Ozmen photo

Tire reviews & comparisons

Ozmen

Hi Folks. I'm Ozmen, and I work as a tire designer. I understand finding a tire isn't easy, as there are so many variables involved. But with me around, tire selection would never bother you again.

Falken Wildpeak AT3w

Hankook Dynapro ATM vs Falken Wildpeak AT3w

So overall in case of Falken Wildpeak AT3w, you get a superior wet traction on roads, and a good tread life, along with a comfortable ride, whereas off-road you conquer almost all terrains with this tire (comparatively). On the other side, the Hankook ATM, does much better when things are dry (on roads), and it also provides you with decent comfort (in terms of noise), a greater fuel economy and overall better snow traction, though both tires have 3 peak mountain snowflake ratings.

Falken Wildpeak AT3w

Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek vs Falken Wildpeak AT3w

Cooper Rugged Trek may seem very tough on the outside, it's inner construction is still weaker in comparison. That's why off-road you'd get a more confidence aspiring ride with Wildpeak. Though it does allow this tire to wear slower and be good enough in the fuel economy department. Falken Wildpeak AT3w on the other side, is a faster tire on roads, providing more grip on both wet and dry conditions, as well as snowy roads. So, out of both, this one makes a better daily driver, if you ask me. Though the tire lacks on mud in comparison.

Falken Wildpeak AT3w

Kenda Klever AT2 vs Falken Wildpeak AT3w

Out of both tires, the Kenda AT2 provides you with a great budget pick with amazing traction on roads and stability on rugged terrains. Even though the tire lacks to its counterpart in a lot of performance section, (except for fuel economy and tread life), it's still not too far off overall. Moreover, its all season tread compound provide similar performance efficacy in nearly all types of conditions that's why both tires are on par on snowy terrains having 3pmsf ratings.

Falken Wildpeak AT3w

Kumho Road Venture AT52 vs Falken Wildpeak AT3w

Comparing both tires, it can be seen why Falken Wildpeak AT3w provides you with better off-road traction with it's superior durability and self-cleaning grooves having larger tread voids and depth up to 19/32". Though what's surprising to note is that the tire does that without compromising it's on-road comfort, where it's wet traction is even better comparatively. Kumho AT52 on the other side, does better on pavements, as it provides you with greater dry grip, fuel economy and tread life. Moreover, its new gen all season tread compound allow it to be better on snowy terrains as well.

Toyo Open Country AT3

Toyo Open Country AT3 vs Pro Comp AT Sport

Toyo Open Country AT3 is a better tire for wet roads, it supplies you with better tread life and a quieter ride. And off-road tire is better on muddy and sandy terrains. Pro Comp AT Sport on the other side, is better when things are dry, and the most impress thing on this tire is it's steering response. Moreover, you also get good comfort in the form of bumps absorption capabilities. And off-road the tire deals better with rocky terrains with it's tougher inner construction and powerful sidewall biters.

Falken Wildpeak AT3w

Kanati Trail Hog AT vs Falken Wildpeak AT3w

Out of both tires, even though Trail Hog is good enough on dry roads when it comes to directional grip, the overall on-road performance is seen better on Wildpeak AT3w (in both wet and dry conditions). And this goes for other performance areas as well, which include tread wear, comfort and mileage. Kanati A/T on the other side, does better on rugged terrains.

Toyo Open Country AT3

Hankook Dynapro ATM vs Toyo Open Country AT3

Although both tires provide you with very similar dry and wet grip on roads, with very close margin, the overall dry traction is seen better on Toyo AT3, while the wet, on Dynapro ATM. The Toyo AT3 basically features a harder compound, that's why it comfort, fuel economy and sand traction gets compromised. Though it also helps the tire with tread wear now doubt. And although both tires aren't so great with rocks or mud, Toyo still provides better efficacy there too.

Toyo Open Country AT3

Kumho Road Venture AT52 vs Toyo Open Country AT3

Kumho Venture AT52 has made some really great technical advancements over AT51, as now the tire offers faster steering response and both wet and dry grip. Moreover, it also yields superior comfort and greater fuel economy compared to Open Country. Toyo AT3 on the other side, is also very great on dry roads, though it's wet traction is kind of disappointing. Other than that, you get a great tread life on this tire, and off-road it deals with mud and rocks better, though when it comes to sand it lacks to Kumho with a little bit of margin.

Falken Wildpeak AT3w

Hankook Dynapro AT2 Xtreme vs Falken Wildpeak AT3w

The Hankook Dynapro AT2 Xtreme is a better tire to have on pavements, its quieter, provides you with superior fuel economy and tread life, and is pretty great with hard packed snow, though both tires have 3pmsfr. Falken Wildpeak AT3w on the other side, does better off-road in nearly all terrains with it's tougher construction and self cleaning grooves. Though with its interlocking siping, it's also pretty great on wet roads.

Patch close to sidewalls

How Close to Sidewall Can a Tire be Patched?

If you have any damage on the sidewall, shoulder, or bead, you should replace your tire. Still, the inner part of the shoulder sometimes can be repairable. In this case, the limit is 1/2”. So, you can add 1/2” to each side of the tread center and find the exact location of the repairable area.

Tell If Tires are Directional

How to Tell If Tires are Directional?

So as the name suggests, directional tires are made for only moving forward, so more specifically, in one direction. So, you can no just put these tires any way you want, you have to make sure they are all facing the same way. And they can't face backwards as that would cause for reduced performance, and traction along with even faster tread wear. That's why its hard to rotate these tires as well. But for safety, these tires are marked with directions and arrows pointing where these tires are intended to roll. Though you can easily tell if your tires are directional by just looking at them. The tread should be making a mirror images on each halves containing V shaped lugs.

Put all-terrain tires on 2WD

Can You Put All-Terrain Tires on a 2WD Vehicle? (What You Need to Know Before Switching)

So overall, there are a lot of good things that come with putting an all-terrain tire on your 2 Wheel Drive (2WD) vehicle. Like you get amazing traction over a wide range of surfaces with self-cleaning grooves. You get off-road durability and all-season traction, as most of these tires are very capable and come with 3PMSF severe winter ratings. Though keep in mind that with heavier weight, the tire will eat up more fuel and wear faster. And on-road, you would also get a less comfortable drive as well. Bottom line: If you actually go off-road, even occasionally, all-terrain tires on your 2WD are a solid upgrade. If you never leave pavement, stick with highway tires. Your wallet and your backseat passengers will thank you. Before buying, always check your vehicle's tire placard for proper size and pressure specs. And whatever you choose, maintain proper inflation, rotate regularly, and inspect your tires often. That's the real secret to getting the most out of any tire.