5 Best Mud Tires
Do you want to have the best mud tires for off-road traction? If so, then mud tires are what you need. Mud terrain tires are designed with deep treads in order to keep your car steady when driving through mud, sand, and another rough terrain. They’re ideal for trucks that use their back end as a plow or for 4×4’s that do lots of off-roading. In this article, we’ll review the benefits of owning these types of tires, give tips on where to buy them, and mention some popular models.
BEST PICK | Best Budget | Honorable Mention |
BFGOODRICH Mud Terrain T/A KM3 | Cooper Evolution M/T All-Season | Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ P3 |
The BFGoodrich® Mud-Terrain T/A® KM3 is a high-performance tire designed for UTVs. The tread compound enhances grip on rock and slick surfaces while the tread pattern gives you the traction needed to tackle any terrain. | The Cooper Evolution M/T is a bold all-terrain tire that delivers on the promise of a rugged, durable tread pattern. Engineered to handle mud and snow with enhanced traction, this tire provides heavy-duty performance for trucks and SUVs. Cooper’s proprietary 2-ply polyester casing design makes this tire highly puncture-resistant while delivering long wear life. | Mickey Thompson’s Baja MTZ P3 is designed for performance in mud, sand, and rocks. The tread compound is silica-reinforced to give it excellent chip resistance, while the three-ply sidewall guards against punctures. A revolutionary four-pitch sidewall pattern grips the terrain and doesn’t let go. The Baja MTZ P3 is available in 15-, 16-, 17- and 18-inch sizes. |
* Core guard max technology * Mud Phobic shoulder bar * 27% stiffer sidewalls * Baja champion | * Puncture resistant * 2- ply polyester casing * Center siping and reinforced shoulder grooves * Optimized tread | * Silica reinforced tread * 3- ply sidewall * Sidebiter pattern * Stone ejectors and variable draft angles |
* Noisy on pavement * Sidewalls are thin | * Slips a little on wet surface * Somewhat noisy when the tread wears down | * Relatively pricy * Lose traction on wet roads * A little noisy |
10 Benefits of Mud Tires
Off-Roading
Mud terrain tires provide increased traction, floatation, and flotation. Have your mud tire orders ready to take on the next off-road driving adventure.
Better Traction
The majority of all vehicle accidents happen due to skidding out. With better traction provided by your new set of mud tires, you won’t have this problem anymore.
Long-Lasting Tire Life Span
A great benefit of using sturdy rubber is how long they will last–longer than traditional car tires.
Improved Handling
Quality mud-terrain tires will improve handling while providing increased traction while driving through rough terrain.
Improved Fuel Efficiency
When you install your new set of mud tires, not only will they improve handling, but serious improvements in fuel efficiency as well!
Lower Tire Replacement & Maintenance Costs
There is no need for expensive tire rotations or replacements with high-quality rubber-like those found on our durable mud tires. Don’t forget the oil changes too which means less money out of pocket at that end-of-the-month bill time.
Texture
Good For Off-Road performance.
Types Of Mud Tires
Heavy Duty Mud Tires
This tire is a heavy-duty, aggressive style of all-terrain tires that are made specifically for the mud. They have large lugs and big sidewalls which allow them to be used on any terrain, from the jungle to the desert.
Mud Tires For Street
These tires are designed to be used on the street as well as in mud. It has a large lug size and sidewall width that allows it to have good traction while being driven through tough terrain, but it can still be safely driven on city streets.
Bias-Ply Tires
This tire is made up of many layers with gaps between these layers which makes it weaker than other types of Mud tires. These do not last long because there is more rubber exposed once this type of tire gets worn out. Also, Bias-Ply tires require higher inflation pressure for better performance due to their single-ply construction compared to Multi-Ply designs found in radial or bias-belted tires.
Multi-Tire Design (MTD)
The Multi-Tire design or MTD is a tire that has been designed for use on the street but will also work in mud. This tire can be used anywhere from dry to wet roads, and snow traction and is great for any terrain where conditions are tough.
Radial Tires
The radial type of Mud Tires has an even number of layers stacked with rubber between them which helps make it sturdy while still providing good traction when driven over difficult and uneven terrain. These tires require less pressure than bias types because they do not need as much give due to their construction compared to Bias Ply designs.
Mud Terrain (MT) Tires
The Mud-Terrain Type Of Tire comes in either bias ply or radial styles. They’re similar to all terrains with a larger lug size and deep tread pattern. The Mud-Terrain is known for its aggressive look but also performs well on the street.
Top Brands
Bf Goodrich
BFGoodrich is a brand that has been around since the early 1900s. They have built their reputation on solid construction and superior materials to ensure long-lasting tires.
Goodyear
For over 100 years Goodyear has been creating quality tires of all types for cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, ATVs s, etc. Their goal is to be number one in tire performance so you can always trust your vehicle will perform at its best with good year rubber under them.
Cooper Tires
A company made up of many smaller companies which include Falken Tires, Hercules Tires Coopers Tires is known as “the workhorse” because they last longer than other brands while providing excellent traction off-road or on.
Falken Tires
Falken Tire s has been making quality tires for a long time and is currently owned by Sumitomo Rubber Industries, one of the world’s largest tire manufacturers.
Hercules Tires
Hercules has been around since 1895 where they were originally from Akron Ohio but moved to California in 1986. They are known as “the workhorse” because they’re built tough with durability in mind.
Interco Tires
Interco was founded over 50 years ago when it began selling its products through the United States Armed Forces serving overseas, making sure all vehicles had high-performance off-road capabilities. Since then they’ve developed an industry-leading engineering team that designs their Mud Terrain type of tires specifically for superior traction on the roughest terrains.
Maxxis Tires
Maxxis Tire s are designed and built for off-road performance in every type of driving condition, from mud to asphalt. All tires meet or exceed the traction requirements set by many worldwide governing organizations such as JATMA, SNELL M2015, and DOT FMVSS 218/228.
Nitto Mud Grappler
The Nitto Mud Grappler is a versatile tire that has been engineered with an aggressive look but will also perform well on wet roads. It’s made up of three different types of treads which provide good all-around grip when driven through difficult terrain. This can be attributed to its construction because it uses a combination of two layers of silica compound and a layer of Nitto’s tread rubber which is specially designed to provide the best traction.
Pirelli Tires
A company founded in 1872 whose stated goal was to “enhance people’s lives through their knowledge, sophistication, and passion for the road”. This goal has been accomplished by providing high-quality tires that have won more world rally championships than any other brand including great mud-terrain designs such as the P Zero Rosso Asimmetrico & Scorpion Verde All Season.
General Grabber
The General grabber is known for its aggressive look but also performs well on the street. It has a large lug size and deep tread which provides good traction when driving through rough terrains such as mud, rocks, and snow.
Mud Tire Pricing Categories
$120 or less:
This includes entry-level tires that are not meant for serious offroading. They do well in mud, but their traction is limited and they wear down quickly on terrain other than dirt or mud.
$120 – $300:
These are your standard all-around ATV / UTV tires designed to perform well both on-road and offroad. The tread depth isn’t too deep which allows them to last longer everywhere except the hardest of terrains like rocks, etc.
$300+:
These are your heavy-duty ATV/UTVs with deeper lugs offering much more aggressive performance across any surface you can throw at it including hard-packed roads where most lightweight muds will fail under high speeds! You’ll find these often come as OE equipment on higher-end models.
Key Features Of Best Mud terrain Tires
Mud Tires are essential to have in the farm equipment. They allow you to traverse through muddy fields without getting stuck! Your tractor must be equipped with mud tires for not only safety but also productivity. Here are some guidelines when it comes to choosing Mud Tires:
Number of Ply:
There are three different types of ply found in Mud Tire construction; two-ply, four-ply, and six-ply. The higher number of plies means that there will be more strength added into each tire which adds durability at a small price increase per tire. If you’re looking for affordability then go with a four or six-ply option instead!
Width
The width of the Mud Tire will change how much surface area you have on each tire. Wider width gives your tractor more stability and grip which makes it better for use in different terrains like marshy fields or rocky paths!
Size/Tire Height
This is another factor to take into consideration when picking out a new set of Mud Tires. Size refers to the actual height (in inches) from rim to tread, while Tire Height relates specifically to the distance between the ground and where tread starts; this can be an important distinction as well since mud tires are generally taller than other types!
Performance Rating
You’ll want to match up your required performance rating with either high-quality heavy-duty rubber mud tires OR low-quality but lighter weight tractor tires. In general, a higher performance rating will give you better traction and overall grip on the field which is crucial for getting your job done efficiently. As for low-quality lightweight mud tires, these are more likely to puncture if you’re working on rocky terrain.
Width of Tractor
This is dependent upon your tractor type! Three different classes ranging from small subcompact tractors up to large heavy-duty category five models. You must know what size class your tractor falls under since width will vary per model and brand.
Tread Pattern
Mud Tires come in a variety of different tread patterns that can add greater stability and traction to your tractor. If you’re looking for more grip then go with an open tread pattern that has several grooves running along the bottom! Open rubber isn’t as durable but it does have great mud-clearing capabilities so if you find yourself stuck in thick mud often then an open tread pattern is your best bet!
A solid rubber tire has a thick and smooth surface which makes it great for heavy load work. It provides excellent traction in most conditions but doesn’t do well with mud or rocky terrain so use this one when you’re working on flat dry surfaces only.
Side Walls
Sidewalls on a Mud Tire can come in various types including smooth, crowned, or ribbed. Generally speaking, the smoother the sidewall is then the less likely you are to get stuck! When you’re working through marshy fields where your tractor’s power may be reduced it makes sense that you would want as much traction as possible; however, it’s not wise to choose a rubber with rough sides since you’ll most likely get stuck in the mud.
List of Top 5 Best Mud Tires
1. BFGOODRICH Mud Terrain T/A KM3
BFGoodrich® Mud Terrain T/A® KM3 UTV tires are a new generation of open-terrain, all-terrain tires designed specifically for the demanding needs of today’s UTV owner. The tread compound is optimized for use in mud and loose soil while maintaining excellent on-road performance and handling. A unique sidewall design provides durability and strength to resist punctures from sharp rocks or debris. And an aggressive tread pattern with deep siping ensures exceptional traction in soft terrain.
Product Features
- Core guard max technology
- Mud Phobic shoulder bar
- 27% stiffer sidewalls
- Baja champion
2. Cooper Evolution M/T All-Season
$245.27
Cooper Evolution M/T All-Season tires are the perfect blend of on and off-road performance. Cooper’s proprietary tread compound is engineered to provide enhanced traction in muddy conditions, while its aggressive tread pattern helps channel water away from the tire for improved wet weather handling. The all-new sidewall design features a bold look that complements your vehicle’s style, while also providing increased durability against damage from gravel and debris. Cooper’s Evolution M/T All-Season tires feature an optimized tread pattern designed to tackle mud with enhanced traction, without compromising on dry road handling capabilities.
Product Features
- Puncture resistant
- 2- ply polyester casing
- Center siping and reinforced shoulder grooves
- Optimized tread
3. Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ P3
$328.57
Baja MTZ P3 is the latest mud tire from Mickey Thompson. It’s a third-generation compound that is designed for extreme performance in muddy conditions. The Baja MTZ P3 is available in 15,16 and 17-inch sizes and comes with an aggressive tread pattern to provide maximum traction on any terrain you might encounter. It has deep, wide lugs to help disperse the weight of your vehicle evenly across its surface area so it can handle heavy loads without sinking too far into the mud or getting stuck. Order it now.
Product features
- Silica reinforced tread
- 3- ply sidewall
- Sidebiter pattern
- Stone ejectors and variable draft angle
4. Forceum M/T 08 Plus Mud Tire
The Forceum M/T 08 Plus is an all-season mud terrain tire manufactured for light trucks. The tire offers excellent all-weather traction, and even in winter weather conditions offers great road grip. The tread cleans out mud and snow stuck between the tread blocks, while it also channels water away from the tread to resist hydroplaning. The tire design’s center rib helps boost the tire’s steering responsiveness, driving stability, and mud traction. The improved steering is more precise and quick to respond, while the driving stability prevents the M/T 08 Plus from deforming under pressure.
Product features
- Self-cleaning tread
- Steering responsiveness
- Enhanced grip
- Driving stability
5. Marathon Industries Universal Fit
The Marathon Industries Universal Fit Utility Tire is a great alternative to air-filled tires. This tire can be used for hand trucks, lawn and garden equipment, and more. It has the same feel and handling as an air-filled tire but is guaranteed to never go flat. The Marathon Industries Universal Tire features a load capacity of 250 pounds and a sawtooth tread for the perfect balance of traction and maneuverability. This tire comes with a 2.25″ offset hub and bearings for a 5/8″ axle pre-installed.
Product features
- 2 step tread block
- Scalloped should lugs
- Silica reinforced tread compound
Tips
- Don’t drive on wet roads. This will prevent your mud tires from slipping and therefore losing traction power.
- Always keep an eye out for rocks, as they might damage the tire itself or even pinch a hole in it (which is not repairable).
- If you happen to get stuck with your car on some soft ground, try backing up while braking. This will cause the tires to spin and get you out of there in no time.
- Be careful on the road, as mud tires tend to make your car slide and lose control.
- Driving with a flat tire is not recommended, but if you happen to do it anyways – be sure to lower your speed limit!
- Also keep an eye out for any rocks that might have been left behind from some previous driver who had the same tires as you.
- When driving with mud tires, always keep an eye out for any rocks that might have been left behind by previous drivers who also had these types of tires installed on their vehicles.
- Mud Tires are not recommended to be driven in wet conditions due to the lack of grip power they will provide.
FAQs
Are mud tires expensive?
Mud Tires can be very cheap or they can cost a lot depending on the make and the quality.
Are mud tires good for off-road use?
Yes, they are very good for any type of off-road use.
How many tires are needed to have a good set of mud tires?
It depends on the size and type of vehicle, but you can generally have at least four for a good set.
How to mount mud tires?
You will need tire mounting tools and rim protectors as well as an air compressor. Mud Tires are easy to install once they are mounted on the rims.
What sizes do they come in and what is the difference between them?
There are several different companies out there that make quality mud tires. One of our favorites is Nitto, which you can learn more about here. They offer many different sizes to choose from depending on the size of your truck or vehicle.
Final Verdict
In the end, there are a lot of factors to consider when buying tires for your car. You have different types and brands to choose from—but you also need to decide if you want mud tires or street-legal ones. But with this guide in hand, we hope it’s easier than ever before.
Mud tires are important to have for any off-road adventure. If you’re looking for the best, we recommend taking a look at our top 5 picks today! Our team of experts has taken all factors into consideration so that no matter your needs and budget, you’ll find the perfect set of mud tires here. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.