The Arguments For Wide Vs Narrow Tyres For Your 4X4

Authored by 4WD Revolution

Most 4×4 enthusiasts tend to favour wide tyres for perceived gains in traction – the fact that they look great too probably has a lot to do with it. In stark contrast, many commercial 4×4 users swear by the benefits of skinnier tread. Game-viewing vehicles being an obvious example.

So, are there off-road benefits to fitting “Marie Biscuits” instead of the vehicle’s standard tyre size?

To be clear, for the purposes of this article we’re not talking about fitting larger-diameter tyres, we’re comparing the benefits (and disadvantages) of fitting a narrower tyre compared to the OEM size.

Two common examples are:

  • 265/65/17 versus a 245/70/17, or a…
  • 265/75/16 versus a 235/85/16

Both tyre combinations are approximately the same diameter; the difference lies in the tyre’s profile height relative to its overall width. Simply put, does a narrower tyre have any off-road benefits?

Let’s take a look.

MUD

The benefits of a narrower tyre in muddy conditions are well known; here, a thinner tyre is more likely to “cut” through the surface mud and find firmer ground (and more traction) below.

However, this is only true to some extent and applies to relatively shallow mud depths.

Fortunately, most muddy roads are only surface- deep, so there are definite advantages to fitting a narrower tyre in high rainfall areas.

Caption: When seconds count.
RUD’s diamond-pattern chains can typically be fitted in around 90 seconds per wheel, while traditional ladder chains can take up to 10 to 15 minutes to install.

SAND

Because sand is so varied in texture, depth, and cohesion, it’s almost impossible to draw any conclusive statements. In some cases, a wider tyre will prove beneficial in sand, but in other scenarios, two primary requirements remain unchanged: the need for momentum and the ability to air down. 

Thinner tyres tend to “stretch out” or lengthen more when deflated, offering an extended footprint and improved off-road traction thanks to their taller profile. Furthermore, thinner tyres are generally lighter, have lower rotational resistance, and may offer some engine power, friction and momentum benefits.

Needless to say, a vastly oversized tyre offers many more benefits in terms of rocky terrain (traction, puncture resistance and ground clearance) but for the purposes of this article, we’re comparing factory-sized tyres at a predetermined diameter.

Caption: When seconds count.
RUD’s diamond-pattern chains can typically be fitted in around 90 seconds per wheel, while traditional ladder chains can take up to 10 to 15 minutes to install.

ROCK

The benefits of a wider tyre may seem obvious on rocky terrain, where one might expect a greater width and weight distribution to help with puncture resistance and traction.

However, because a wider tyre spreads its mass over a greater area, it can impede the tyre’s ability to conform to the terrain (i.e. deformation), particularly in the case of an aired-down tyre. In other words, narrower tyres are more likely to “wrap” themselves over rocks, increase traction, and reduce the chance of slippage.

Caption: When seconds count.
RUD’s diamond-pattern chains can typically be fitted in around 90 seconds per wheel, while traditional ladder chains can take up to 10 to 15 minutes to install.

Of course, a larger-diameter tyre offers many more benefits in terms of rocky terrain (traction, puncture resistance, and ground clearance), but for the purposes of this article, we’re comparing factory-sized tyres at a predetermined diameter.

BUSH VELD

Back to game-viewing vehicles, one of the greatest threats to a tyre in bushveld conditions is the risk of sidewall damage. The damage is often caused by a broken tree stump, root, or half- embedded rock. What’s more, driving is typically slow and cautious over unknown terrain.

For these reasons, a thinner tyre is preferred for its lighter steering response at slow speeds, less strain on the drivetrain, better fuel economy, and the ease with which a narrow tyre can be accurately steered around potential obstacles and sidewall hazards.

Caption: When seconds count.
RUD’s diamond-pattern chains can typically be fitted in around 90 seconds per wheel, while traditional ladder chains can take up to 10 to 15 minutes to install.

For these reasons, a thinner tyre is often preferred for its lighter steering response at slow speeds, less strain on the drivetrain, better fuel economy, and the fact that a narrow tyre is easier to accurately steer around potential obstacles and sidewall hazards.

CONCLUSION

Like most tyre discussions, there are no definitive winners in the wide-versus-narrow debate. Where a narrow tyre excels in one application, a wider tyre performs better in another. You only need to drive on a wet tar road to know how beneficial a wide tyre can be.

That said, a tyre’s off-road performance is seldom the primary driver of purchase. Daily driving habits, safety, and functionality are undeniable considerations – which is why the average double-cab is factory-fitted with the wider alternative.