Things to Know Off-road Racing Tires

People who are excited about off-road racing and want to try it themselves must consider one important element – off-road tires. Since the terrain is unpredictable and rough, everything has to be in tip-top condition. Normally there isn’t much information readily available on the internet about off-road racing tires. So, we’ve decided to include some of the most important things to know when using or looking for off-road racing tires.

1. Tire design

Off-road tires are radial tires featuring thick and deep treads. The exposed edges of the tread dig into soft ground, giving it more traction. This is why these tires perform better on loose surfaces but struggle on paved surfaces. There are some off-road tires that can be used with low inflation on difficult terrain. This reduces their rigidity and allows the tread to conform to the terrain.

2. Modifications to rig

Most people have the misconception that larger tire sizes translate to better off-road performance. While it is true in some aspects, not all rigs can accommodate large, beefy tires without a lift. Before committing to a tire change, owners should understand that the wrong choice in tires can change the geometry of the suspension system, put stress on other parts of the car and lower fuel efficiency.

As big tires are heavier, you will need more force to get your cat moving, which will undoubtedly impact gas mileage. To get by this, many car owners upgrade the driveshaft or reduce the gear ratio to get more power. For instance, 3.78 is a common gear ratio. However, changing a gear isn’t a DIY job and should be handled by experts. Professionals can easily upgrade the axle, change to longer shocks, and extend brake lines.

3. Understanding speed rating and load index numbers of tires

The speed rating and load index indicate how fast a particular tire is meant to spin and how much weight it can carry respectively. When choosing new off-road tires, it’s very important that one looks at these numbers, making sure the tires are suitable for off-road travel.

The load index number helps in calculating the total weight that the tires are designed to carry when properly inflated. A higher number means a higher load capacity. A fairly high load index value is 116 which corresponds to a load capacity of 2756 lbs. Placing four of these together can yield a total weight carrying capacity of 11,024 lbs. However, vehicle owners should keep some factors in mind.

1. When off-roading, not having all tires full-inflated can decrease off-road performance and impact the load index.
2. The gross vehicle weight of the vehicle includes the weight of the vehicle itself as well as the weight of passengers, gears and any modifications made.

The tire speed rating is represented by a letter next to the load index value of the tire. For instance, for the 116L tire, the L represents the speed rating. The speed rating can tell us the maximum speed that a tire is capable of achieving within its recommended load capacity. Speed ratings usually range from A to Y. The higher the letter, the faster the tire speed.

If one is to go over the speed rating of a tire, he or she runs the risk of blowing a tire and damaging the rig. The speed rating of the tires also affects the maneuverability of the vehicle, the handling of the vehicle, and other performance-related concerns such as stopping.

4. Types of off-road tires

The width of the tires affects the traction the car gets when traveling off-road. The grip depends on the amount of rubber making contact with the ground. However, wider tires are also heavier which can affect a car’s fuel efficiency. Thus, depending on the terrain, one should select either narrow or wide off-road tires. Wide-off road tires are suited for terrains such as mud and sand. A tire width of at least 12 to 13.5 inches can easily handle sinking terrain.

Narrow off-road tires are a common choice for rock crawling. They don’t stick out as much, which makes them easier to travel on tight, rocky corridors and paths. They are often called pizza cutters due to their tall and skinny frame.

5. The rubber compound

Off-road tires are made of different rubber compounds compared to standard tires, which can impact their lifespan. Off-road tires have a shorter tread life compared to standard tires. This is due to the fact that they use softer rubber to give them more grip on rugged terrain. The average lifespan of off-road tires, depending on the brand, falls somewhere between 40,000 miles and 70,000 miles.

Conclusion

The key to selecting a good set of off-road racing tires is little research and education. They should always be procured from certified and licensed dealers to ensure superior quality.