Driving on a gravel road can be a little different than driving on a paved road and a bit challenging for everyone. This is where you need the best tires for gravel roads to make your ride smooth and comfortable.
If you live in the countryside or drive a lot on gravel roads, you know that most tires aren’t good enough for these types of roads. In addition to reduced comfort, gravel roads also have longer braking distances and reduced traction.
Your tires will scream and take the brunt of rough surfaces if they aren’t designed for it. Cracks and cuts occur that affect the overall quality and safety of the tire. On the other hand, car tires for gravel roads are designed to provide better traction that works on both paved and unpaved surfaces.
Not only do you have better speed control, but you also have better braking ability and of course better reliability. However, there is no tire that I can describe as the best overall for gravel roads.
There are several, especially if you have a pickup truck, crossover, and SUV. But finding the right one is not a cakewalk for anyone. So, we’ve rounded up some of the best tires for gravel roads based on different categories.
Top Picks For Truck Tires On A Gravel Road
If you often drive on gravel roads, you know that a normal tire is not enough to get the job done. These tires tend to have a soft tread which makes the gravel road quite hard on the tires. So what you need is a tire made specifically for these types of roads.
In this article, I’ll introduce you to 7 of the best passenger car tires for gravel roads so you can find the right one for you. I’ve also included a buying guide and answered a few questions you may have, so be sure to check those out as well.
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
1  | Firestone All Season Touring Tire | ||
2  | BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 Radial Tire | ||
Our Pick3  | Fullway HP108 All-Season Performance Tire |
Buyers Guide To Best Passenger Car Tires For Gravel Roads
These are our top picks for car tires for gravel roads. However, before you make a final decision, there are a few things to consider when it comes to different tires. Below I have listed a few things to consider when purchasing such tires.
– Tire type
Different types of tires are designed for specific types of terrain. For example, a tire with a more aggressive tread pattern may be better suited for tackling uneven and rocky gravel roads, while a tire with a softer tread pattern may be better suited for gravel roads. hard or smooth.
– Construction
The way a tire is built can also affect its performance on gravel roads. Tires with more robust construction, such as those with stronger sidewalls or reinforced tread blocks, can better withstand the harsh conditions of a gravel road.
– Traction
When looking for suitable truck tires on a gravel road for driving on gravel roads, be sure to pay attention to their traction. Be careful with deep-tread tires; Those are usually the ones that offer the best traction. The sharp-edged tires also give you excellent traction.
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You will find them even more useful in deep snow. The siped and grooved tires also determine the traction you get.
– Grip
If you drive gravel roads regularly, you probably know how they can affect your tires. It would be better if you make sure that the tire of your choice has a good grip on the road surface in all conditions.
Driving without a good road grip can be quite dangerous. Two factors determine the grip, the tread depth, and the stiffness of the tire.
– Load Carrying Capacity
When driving with a heavy load on gravel roads, it’s important to choose tires that are rated for your vehicle’s weight and load. Overloading your tires can wear them out faster and even cause an explosion.
– Handling
Handling depends on how much grip the tire has. Tires with sipes and wide circumferential grooves drain water well and enable better handling in the rain. It also improves the overall performance of the tires.
7 Best Tires For Gravel Roads To Maintain Your Ride In 2023
Gravel road tires are designed to provide better traction and stability on gravel roads. They typically have a more aggressive tread pattern with larger, deeper sipes to improve grip on loose surfaces.
They can also be wider, which can provide a greater contact area with the road surface and improve stability. So here we go through the detailed review of the longest-lasting tire for gravel roads that are specifically designed for use in slippery or muddy conditions.
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You will find all the important reasons why you should buy them.
1. Firestone All Season Touring Tire
- Brand: Firestone
- Seasons: Year Round
- Size: 225/65R17
- Rim Size: 17 Inches
- Section Width: 225 Millimeters
- Tire Aspect Ratio: 65.0
- Load Index Rating: 102.0
- All Season Performance
- Built To Last
- Great Thread Design
- Steel Belt Construction
Firestone is one of the leading tire brands and their all-season touring tire is perfect for gravel road driving. These tires are designed to provide excellent traction in all weather conditions, from wet to dry and from hot to cold.
It has a rim width of 6.5 inches, a section width of 225 millimeters, and a payload capacity of 1,874 pounds.
They feature a deep tread pattern that is great for grip on loose surfaces and excellent braking performance on wet roads. The tire’s sidewall is reinforced with additional rubber to protect against punctures and other damage from sharp rocks or debris.
This tire also provides a comfortable ride with excellent shock absorption and less road noise than traditional tires. Firestone tires are reliable, affordable, and durable, making them an ideal choice for frequent gravel road trips.
The manufacturers of this product pay special attention to creating a silent tire that will allow you to have a pleasant and comfortable ride. Compared to many other tires, this one has low rolling resistance, which means it is designed to save fuel.
2. Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 Passenger Tire
- Brand: Bridgestone
- Seasons: Winter
- Size: 195/65R15
- Rim Size: 15 Inches
- Section Width: 195 Millimeters
- Tire Aspect Ratio: 65.0
- Load Index Rating: 91.0
- Advanced Multicell Compound
- Providing Confident Road Grip
- 3D Zigzag Sipes
- Hydrophilic Coating
- Offer Reliable Handling on Gravel Roads
This tire has a unique tread pattern specifically designed to provide excellent traction and grip in wet, icy, and snowy conditions. The unique tread pattern also works to move water away from the tire, helping to reduce the risk of aquaplaning.
In addition, the Bridgestone Blizzak tire features a special multicellular compound that helps improve the tire’s cold-weather performance by increasing its flexibility at lower temperatures. This feature also contributes to superior handling and braking performance on dry roads.
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In addition to its winter-focused performance, this tire offers increased stability and comfort when driving on gravel roads. Its wide contact patch improves contact with the road, allowing greater traction and better control.
The tire’s reinforced sidewalls improve cornering precision and the tread pattern ensures that gravel is dislodged quickly and efficiently. In terms of performance, the Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 car tire offers a smooth and comfortable ride, even on uneven surfaces.
3. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 Radial Tire
- Brand: BFGoodrich
- Seasons: NON_WINTER
- Size: 285/75R16
- Rim Size: 16 Inches
- Section Width: 285 Millimeters
- Tire Aspect Ratio: 75.0
- Load Index Rating: 126
- Core Gard Technology Used
- Specially formulated tread rubber
- Upper Sidewall Traction Bars
- Serrated Shoulder Design
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is a great tire for gravel roads. Its tread pattern features large, chunky lugs that provide excellent traction on loose surfaces, and its durable construction stands up to the toughest conditions.
Its sidewalls are equipped with reinforced layers of rubber that make them resistant to punctures and cuts from sharp stones and other objects. This tire is also equipped with an advanced tread compound that helps it perform better in wet conditions.
Its wide grooves allow better water evacuation, reducing the risk of aquaplaning and increasing your vehicle’s stability on wet gravel roads. In addition, the tread pattern is designed for a high level of noise reduction, allowing for quieter driving even at higher speeds.
The All-Terrain T/A KO2 also offers good grip and handling when cornering on gravel roads. Its reinforced tread blocks help maintain traction through tight corners, while its aggressive side lugs add a cornering grip.
Overall, this tire is an excellent option for those looking for a reliable tire that can handle even the toughest gravel roads.
4. Fullway HP108 All-Season Performance Tire
- Brand: Fullway
- Seasons: Year Round
- Size: 205/55R16
- Rim Size: 16 Inches
- Section Width: 205 Millimeters
- Tire Aspect Ratio: 55.0
- Load Index Rating: 91.0
- Deliver safer steering responsiveness
- Quiet Ride
- Outstanding all-weather surface traction
- Great all-season tire
This tire is designed to provide excellent traction and performance on wet and dry surfaces, as well as gravel roads. It has a tread pattern designed to minimize aquaplaning and increase traction in wet conditions.
The tread blocks are also wide and deep, helping them grip the road in both dry and wet conditions. In addition, the Fullway HP108 all-season tire has special rubber compounds that are resistant to wear, so it lasts for many kilometers even on gravel roads.
All in all, this tire is a good option for those looking for a reliable tire that can handle the toughest terrain. It’s also designed to be quiet on the road, giving riders a smooth ride no matter what surface they’re riding on.
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The Fullway HP108 all-season tire also offers excellent braking performance, so the driver can drive with peace of mind on gravel roads. Plus, with its affordable price, it’s sure to fit most budgets.
So if you’re looking for a tire that can handle everything from city streets to rugged country roads, the Fullway HP108 All-Season Tire is worth considering.
5. STARFIRE Solarus AS All-Season Tire
- Brand: STARFIRE
- Seasons: Year Round
- Size: 195/65R15 91H
- Rim Size: 15 Inches
- Section Width: 195 Millimeters
- Tire Aspect Ratio: 65.0
- Load Index Rating: 91.0
- Enhanced tread compound
- Offers a smooth ride
- Ensure excellent traction
- Solid center rib tread
This all-season tire offers excellent traction and grip, allowing it to handle everything from mud and snow to wet and dry road surfaces. It also features an advanced tread pattern that helps reduce noise and vibration, making your ride smoother and more comfortable.
The tire is equipped with an innovative sidewall that improves handling while providing a comfortable ride. The all-season tire is made of durable rubber compounds that ensure long-lasting performance and maximum tread life.
It also features a unique tread pattern that gives it excellent resistance to aquaplaning and greater stability on wet or gravel roads. This tire is perfect for drivers who need reliable traction, control, and durability on their gravel roads.
Overall, this tire is a great option for those looking for a reliable, comfortable, and durable tire for their car. It offers excellent traction, stability, and durability, so you can be sure that it will handle all your gravel roads with ease.
If you are looking for good car tires for gravel roads, then the STARFIRE Solarus AS tire is a good option.
6. MICHELIN Defender T + H Radial Tire
- Brand: MICHELIN
- Seasons: Year Round
- Size: 235/60R18 103H
- Rim Size: 18 Inches
- Section Width: 235 Millimeters
- Tire Aspect Ratio: 60.0
- Load Index Rating: 103.0
- Designed for All-Season performance
- IntelliType technology is designed for exceptional grip
- Comfort Control technology
- Ensure ride satisfaction
The MICHELIN Defender T+H radial tire is one of the best gravel car tires on the market. This tire has a unique tread pattern with two different compounds designed to offer greater grip and durability in all conditions.
The tread pattern is specifically designed to allow better traction on loose or slippery surfaces. The tire also features a unique sidewall design that is puncture resistant and offers improved handling.
This tire is ideal for those who want a comfortable ride as it offers a smooth and fluid ride even on uneven terrain. The tread depth also provides excellent tread wear and better handling on both wet and dry surfaces.
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This is also practical when driving on gravel and contributes to a pleasant driving experience. It might not be an intrusive hum you experience on the highway, but noise levels on the gravel surface are better than most in its category.
This tire is also designed to be environmentally friendly by reducing rolling resistance and saving fuel.
7. Cooper Discoverer EnduraMax All-Season
- Brand: Cooper
- Seasons: Year Round
- Size: 225/60R16 98H
- Rim Size: 16 Inches
- Section Width: 225 Millimeters
- Tire Aspect Ratio: 60.0
- Load Index Rating: 98.0
- EnduraGuard Design
- Winter Grip Technology
- 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake certified
- The Durable-Tread Technology
- Standard Limited Warranty
This tire features an innovative tread compound that helps reduce rolling resistance and improve fuel efficiency. Its aggressive tread pattern offers excellent traction on wet or dry roads and its robust construction ensures long-lasting performance.
It also features a rim protector to help keep your wheels looking good for longer. In terms of performance, the Cooper Discoverer tire offers excellent traction on both wet and dry roads and excellent handling on gravel roads.
It has been tested on a variety of surfaces from mud to gravel to snow and has proven to be reliable and durable. Additionally, the deep tread blocks help provide extra grip on wet surfaces and the wide sipes help evacuate water efficiently to improve traction in the wet.
Overall, the EnduraMax all-season tire is a good choice for those looking for reliable performance on gravel roads. Its deep tread pattern, robust construction, and innovative technology make it an excellent choice for a variety of riding conditions.
FAQs About Best Car Tires For Gravel Roads
Is driving on gravel roads bad for cars?
Gravel roads can be difficult for cars, especially if they are not well maintained. The rough surface can damage the suspension, tires, and underbody of the vehicle. In addition, driving on a gravel road can result in throwing rocks and debris that can damage the car’s paintwork or windows.
When driving on a gravel road it is important to slow down and be aware of the possibility of damaging your vehicle. If you must drive on a gravel road, it’s a good idea to have the correct gravel road tire and other necessary tools on hand in case a problem arises.
What is the best tire for gravel roads?
The best tire for gravel roads is the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 radial tire. It is perfect in case of practical use for this type of road. That means it’s not too soft so as not to compromise grip on gravel surfaces.
However, it is also not so aggressive that it loses speed in the calmer ones. Because of this highlight, we voted this product the best model for gravel driveways. It is based on the fact that people who drive on country roads may not scrub dirt roads all the time.
Do you need all-terrain tires for gravel roads?
Yes, If you need better traction in environments like gravel, dirt roads, ice, or snow, all-terrain tires can help. Because these tires have reinforced sidewalls, they can better support vehicles carrying payload and withstand the rigors of rough off-road driving.
You can drive off-road all year round, eliminating the need for a seasonal tire change.
Is it better to drive fast or slow on gravel?
It is generally safer to drive slowly on gravel roads. Gravel roads can be uneven and slippery, and speeding can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. When driving on gravel, it is important to maintain a safe and steady speed and to use lower gear when going uphill.
It is also a good idea to leave extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you, as it may take longer to stop on a gravel surface.
How wide should gravel tires be?
The width of tires you use on a gravel road can depend on a variety of factors, including the type of vehicle you drive, road conditions, and personal preference.
In general, wider tires tend to offer more stability and traction on gravel roads because they have more contact area with the road surface. However, wider tires can also be more prone to punctures as they are more prone to picking up rocks and other debris.
Do gravel tires wear faster?
Gravel tires can wear more quickly than tires designed for use on paved roads. This is because the rough and uneven surface of a gravel road can put more pressure on your tires, causing them to wear faster.
Also, loose gravel on the road can cause tires to wear faster, as it can act as an abrasive material that wears down the tread.
Final Thought
When it comes to choosing the right tires for your car to tackle gravel roads, you have a variety of options. All of our top picks are great options for any type of rider looking to experience comfort and performance on gravel roads.
Make sure you do your research and compare different models before making your final decision. With the right tires, you can navigate gravel roads with complete comfort and confidence.
