact that they look really intimidating on a jeep or truck is a bonus.
Related Guide: Mud Tires for Jeep
How Long Do Mud Terrain Tires Last On-Road?
Below, we are gonna inspect several aspects of the topic to learn how long do mud tires last on-road.
Mud Tires of Past Years
Mud tires provide a greater grip on off-roads. Thus, for many years, they were limited to being used on rugged terrains.
Also, the uncomfortable ride and the noise due to the large tread blocks on the surface of the tires put off many from using it on-road.
The tires were very hard and firm, so not meant to provide a comfortable ride, and the tread wore out unevenly and quickly.
Moreover, the ‘bias-ply’ sidewalls meant the tires were lesser resistant to sharp rocks and gravels.
But as many roads became developed and people wanted to drive using one set of tires, demand for improved mud tires increased.
And thanks to people’s demand and advancement in technology, mud tires nowadays have improved features.
Longevity of Today’s Mud Tires
The mud tires of today can last anywhere from 40,000 to 50,000 miles on-road. Such longevity means you do not need to change tires often.
Now that is an impressive mileage, and this amazing feat was achieved by improving tread patterns, the composition of rubbers as well as the structure of the mud tires.
These improved the capability and drivability of these tires on highways and other paved surfaces where they previously left a lot to desire.
Drivable on Streets
Hence, they are now street legal and can easily be driven on highways or taken for a spin around the city. You should keep in mind that mud tires have to be rotated frequently if you do not want to replace the tires too soon, uneven wear on the blocks, and noise.
Improved Composition
Many mud tires now have better rubber composition, which not only increases traction but also minimizes tread deterioration. Hence, you can easily use them for a long time, unlike some other off-road tires.
Along with drivability, integration of computer-designed changes in tread pattern have significantly reduced noise and made driving on paved roads much more comfortable.
Why Use Mud Tires?
If you are into venturing out in the rugged wilderness or have to carry heavy loads and travel through off-road frequently, or you simply want your truck or jeep to stand out, mud tires are for you.
Durable and Self-Cleaning
With aggressive tread patterns and wide spaces in between, these tires will slice through mud and then channel it out, so you get a greater grip on challenging grounds. Its self-cleaning feature also saves you the hassle of maintaining it thoroughly.
Furthermore, its heavy build assures that you will be secured from abrasions or punctures.
Versatile
And modern mud tires are more versatile because you can drive on paved roads and highways and then move to off-road without needing to change tires or bracing yourself for an uncomfortable ride.
In challenging muddy, sandy, or rocky terrains, mud tires can beat every other off-terrain with its superior grip, resistance to abrasion, and firmness.
Drawbacks of Mud Tires
Regardless of the longevity and benefits of using mud tires, there are a few drawbacks that have to be kept in mind.
Not Suitable in Snow
Mud tires are not good on icy or slippery roads. While it provides undoubted excellent traction on sand, mud, and difficult off-road area, it simply cannot provide enough traction in a slippery icy road. This is because of the wide gaps between the tread blocks.
They can channel mud and water out and deflect rocks, but ice coagulates in the gaps, making the tires lose grip.
If there is heavy or light snow where you live, then opt for either all-terrain or snow tires for the winter season. These tires have sipes (small slits) in the tires that provide an enhanced grip on icy roads.
Also, if you do not drive off-terrain often and solely travel on smooth paved roads, then you can opt for all-terrain or street tires because they are designed especially for on-road or highways.
Conclusion
If you are an adventurer or off-road enthusiast, or if you travel off-road frequently for work, mud tires are an absolute necessity for you.
With their aggressive wide tread patterns and deep space in between the blocks, you will have excellent control over anything a rugged terrain can throw at you.
Previously, mud tires did not perform well on-road and wore out easily besides being extremely noisy and uncomfortable.
However, due to manufacturers’ continuous developments in the structure and composition of mud tires, they now last significantly longer on-road.
So, regardless of whether you want to go around the town or blaze through rugged terrain into the unknown, be assured that mud tires can take you there.