It wasn’t long ago that pick up trucks were considered nothing more than a utility vehicle for people involved in work at the construction site or on the farm. Needless to say, those days are gone. Today pick up trucks are popular amongst off-road adventurers and explorers, and even as the primary family vehicle for folks in the city and country alike. Of course, with the increased appeal of trucks, there has been a surge in the different trucks on the market, which also means there has been an increase in the variety of truck tires for drivers to choose from. At your local Signature Tire, you’ll find truck tires from plenty of dependable brands, including Continental, Michelin, Cooper, BFGoodrich, Firestone, GT Radial, Yokohama, Bridgestone, General, and more.
The Importance of Treads on Truck Tires
Different treads definitely give your truck a distinct look that will help it stand out from the pack, but their more than just a statement; treads are an important factor in exactly how your truck will handle. At Signature Tire, we carry a wide range of tires, all with distinct treads. So which treads are right for you? Well, that’s going to come down to a mix of personal preference and need.
Truck Tires and Tread Choice
As mentioned above, there are a number of distinct treads available at your local Signature Tire, including:
Highway Tread (HT): Tires with an HT design typically feature a traditional style that includes four circumferential grooves for water evacuation. With shoulders that feature large tread blocks, HT tires will generally offer long mileage, a smooth ride and plenty of fuel economy.
All Terrain Tread (AT): If you’re after a slightly more aggressive look for your vehicle or plan to be tackling some off road adventures, you’ll want to get your hands on tires with AT treads. An AT design means that there will be less rubber coming into contact with the surface in order to create more tracking for when you’re driving on a variety of terrain.
Mud Terrain Tread (MT): A set of MT tires is what you should be going after if you’re a serious off roader. These tires are aggressively designed with small contact pads and a deep initial rubber offering. MT tires are built to dig through whatever you can toss their way, helping to make you an off road legend in the process.
It’s important that you understand the designation of the tire your truck requires, regardless of whether you prefer HT, AT, or MT designs. For example, if your truck has a P (Passenger) designation, it requires P tires, similarly, an LT (Light Truck) designation requires LT tires to carry or tow the heavier loads your vehicle is designed for.
If you install P tires on a LT designated vehicle, it could result in overloading which can cause issues with your vehicle. If you’re unsure of your vehicle designation, refer to the placard inside your vehicle, or stop into your local Signature Tire to speak to an expert about the right tires for you.
