The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Truck Tires

Determining how to choose tires for a truck can be a heavier load than the truck itself will ever need to carry. 

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To make it easier we've put together a breakdown of the types of truck tires available and the conditions under which you might want to consider each one.

There are three basic types of truck tires:

• Highway truck tires (also known as H/T tires)
• All-terrain truck tires (also known as A/T tires)
• Max-traction or mud-terrain truck tires (also known as M/T tires)

It is crucial to select a truck tire with the proper handling capabilities and attributes for your vehicle and driving needs. Let's take a closer look at the information you need.

GET TO KNOW TYPES OF TRUCK TIRES

HIGHWAY TRUCK TIRES

Consider highway truck tires if: You want tires specifically developed to enhance highway performance. H/T truck tires provide ride comfort, deliver low road noise and offer long wear. Additionally, they typically get better gas mileage than all-terrain tires.

Consider another truck tire if: A gravel driveway or grass field tailgate is the closest your truck will get to adventuring away from paved roads. H/T tires are built for crossover and sport utility vehicles, as well as pick-up trucks and full-size vans. 

The key point: Most H/T tires provide all-season traction in dry, wet and winter conditions. It's a performance level that covers a lot of ground, literally and figuratively. 

The tire to consider: To cover that ground, check out the Dueler H/L Alenza Plus. It could be the perfect tire to help provide your CUV or SUV with a quiet and comfortable highway ride.

SEE DUELER H/L ALENZA PLUS 

ALL-TERRAIN TRUCK TIRES

ALL

Consider all-terrain truck tires if: Your days sometimes require traveling off-road and under some challenging conditions. All-terrain truck tires feature a more aggressive tread design, which promotes increased traction when venturing off the pavement. A/T truck tires will usually feature deeper tread depth, wider tread grooves, and larger tread block elements than a highway truck tire for increased traction capabilities when driving off-road or on unpaved surfaces. 

Consider another truck tire if: You want to help maximize your gas mileage. The bold design and construction of all-terrain tires is great if your goal is to push your truck to its off-road limits. But if your commute most often has you traveling to and from an office building, consider a great highway truck tire instead.

The key point: All-terrain truck tires are generally made with tread compounds optimized to withstand chipping and tearing from rough road and hauling conditions while still providing on-road wear and traction characteristics desired by versatile drivers.

The tire to consider: If you want truck tires with good on-road wear and off-road capability, the Dueler A/T Revo 3 is an impressive tire with considerable all-terrain capability. It provides good handling and a smooth ride in even the harshest road conditions and can handle heavy loads. Its well-balanced tread design makes the road less traveled more comfortable than ever before. Check out additional all-terrain truck tires here: Dueler Truck Tires.

SEE DUELER A/T REVO 3 

MAX TRACTION TRUCK TIRES (MUD TIRES)

Consider max traction/mud truck tires if: You take on soft, muddy or rocky off-road terrain. These truck tires typically come in larger sizes and feature tread lugs that grip into muddy or loose surfaces to provide maximum traction on damp, difficult terrains. This feature of the tire helps propel your truck through muddy ruts and over slippery rocks.

Consider another truck tire if: Your road trips keep you on clean, even and typically dry paved roads, the rough sound and aggressive look of M/T truck tires don't match your personal or professional life, or you're looking for the best possible mileage. Max traction tires are specially designed to spend the majority of their time off the beaten path. If that's also where you spend the majority of your driving time, too, then these tires will be a perfect match. 

The key point: They're not just about 'max' traction. M/T tires also offer max performance on the most challenging terrain. When it comes to on ground cover capable of bringing practically any other vehicle to a standstill, M/T tires shine brightest.

The tire to consider: There are multiple options, so begin your search for max traction truck tires here. Dueler' truck tires from Bridgestone offer an unbeatable combination of peace of mind and practically unstoppable off-road traction. 

SEE DUELER TIRES

KNOW YOUR TRUCK TIRE SIZE

There are lots of truck tires out there, but not all of them are made to fit your vehicle. Putting the wrong size tire on your truck would be like wearing the wrong size shoe all day. You'd probably have trouble comfortably (and safely) walking, running and getting around! 

Check your tire size once you're familiar with different types of truck tires. Your tire size can be found in your owner's manual or in one of the following places:

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• Inside your glove compartment door
• Inside the driver's side door jamb
• On the inside part of your gas tank door

Find your truck tire size? Narrow your search and shop for Bridgestone truck tires by size.

STEER CLEAR OF COMMON TRUCK TIRE ISSUES

In your quest to identify how to choose tires for a truck, a couple of topics may arise. To help ease your tire shopping, we'll address them below.

PASSENGER TIRES ON TRUCKS

As the term 'load rating' suggests, this information quantifies how much weight that tire can support. To get the full weight load of a particular tire type, you multiply a single tire's load rating by four. The load rating you want for your truck will depend significantly on how you plan on using the truck. 

But what happens if a driver with a light truck uses it more like a people-mover and less as a power tool and seeks the smoothest and quietest ride possible? This makes the load rating less critical to them. In fact, they may even move from a truck tire to a passenger car tire.

We caution against this approach. Today's truck tires feature the best technology available and provide a very smooth and quiet ride. Additionally, such drivers will be spared the potential headaches involved with finding precisely the right passenger tires for their trucks ' which still won't live up to what a dedicated truck tire may deliver.

TRUCK TIRE SPEED RATINGS AND SAFETY

A tire's speed rating refers to the tire's ability to dissipate heat or prevent heat from building up. Driving long distances can create a lot of heat, so it's important to have a tire with a speed rating that meets the requirements listed in your owner's manual. 

The speed ratings do not imply that the vehicle can be safely driven at the maximum speed for which the tire is capable. This is especially true when adverse weather or road conditions are present. 

Another critical factor: the speed rating addresses the maximum speed capacity of the tire under controlled conditions and is not applicable if they are underinflated, overloaded, worn out, damaged or altered. Always maintain a safe and legal speed regardless of a tire's speed rating. 

Consult your owner's manual or tire placard for the original tires' correct size and speed rating. To avoid reducing the vehicle's speed capacity, replace a speed-rated tire only with another tire having at least the same speed rating.

BRIDGESTONE DUELER H/L ALENZA PLUS

The Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza Plus tire is designed to deliver a quiet and comfortable highway ride. This tire delivers improved fuel efficiency (compared to the Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza tire), year-round performance, and an up to 80,000-mile treadwear warranty.*

SHOP DUELER H/L ALENZA PLUS

 *80,000 mile limited warranty for H, T & V speed rated tires; 55,000 mile limited warranty for W speed rated tires. Conditions apply. See BridgestoneTire.com/warranty for details.

FIND THE BEST TRUCK TIRE FOR YOU

When it comes to choosing the right tires for your truck, understanding light truck tires is crucial. Whether you're hauling heavy loads, towing a trailer, or simply navigating through rough terrain, the right tires can make all the difference in your vehicle's performance and safety. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision when buying light truck tires.

What Are Light Truck Tires?
Light truck tires are designed specifically for vehicles that require higher load-carrying capacity than standard passenger car tires. These include pickup trucks, vans, and SUVs that are often used for towing, off-roading, or carrying heavy loads. The construction of light truck tires is more robust, with additional plies and stronger sidewalls to handle the increased demands.

Key Considerations When Buying Light Truck Tires

1. Load-Carrying Capacity
   The primary purpose of light truck tires is to support heavier loads. If you regularly haul heavy cargo or tow trailers, choosing a tire with the appropriate load range is essential.
   When looking to purchase light truck tires, be sure to look for the "Load Range" on the tire, which is usually marked with a letter (e.g., C, D, E). A higher load range means the tire can support more weight.
2. Tread Design and Performance
   The tread pattern of a tire affects its traction, handling, and overall performance. Light truck tires come with various tread designs to cater to different driving conditions.
   When choosing light truck tires for their tread design and performance features, consider these:
   *All-terrain tires are ideal for a mix of on-road and off-road driving. They provide good traction on various surfaces, including gravel, mud, and snow.
   *Mud-terrain tires are designed for off-road enthusiasts who frequently drive in muddy or rocky areas. They have aggressive tread patterns for maximum grip.
3. Durability and Longevity
   Light truck tires are built to withstand tougher conditions, but their durability can vary based on the brand, model, and how you use them.
   Look for light truck tires with reinforced sidewalls and additional plies if you often drive in challenging conditions. Reading reviews, understanding your tire's warranty and considering the tire's expected lifespan can also guide your choice.
4. Seasonal Considerations
   Driving in different weather conditions requires light truck tires that can handle the specific challenges of each season.
   Tires that are built for various seasonal conditions include:
   *All-season tires are suitable for year-round use in moderate climates. They offer a balance between performance, traction, and durability.
   *Winter tires are essential if you drive in regions with harsh winters. These tires are designed to perform better in snow, ice, and cold temperatures.
   *All-weather tires are designed to provide reliable performance in various conditions, from wet roads to light snow. They offer a balance between winter and summer tires, making them ideal for year-round use.
5. Size and Fit
   Ensuring that a light truck tire size matches your vehicle's specifications is critical for safety and performance.
   Check your vehicle's manual or the existing tires for the correct size. The size will be marked as a combination of numbers and letters. If you're unsure, consult a Hercules Tire Dealer near you.

Terra Trac® AT X-VENTURE
The Terra Trac® AT X-VENTURE offers drivers flexibility when it comes to their next adventure. Whether you're hitting the road, the trail, or both, the Terra Trac® AT X-VENTURE is up for the task.
The Terra Trac® AT X-VENTURE is designed with enhanced features like optimized traction to handle any surface and is prepared to conquer wet or harsh winter weather conditions with its 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMS) certification. The Terra Trac® AT X-VENTURE also allows drivers to show their individuality with a dual sidewall and shoulder design.
With 37 different fitments to choose from and load ranges from C to F, the Terra Trac® AT X-VENTURE is ready for your next adventure and every ride in between.

TIS TT1 by Hercules
The TIS TT1 by Hercules is a maximum traction, mud terrain tire that offers rim sizes up to 26 inches in 31 different fitments and is ideal for recreational, off-road drivers.
The TIS TT1 by Hercules features two distinct shoulder designs, allowing customization to suit individual preferences, and boasts an aggressive tread pattern for superior grip in extreme conditions.
Its robust tread compound enhances puncture resistance and extends tread life, while the optimized footprint ensures balanced pressure distribution for even wear and longevity. The tire's three-ply sidewall increases integrity, puncture resistance, and load capacity, and its strategic tread pattern efficiently expels mud, dirt, rocks, and water, providing excellent grip at both high and low speeds while reducing irregular wear on rugged terrains.

Avalanche TT
The Avalanche TT helps you adventure in winter's most extreme conditions and is offered in 23 different fitments for your pickup truck or cargo van.
The Avalanche TT has zig-zag circumferential grooves in the tread designed to hold snow, allowing for optimal snow-on-snow traction. Its saw-tooth features in the Snow-Grabber Grooves further enhance traction by holding snow in the tread. Thin gauge, full-depth siping creates additional biting edges to improve grip on snow and ice, while optional stud pins can be added to provide even greater traction in harsh winter conditions.
It is equipped with the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol (3PMS), meaning that the Avalanche TT meets certain requirements for providing traction in severe snow conditions.

Terra Trac T/G Max
The Terra Trac T/G Max is the ultimate worksite workhorse, built to deliver when conditions demand extra strength and durability. Designed as a commercial traction tire, the Terra Trac T/G Max combines rugged performance with all-season, all-road capability, making it ideal for the most challenging environments. Whether on tough terrain or the open road, this powerhouse tire stands up to punishing conditions while ensuring commercial vehicles perform at their best.
Engineered for durability, the Terra Trac T/G Max features a robust, silica-based compound with an optimized void-to-rubber ratio, providing exceptional resistance to cuts, chips, and abrasions. The aggressive upper shoulder design enhances abrasion resistance, while stone ejector ribs help prevent stone drilling for long-lasting performance. With a deep 18.5/32" tread, the tire ensures dependable traction and grip, allowing vehicles to maximize torque and meet their full potential in even the toughest conditions.
It is offered in 26 different fitments for your trusted work truck.

Terra Trac CH4
The Terra Trac CH4 is built to deliver and made to perform, purposefully designed to handle the demands of today's hard-working cargo vans and light trucks in 13 fitments. This all-season commercial highway tire is constructed with commercial-grade components, ensuring durable performance mile after mile. Equipped to endure high torque and heavy loads, the Terra Trac CH4 is ideal for commercial applications, including high-scrub environments where reinforced construction protects against cuts and curb damage. Its optimized tread design and special polymer compound help it withstand harsh weather in any season, while the tire's profile shape ensures even wear, allowing it to carry heavier loads with ease.

Choosing the right light truck tires is essential for maximizing your vehicle's performance, safety, and efficiency. By understanding your driving needs and considering factors like load capacity, tread design, and durability, you can select the best tires for your truck. Whether you're driving on highways, off-road trails, or through challenging weather conditions, the right light truck tires will keep you on the road with confidence.

So, the next time you are ready for new tires for your truck, visit your Hercules Tires dealer to choose the best replacements for your lifestyle.