What are all terrain tyres?

Unlock Adventure

Dan Connoll by Dan Connoll - updated Jun 6, 2025
4 min read
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If you’ve ever wondered, What are all terrain tyres, you’re in the right place. This blog will clearly explain all-terrain tyres, highlighting their unique features and explaining why they might be the perfect choice for some drivers considering a change.

All-terrain tyres are designed for those who seek a balance between comfortable on-road performance and strong off-road capability. They enable you to explore new adventures and allow for confident navigation through various terrains. These versatile tyres handle smooth, paved roads while excelling in challenging environments like rugged trails, gravel paths, and muddy landscapes.

All-terrain tyres are characterised by distinctive tread patterns that often include larger, more aggressive treads for improved traction on uneven ground and flatter areas for road stability. Their reinforced sidewalls enhance durability, enabling them to withstand the rigours of rough terrain.

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast ready to explore off-road landscapes or a daily commuter who occasionally travels on dirt roads, all-terrain tyres could be the perfect solution, seamlessly connecting urban driving with wilderness adventures. If you’re considering making the switch to these multifunctional tyres, this post will equip you with the knowledge needed to make an informed decision.

What are all terrain tyres

All-Terrain Tyres, or AT tyres, are designed for adventurous drivers. They have a tread design that balances highway safety and off-road grip. This allows you to navigate roads and tackle dirt or gravel trails confidently. You can even handle mild mud or snow with them. They’re ideal for country living or for work vehicles that need versatility. In short, all-terrain tyres help you reach any destination. There are plenty of options available. Check out our top 5 all-terrain tyres based on your driving needs.

Here's what sets them apart:

Aggressive Tread: All-terrain tyres feature a more open tread pattern with wider grooves and larger blocks. This design improves traction on loose surfaces and helps remove mud and water for better grip.

Reinforced Construction: These tyres have tougher sidewalls and multi-ply construction. They are built to resist punctures and damage during off-road adventures.

Versatility: All-terrain tyres, like the General Grabber AT3, are highly adaptable. They perform well in various driving conditions and last longer than specialised off-road highway tyres. Plus, they are quieter on the road than mud tyres.

'What are all terrain tyres?' an example of them on a truck

Who Needs All Terrain Tyres?

All Terrain Tyres suit a wide range of drivers and vehicles:

Outdoor Adventurers: If your weekends involve camping, fishing, or exploring nature’s playgrounds, all-terrain tyres will confidently get you there and back. The BFGoodrich KO2 is an excellent choice when your key focus is getting offroad. And the highly-anticipated BFGoodrich KO3 is dropping in limited sizes from April 2025 too!
Pickup Truck and SUV Owners: These vehicles often find themselves in scenarios where extra traction is beneficial, making All Terrain Tyres a popular choice of SUV tyre. In fact, pickups like the Ford Raptor come fitted with the General AT3 as OE, just like the newer Isuzu.
Residents of Rugged Areas: If you live in areas with unpaved roads, seasonal snow, or unpredictable weather conditions, All Terrain Tyres will provide dependable performance.
Commuters Seeking Extra Capability: Even if you spend most of your time on the pavement, All Terrain Tyres offer peace of mind when an unexpected detour or poor weather arises.

What are all terrain tyres? They are used for adventures and for work.

Important Note

If you are a serious off-road enthusiast regularly tackling extremely rocky trails or deep mud, dedicated mud-terrain tyres might be a better choice. While All Terrain Tyres offer respectable versatility, they do come with a slight trade-off in ultimate off-road grip. You can check out our comparison of all-terrain tyres and mud terrain tyres to help you make your mind up on which would suit you most.

Choosing the Right All Terrain Tyres

With numerous AT tyre options on the market, consider your individual needs:

Terrain Priority: Assess how much on-road versus off-road driving you typically do and choose tyres accordingly.
Noise Levels: Some all-terrain tyres can be noisier than standard highway tyres. If this is a concern, look for ratings or reviews that address noise output.
Weather Conditions: Certain All Terrain Tyres offer specific winter capabilities or prioritize wet-weather performance.

Now that we understand what are all terrain tyres, you can check out this article to see our picks for the best of the best.

A Range rover using All Terrain Tyres in wet Weather Conditions

Embrace the All-Terrain Advantage

Consider all-terrain tyres if you want a tyre that boosts your vehicle’s capabilities while ensuring comfort. They’re great for SUVs! Explore confidently and embrace every adventure. Not sure what are all terrain tyres Contact our pro-team today to find the ideal AT tyres for you and your vehicle.

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