Do mud tires really make a difference?
Mud terrain tires have large tread blocks with wide channels that push any and all rocks/chunks of mud out from under your tires, giving you the most traction possible where other tires would spin endlessly off-road. The tread pattern on M/T tires has huge spaces between the lugs and a very large open-shoulder design. They look rugged because they are. They can perform in light snow and rain, but are purpose built for mud, dirt, gravel, rock, and other extreme conditions. However, they are not ideal in packed snow and ice.
Do mud tires waste more gas?
The larger size and added weight of off-road tires increase rolling resistance, which causes the vehicle to use more fuel. Additionally, the aggressive tread patterns of off-road tires reduce the tire’s contact with the road, further decreasing fuel economy. Larger tires tend to weigh more and may increase rolling resistance, so your engine must work harder to turn them. As a result, your fuel efficiency can drop.