Choosing the perfect all-terrain (AT) tyres for your 4×4 doesn’t have to be complicated. With Australia’s vast terrains and ever-changing weather, it’s important to pick tyres that suit your lifestyle and driving habits. Whether you’re commuting during the week or hitting rugged tracks on the weekend, AT tyres provide a balanced mix of comfort and off-road capability. They bridge the gap between standard road tyres and mud-terrain (MT) options. We’ve written this guide to help you choose the right AT Tyres for your 4WD, address common questions that our previous buyers like yourself have had! If you want to compare Predator X-AT Tyre and X-MT tyre, please check “Which Tyre Should I get? “
Let’s first talk about why YOU should choose All-Terrain Tyres for your 4WD
Honestly speaking, most Aussies who drive their 4WD don’t just spend all their time in the country doing tracks they spend majority of the time on sealed bitumen roads, and this is where having a strong balance is important and AT Tyres provide just that! Unlike specialised tyres that excel in either on-road or off-road scenarios, AT tyres deliver a well-rounded performance. They’re built to provide excellent grip on gravel, mud, and rocky trails while ensuring a smooth, reliable and quiet ride on sealed roads. For most of us drivers (Unless you’re lucky enough to be extreme trails all day) AT Tyres are going to provide you with everything you need for your weekend retreats and daily commutes.
Key Considerations When Choosing 4WD AT Tyres
Match Your Tyres to Your Driving Style
This is where you need to think about how and where you drive. Are you primarily on highways but enjoy weekend escapes to the bush? Or do you regularly hit muddy tracks and rocky terrains? If you have any sort of balance in this answer, which for most people is driving mostly on-road with occasional off-road use, then tyres with a 70% on-road and 30% off-road design, like the Predator X-AT , are a perfect fit! They handle the daily commute with ease while giving you confidence on trails, which is what most 4WD truly need.
Get the Right Size for Your Vehicle
Tyre size is critical. It impacts fuel efficiency, handling, and overall performance. Popular sizes in Australia include:
265/70R17: A versatile option frequently seen on models like the Toyota Prado and Ford Ranger. This size balances on-road comfort with moderate off-road capability, making it ideal for mixed-use drivers.
285/70R17: Popular among owners of larger 4WDs like the Toyota Land Cruiser and Nissan Patrol, this size offers enhanced ground clearance and a more aggressive stance, perfect for tackling tougher off-road conditions while maintaining reliable highway performance.
285/75R16: This size suits vehicles like older Land Cruisers or Mitsubishi Pajero’s that benefit from a taller sidewall for added shock absorption and off-road grip. It’s a great choice for rugged terrains without compromising too much on-road comfort.
33×12.50R17: A favoured choice for modified 4WDs like Jeep Wranglers or heavily upgraded Land Cruisers. This size provides exceptional off-road traction and an imposing aesthetic for enthusiasts tackling mud, sand, or rock crawling.
35×12.50R17: Typically fitted by the extreme off-road enthusiasts, this size is ideal for vehicles with suspension lifts, such as heavily customized Nissan Patrols or Land Cruiser 79 Series. It offers unparalleled ground clearance and traction but requires gearing adjustments and impacts on-road efficiency.
While we have provided a bit of a guide for some of the common vehicle models that use each tyre size, always consult a local dealer or expert when considering your own vehicle!
Think About Fuel Economy
It’s no secret that AT tyres typically use more fuel than your stock tyres, that said, not all 4WD AT tyres are equal. Models like Predator X-AT are built with this in mind and use advanced compounds to reduce rolling resistance, helping improve fuel efficiency. If this is a common issue for you, other things such as regularly checking your tyre pressure and ensuring proper alignment can further reduce unnecessary fuel consumption.
Towing and Load Capacities
If you tow a caravan, boat, or heavy loads, or considering doing so in the future, it’s important to know that the tyres carrying larger weights are reliable and safe. We highly recommend anyone who is looking to tow higher capacities to consider the extra reliability AT Tyres can bring, giving you peace of mind on your next trip to the boat ramp or into the country.
What Most AT Tyres Get Wrong That the Predator X-AT Gets Right (And Looks Great Doing)
Road Noise
AT tyres are naturally louder than highway tyres due to their tread design. However, Predator X-AT incorporates noise-reducing technology, including staggered shoulder lugs and advanced tread compounds, to ensure a quieter ride.
Fuel Efficiency
Yes, AT tyres generally consume more fuel. But Predator’s innovative tread design minimizes rolling resistance, striking a balance between performance and efficiency.
Bitumen Wear
Frequent highway use can cause uneven wear on standard AT tyres. Predator X-AT offers an 80,000 km tread-life guarantee, ensuring durability for both on-road and off-road adventures.
Final Thoughts
All-terrain tyres offer the perfect balance for Australian drivers who need dependable performance on and off the road. Predator X-AT tyres stand out in the crowded AT tyre market, thanks to their innovative design, durability, and ability to handle a range of driving conditions.
For your next tyre upgrade, consider Predator X-AT and make the right choice of reliability and performance, that many people like yourself have done already!
