One of the most important factors affecting a truck’s performance and safety is its tires. There are so many alternatives when it comes to choosing the correct tires for your truck that it can take time to decide. Best hybrid truck tires have grown in popularity recently because they provide a special balance between performance and efficiency.
When seeking a new set of tires for your hybrid, it is important to know the difference between hybrid and normal tires. Many assume they are the same, but this is not the case. This article will examine truck hybrid tires, including what they are, their benefits, types, and things to think about while selecting them.
What are Hybrid Tires?
Hybrid tires use a different sidewall designed to absorb shocks and improve performance. The sidewall on a hybrid tire is thicker than a traditional tire, which helps to protect the truck against bumps and potholes. It also makes the truck more stable when driving. Hybrid tires, as the name suggests, blend two or more types of tires, typically all-terrain and mud-terrain. These tires are designed to provide a balance of on-road and off-road performance. They aim to combine the best features of both tire types, offering truck owners versatility and functionality across various driving conditions. The tire repair shop always offers the best truck tries.
Why are Hybrid Tires Different?
Hybrid Tires are Heavier
Hybrid tires are weightier than traditional tires. Hybrids have more rubber and a denser tread pattern to help them grip the road and handle better in slippery conditions. While the extra weight can make your truck feel sluggish when accelerating, it also helps keep the truck stable and provides a more comfortable ride. A standard truck battery weighs around 40 pounds, while a hybrid battery can weigh up to 200 pounds. Hybrid trucks need specially designed tires to handle the extra weight.
Hybrid tires are Quieter.
One of the crux reasons people opt for hybrids is because they are quieter than traditional gas trucks. This is due to the electric motor, which doesn’t have the same noise as a gasoline engine. The tires also make hybrids quieter; since they don’t have to work as hard to grip the road, they produce less noise. Hybrid tires have a thicker tread pattern that helps absorb road noise. Truck Hybrid tires are a great option if you’re looking for a quiet and comfortable truck.
Hybrid Tires use Different Sidewalls.
Another difference between hybrid and traditional tires is the sidewall. Best hybrid truck tires use a different type of sidewall designed to absorb shocks and improve performance. The sidewall on a hybrid tire is thicker than a traditional tire, which helps to protect the truck against bumps and potholes. It also makes the truck more stable when driving.
Low Rolling Resistance
A key benefit of hybrid tires is their low rolling resistance. It means the truck uses less energy to move, improving fuel economy. Hybrid tires can improve fuel economy by up to 15 percent. Hybrid tires are a great option if you intend to save money on gas. Truck Hybrid tires are also available in various sizes to find the perfect fit for your truck.
Winter Tires
When choosing hybrid tires, keep in mind that they are not meant for winter weather. If you live at frigid altitudes, you’ll need to buy a set of winter tires specifically designed for icy and snowy conditions. Hybrid tires are not as good at gripping the road in these conditions, so it’s crucial to have suitable tires for the season. Your hybrid tires will be fine if your area has no snow.
What are the Best All-Terrain Tires?
Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT
The Discoverer AT3 XLT is one of the few all-terrain tires designed with light trucks in mind. These versatile tires will perform well on all surfaces and weather conditions. A rugged traction shoulder offers extra off-road protection and grip. From the get-go, the tires are durable and are designed to handle large loads — so towing should not be an issue.
The company’s Even Wear Arc Technology means it has a pretty good chance of lasting up to 60,000 miles, as warrantied by Cooper. The Discoverer AT3 XLT comes in the most common LT-metric sizes, making pickup truck fitment straightforward. The best all-terrain tires are also relatively quiet and comfortable on the highway.
After getting a good feel of what the Cooper all-terrain tires can do, we admired the Coopers’ all-season traction performance and on-road manners.
General Grabber A/TX
The General Grabber A/TX all-terrain tire fits pickups, Jeeps, SUVs, and more. The tire has a 5-row extra-deep tread pattern with multiple edges for increased traction. They have no issue with long-distance drives and remain smooth on gravel and dirt.
Truck tire sizing that will fit passenger trucks in addition to bigger SUVs and trucks. They are one of the most reasonably priced all-terrain tires available today. The company’s Duragen Technology, which offers strong durability, lies at the heart of the Grabber A/TX.
Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) and Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) severe snow service criteria are met by the tire specifically engineered to reduce road noise. As a result, the Grabber A/TX performs admirably in both all-terrain and all-season tire applications. Many people who have used these tires say they handle the snow incredibly well. As a result, when the winter weather turns terrible, you should be bold and use these tires.
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A K02
A popular all-terrain tire from BFGoodrich is the KO2. The tire has CoreGard Technology, which strengthens the sidewall rubber to offer a layer of extra durability to the sidewall and assist in preventing splits and cracks in the tire. The tread rubber is specifically made for this purpose to lessen chipping and tire wear. The upper-sidewall traction bars boost traction in mud, snow, and rocky terrain.
The BFG T/A K02 is designed to run at a lower PSI if you are putting your vehicle into more extreme off-road situations. The side lugs will still give traction when the tire is pumped down, even on softer terrain and deep snow. Like with many all-terrain tires, you will have increased road noise when driving on pavement, but this tire is not too noisy. The one downside of these tires is that they may be better off-road than on-road — so keep this in mind when thinking about what percentage of your driving is on vs. off-road.
Toyo Open Country A/T III
According to our real-world test, the Open Country AT3 all-terrains were no fun because these tires made it a downright boring ride. No sideways, no-slip, just grip.
Overall, the Open Country A/T3 tires perform brilliantly on wet roads, have first-rate build quality, and can go the distance with a long-lasting tread life. On top of that, the Toyos stay durable and stable for years of use.
The advanced tread design has an aggressive footprint and shoulder design for added traction. On hard pavement, the tread, void areas, and lateral grooves minimize the level of noise generated. That tread features an all-new compound that performs better in all conditions while providing longer treadwear.
The three-peak mountain snowflake rating is also notable and important. It is a great fit for trucks and sport utility vehicles. And towing should be no issue, as the tire is designed to carry large loads.
Falken Wildpeak A/T3W
Like many all-terrain tires, these Falken tires are great for year-round use. The tire has heat diffuser technology to protect the lower sidewall and internal tire from overheating. This will help keep the tire and your vehicle stable even when you are towing or carrying heavy loads.
The tire has rigid tread blocks with support ramps and step-down features to enhance vehicle stability and handling. The tread pattern also prevents stones and other irritants from becoming trapped in the groves of the tire. The aggressive upper sidewall helps protect the tire from sharp rocks and provides additional off-road traction, especially if you are running a lower tire pressure.
USTMA and TRAC qualify Falken Wildpeak A/T3W tires for the Three Peak Mountain Snow Flake (3PMSF) symbol. Falken uses 3D Canyon Sipes to interlock the tire’s shoulders for high torque support.
Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac
If you are looking for a versatile, comfortable tire on-road that delivers excellent traction off-road, the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac should fit the bill. This all-terrain tire offers improved stability over the standard truck and SUV tires. You will enjoy a smooth ride on pavement and find that they provide great traction in mud and dirt. The symmetric tread design also helps the tires handle snowy conditions with ease.
These tires fit Jeeps and other large SUVs and trucks. By far, the Wrangler DuraTrac offers great on-road stability and a solid grip when conditions get nasty. Additionally, it has an aggressive, deep tread pattern and siping that assist with snow and ice traction. The spacing between the tread blocks will help eject mud when off-roading.
Goodyear designed the DuraTrac to work equally well on the highway and slippery terrain and to be sturdy enough for towing and hauling. The combination of toughness, durability, on/off-road performance, and assertive looks make them a phenomenal choice.
Nitto Terra Grappler G2
The Nitto Terra Grappler G2 all-terrain tire fits Jeeps, light pickups, and SUVs. Its circumferential grooves help with straight-line traction, and the tire also has high-density siping, which helps prevent hydroplaning. The tires also have coupling joints to reduce tread flex and increase high-speed stability.
The tread pattern has staggered shoulder lugs, which offer increased all-terrain performance. While this is an all-terrain tire, it may not be the best performing in the snow. Generally, the tire is designed to perform well in rough terrain, as opposed to extreme weather.
Firestone Destination A/T2
The Firestone Destination A/T2 has proven “anywhere” traction and durability suited for light trucks and SUVs. However, it is also purpose-built for off-roading and incorporates Firestone’s Hydro-Grip Technology. It has an aggressive tread pattern and reinforced sidewalls to ward off punctures.
A unique Long Link (LL) Carbon structure contributes to its longevity, which helps reduce tear and cracking in the tire. Another feature is the tire’s computer-optimized component system, which helps maximize performance through tread design, shape, and construction.
The A/T2 is a more versatile model than the older Destination X/T. Simply because it has a modern rubber compound and tread pattern intended to reduce road noise and offer a comfortable driving experience on pavement and gravel roads. The aggressive tread design rejects stones, and the Hydro-Grip Technology goes to work on slippery surfaces, such as rain, light snow, or ice.
These Firestone tires come with an impressive 55,000-mile limited treadwear warranty and a 90-day Buy & Try guarantee. The A/T2 no-compromise all-terrain tire is designed to deliver easy on-road driving and optimal off-road handling across all surfaces.
Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T
The Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T is a premium extreme hybrid tire all-terrain tire that performs well on loose surfaces and has proficient traction and handling characteristics on the pavement. The asymmetrical tread pattern thrives in the mud and is optimized for reduced noise, all-weather performance, and on-road handling.
The new Extreme Sidebiters sidewall is a standout feature that is 50% deeper than the Baja ATZP3. Not to mention the extreme off-road traction and protection it offers.
Available in a wide range of sizes for fitment on trucks and SUVs, these all-terrain tires have a hardline look and are 3PMS weather-rated for severe conditions. Mickey Thompson backs up their tires with a 50,0000-mile treadwear warranty on LT sizes and a 60,000-mile warranty on all other sizes.
Conclusion
Hybrid tires for trucks provide a useful middle ground between on- and off-road performance. Due to their versatility, they are a desirable alternative for truck owners who want to benefit from the best of both worlds. You can choose the best hybrid truck tires for your truck and driving style by taking into account elements like driving requirements, tire size, load rating, and maintenance. If you’re looking for expert guidance on selecting and maintaining these hybrid tires, consider consulting B&S Truck Repair. Their experienced team can help you make informed decisions and keep your tires in top condition. Finally, hybrid tires can improve your truck’s performance, whether you’re driving on the highway, negotiating city streets, or traversing off-road terrain.