Tire Tread Patterned

So you got a Grand Cherokee. One of the Jeepthe surface area of the tread which gives the tire
Grand Cherokee parts needs replacement - theenhanced flotation on surfaces like light powdery
tire.snow or sand.
It is important to note that the choice of treadThe all terrain pattern has improved flotation and
pattern is important in deciding for a new tire. Itadditional siping, which can be an advantage in
should be according to the target use of the Jeep.absolutely dry powder or packed snow. But if the
A mud terrain pattern is the most popular treadsnow or underlying terrain is, or can turn, slushy
pattern for all around off-road use. Also calledor muddy, the mud terrain may be the better
mud tire pattern, it has large lugs on the tire withchoice. In these instances, the all terrain pattern
large voids between these lugs. The large lugscan be packed with mud and stuck where a mud
provide much bite in low traction conditions whileterrain pattern would self clean and plow on
the large voids allow the tire to clean itself bythrough.
throwing off mud or other material when spinning.A distinct advantage in sand is the improved
These tires are also known for rock crawling forflotation provided by the dense tread pattern of
the large lugs can give way for gripping and pullingthe all-terrain tires.
the tires up and over irregular rocky edges whereSome manufacturers also offer a family of tires.
a smoother pattern would just spin. The negativeMost often, these are tires which are designed
side is that these patterns run rough and loud onfor use on light trucks or sport utility vehicles that
the highway. To prevent this, select a tire withare mostly used on the street. They will generally
irregular or asymmetric spacing of the lugs andgive less noise, consume less gas mileage and last
voids to lessen harmonic vibration at highwaylonger than either of the other off-road patterns.
speeds. There are also cases with cold powderThe tread patterns are designed to yield
snow or sand where an all-terrain pattern wouldsignificantly enhanced comfort or performance on
be better.the street which can sometimes compromise
The general purpose all terrain tire usually has anserious off-road capability.
interlocked tread pattern with siping or small cutsSo now is the time to choose the appropriate tire
on the tread blocks. Also, the hollows in thesetread for your Jeep. Replacement should be done
tires are generally much smaller than those onby a reliable repair shop or mechanic to avoid
tires intended for the mud. The denser pattern ofcompromises on flaws and other replacement
blocks and smaller voids gives less noise to thesedefects.
tires on the street. Furthermore, it also augments