These tires excel in dirt and gravel and provide good performance in the mud, but turn in only mediocre performance in the snow. Heavier construction protects the sidewalls and tread on all-terrain tires from punctures. Performance on dry and wet roads is not on par with highway and all-season tires, and all terrains are noisier than highway tires, but manufacturers have narrowed this gap to almost esoteric levels. The softer rubber compound also wears more rapidly on the highway. As owners strive to make their SUVs handle more like cars, tire makers have responded with a new generation of low-profile performance tires.
Short sidewalls offer improved handling response, while softer rubber compounds improve grip.
Aggressive tread patterns with deep, wide grooves grip loose dirt and rocks. Handling and braking on pavement, however, suffer dramatically. A mud-terrain tire is designed to dig down into the mud until it gains grip on more solid footing. For this reason, it is not a good choice for deep sand. Snow Bridgestone's Blizzak is in a class by itself in snow and ice.