What’s the difference between AT and RT tires?
Rugged-Terrain (RT) Tires: Hybrid of MT and AT tires, offering moderate off-road traction with better on-road manners. All-Terrain (AT) Tires: Balanced design optimized for both pavement and moderate off-road conditions like sand, gravel, dirt, and occasional mud. All-terrain tires are built to perform on both paved roads and off-road surfaces like gravel, dirt, or light mud. That makes them a smart choice for drivers who want flexibility without switching tires seasonally or by driving condition.Overall, AT tires offer versatility. They’re great for rugged landscapes, including some mud. But they also provide traction on pavement, highways, snow-covered roads, and back-country dirt adventures. All-terrain tires can last longer than MT or RT tires, especially when used on paved roads.RT tires stand out on paved surfaces by offering a commendable balance of comfort and performance. Although their tread design is more pronounced than that of all-terrain tires, they manage to keep road noise to a minimum, making them a practical choice for everyday driving.On-Road Drawbacks: While they perform admirably off-road, rugged-terrain tyres tend to be noisier and less comfortable on paved roads compared to all-terrain tyres. They may also wear out more quickly with regular on-road use.Rugged-terrain tires are designed to offer excellent performance off-road and on pavement. The R/T tire is a perfect mix of all-terrain tires and mud-terrain tires. Rugged-terrain tires typically last between 20,000 and 50,000 miles.
Are RT tires more aggressive than AT?
RT stands for “Rugged Terrain. These tires are more aggressive and better suited for loose surfaces, mud, or tougher conditions—but they can be louder and wear faster on pavement. RT tires, or hybrid tires, mix all terrain and mud terrain tires. They’re tougher than AT tires and give better grip in mud, snow, and rough conditions—while still driving well on roads.R/T Rugged-Terrain Tires As such, R/T tires generally offer both A/T and M/T tire features, such as large open voids and knobby sidewall tread to help move mud as well as siped tread lugs to improve traction in wet and icy conditions.Open Country R/T Trail tires deliver grip in mud, sand, and even deep snow. Plus, the optimized tread design improves wet braking and handling, reduces noise, increases cab comfort, and improves tread wear.All-terrain tires give drivers the versatility to tackle rugged landscapes as well as four-lane highways with ease. They are perfect for drivers who use their vehicle for daily commutes as well as weekend adventures in the outdoors.
Which is better, AT or HT tires?
AT tyres have a more aggressive and deeper tread than HT tyres, which gives them more traction for off-road driving. AT tyres are generally an ideal option for 4WD owners and weekend off-road enthusiasts thanks to their durability, longevity, and on- and off-road performance. Fuel Efficiency A/T tires are heavier and have more rolling resistance, which can lower your miles per gallon. H/T tires are lighter and more fuel-efficient.The choice between H and T tires is actually based on speed ratings: while H-rated tires allow a top speed of 130 mph, delivering superior handling and heat resistance. T-rated tires max out at 118 mph and thus favor durability and comfort for everyday use.Les Schwab Tip: H/T tires aren’t designed for prolonged use on gravel roads or in off-road conditions. If you plan to take your vehicle off the highway, it may be best to upgrade to an A/T tire for better traction and performance.
What is the 3% tire rule?
The 3% rule states that when replacing tires, the new tire’s diameter should not differ from the original by more than 3%. This guideline helps maintain proper vehicle performance, safety system functionality, and speedometer accuracy. As a general rule, you want replacement tires that are within 3 percent of the diameter (height) measurement of the tires originally on your vehicle.