What Are Mud Tyres?
Mud terrain tyres (MT tyres) are designed mainly for off-road driving. They have aggressive tread patterns, larger tread blocks and deeper grooves to improve traction in mud, rocks, dirt and rough terrain.
Mud tyres are popular on:
- Ford Ranger
- Toyota Hilux
- Nissan Navara
- Isuzu D-Max
- Mitsubishi Triton
Mud tyres provide strong off-road performance but can create more road noise on highways.
What Are All Terrain Tyres?
All terrain tyres (AT tyres) are designed for both on-road and off-road driving. They offer a balance between comfort, durability and off-road capability.
AT tyres are suitable for:
- Daily driving
- Towing
- Gravel roads
- Light off-road use
- Weekend camping trips
All terrain tyres are one of the most popular tyre choices for utes and SUVs in New Zealand.
Road Noise Comparison
Mud tyres are usually louder than all terrain tyres because of their aggressive tread design.
Mud Tyres
- Louder on highways
- More vibration
- More aggressive tread pattern
All Terrain Tyres
- Quieter on roads
- Better driving comfort
- Smoother daily driving experience
If your vehicle is mainly used on-road, AT tyres are usually more comfortable.
Wet Road Performance
All terrain tyres generally perform better on wet roads compared to mud tyres.
AT tyres have:
- Better water dispersion
- More stable road handling
- Improved wet braking
Mud tyres can sometimes feel less stable on wet sealed roads due to their large tread blocks.
For regular city and highway driving, AT tyres are often the safer and more practical option.
Off-Road Performance
Mud tyres perform better in extreme off-road conditions.
Mud Tyres Are Better For:
- Deep mud
- Soft terrain
- Rock crawling
- Serious 4x4 tracks
All Terrain Tyres Are Better For:
- Gravel roads
- Farm use
- Sand
- Mixed driving conditions
Drivers who regularly go off-road often prefer mud tyres for maximum traction.
Which Tyre Is Best for Daily Driving?
All terrain tyres are usually the best option for daily driving.
Benefits of AT tyres for daily use:
- Lower road noise
- Better fuel economy
- Improved comfort
- Better wet road handling
- Longer tread life
AT tyres are ideal for drivers who use their ute for:
- Work
- Family use
- Towing
- Weekend trips
Which Tyre Is Best for 4x4 Use?
The best tyre depends on how the vehicle is used.
Choose Mud Tyres If:
- You regularly drive in mud
- You go off-roading often
- You want aggressive styling
- Your vehicle has lift kits and 4x4 modifications
Choose All Terrain Tyres If:
- You drive mostly on-road
- You occasionally go off-road
- You want comfort and versatility
- You tow or travel long distances
Many NZ drivers choose AT tyres because they provide a good balance between road comfort and off-road capability.
Popular Mud Tyre Sizes
Popular mud tyre sizes include:
These sizes are commonly used on lifted 4x4 utes in New Zealand.
Popular All Terrain Tyre Sizes
Popular AT tyre sizes include:
These sizes are commonly used on daily driven utes and SUVs.
Shop Mud Tyres and AT Tyres at Zoom Tyres
Zoom Tyres offers a wide range of:
- Mud tyres
- All terrain tyres
- Wheel and tyre packages
- 4x4 wheels
- Off-road accessories
Suitable for:
- Ford Ranger
- Toyota Hilux
- Nissan Navara
- Isuzu D-Max
- Mitsubishi Triton
Located in Otahuhu, Auckland with NZ-wide shipping available.
FAQs
Are mud tyres louder than AT tyres?
Yes, mud tyres are generally louder because of their aggressive tread design.
Do mud tyres wear faster?
Mud tyres can wear faster on sealed roads compared to all terrain tyres.
Are AT tyres good off-road?
Yes, AT tyres perform well on gravel, dirt, sand and light off-road tracks.
Which tyres are best for towing?
All terrain tyres are commonly preferred for towing because they offer better road comfort and stability.
Can I use mud tyres every day?
Yes, but they may create more road noise and reduce driving comfort compared to AT tyres.