Quick Answer: A mud tyre is a type of tyre designed for off-road driving. They feature deep, large tread blocks and aggressive tread patterns to provide better traction than street tyres in muddy, sandy, rocky, or uneven terrains.
Mud tyres are typically used on 4×4 vehicles and are built to withstand harsh conditions.
If you’ve ever found yourself struggling with especially muddy or rocky surfaces, you may have considered mud terrain tyres – sometimes just called ‘mud tyres’, ‘mud terrains’, or ‘MT tyres’.
The question is, are they right for you and the type of driving you do? In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know – so you can make an informed decision about your next set of tyres
What makes a Mud Terrain tyre different?
There are four main differences
- Aggressive Tread Pattern
- Mud displacement
- Stronger sidewalls
- Aggressive sidewall lugs
When tyre manufacturers create mud terrain tyres, they look physically different to standard road tyres, all-terrain tyres, or a highway terrain tyre.
1. Aggressive Tread pattern
The first thing you’ll notice is the aggressive tread pattern. The tread blocks are raised higher and the tread depth is usually far greater than the 8mm you’ll get on a normal road tyre. This is designed for when you go off the beaten track – off-road driving means the loose dirt you’re going to come across will quickly clog the shallow depth of a normal road-going tyre giving you supreme grip.
2. Mud and sand displacement, less slip and more grip
The aggressive tread design and wider spacing between tread blocks in mud terrain tyres means that you’ll always get maximum traction – as you’re less likely to get thick mud filling the gaps completely. In fact, off road tyres have specific mud ejecting stripes that are designed to stop the tyres clogging.
3. Stronger sidewalls to protect against damage
When you’re driving on the road, your sidewalls are unlikely to take many knocks or impacts. However, when you’re on muddy terrain, it’s not uncommon to hit mud that’s full of rocks and debris – much of which could seriously damage AT or HT tyres.
Because of this, mud terrains have a super strong steel steel radial sidewalls that are far more resilient that a road-going tyre. The reinforced sidewall significantly decrease your chances of getting a sidewall puncture – meaning your spare wheel is far less likely to see action.
4. Aggressive sidewall lugs for more traction.
Sidewall design is as important as tread pattern in maximising off-road performance. The Nitto Mud Grappler show here, has one of the most aggressive and functional sidewall designs on the market. Massive sidewall lugs provide additional biting edges, which is especially helpful in rocky terrain. The additional lug depth also provides puncture resistance.
MT Mud tyres vs road tyres Highway Tyres
While off-road traction is increased with mud tyres, they tend not to perform as well on roads as a standard tyre or an all-terrain tyre. Tread life will be shorter if your MT tyres spend a lot of time on the tarmac and road noise will be significantly increased.
While these are downsides, they’re generally not a problem if your light truck spends a lot of time off-road. In fact, some people have two sets of wheels – alloy wheels with road-going tyres for tarmac – and cheaper steel rims (that you don’t mind taking a knock or two) with mud terrain tyres for off-road work or play.
What are the Best Mud Terrain ( MT) tyres in Australia right now?
We asked Aussie 4×4 drivers to vote on what they thought are the best Mud Tyres in Australia
Rating and reviews are based on what matters most across these six categories.
- Tyre road noise.
- Tyre braking performance.
- Tyre wet and dry handling.
- Tyre tread life.
- Value for money.
- Would they buy again
The top 5 mud tyres in Australia are rated by drivers just like you!
1st. BFGoodrich MUD TERRAIN T/A KM2
The BFGoodrich MUD TERRAIN T/A KM2 came in 1st with a 4.7 stars overall rating (based on 30 reviews) with 80% of reviewers would buy this tyre again. The BFGoodrich MUD TERRAIN T/A KM2 is made 29 sizes in 15, 16, 17 and 18 inch options.
2nd. Hankook Dynapro MT RT03
.The Hankook came is a close second with 4.9 stars overall rating (based on 29 reviews) 93% of reviewers would buy this tyre again. The Hankook Dynapro MT RT03 is made 18 sizes in 15, 16, 17 and 18 inch options. Prices range from $219.00 to $750.00 depending on size and location in Australia
3rd. Maxxis MT-762 Bighorn
The Maxxis MT-762 Bighorn came in third place with a 4.8 stars overall rating (based on 26 reviews) 81% of reviewers would buy this tyre again. is made 26 sizes in 15, 16, 17, 18 and 20 inch options. Prices range from $229.00 to $550.00 depending on size and location in Australia.
4th. Mickey Thompson BAJA RADIAL MTZ P3
The Mickey Thompson BAJA RADIAL MTZ P3 came 4th place with 4.8 stars overall rating (based on 19 reviews) 89% of reviewers would buy this tyre again. The Mickey Thompson BAJA RADIAL MTZ P3 is made 17 sizes in 15, 16, 17, 18 and 20 inch options. Prices range from $345.00 to $700.00 depending on size and location in Australia.
5th. Kumho Tyres ROAD VENTURE MT51
The Kumho Tyres ROAD VENTURE MT51 came in 5th place with 4.9 stars overall rating (based on 15 reviews) 100% of reviewers would buy this tyre again. The Kumho Tyres ROAD VENTURE MT51 is made 24 sizes in 15, 16, 17 and 18 inch options. Prices range from $218.00 to $430.00 depending on size and location in Australia.
Will mud terrain tyres fit my vehicle?
Vehicle manufacturers generally design vehicles with road going tyres in mind. Some 4×4 vehicles will have the clearance for higher-profile mud terrain tyres, but not all – so it’s important to check before you invest in a set.
If your vehicle has clearance (as many 4x4s and light trucks do) then you’ll be able to have mud terrain tyres fitted with no problems. However, if your vehicle will not accept taller (and often wider) MY tyres as standard, you may require a suspension lift kit to raise your vehicle so the tread block or tyre’s shoulder lugs don’t rub on your wheel arches.
Lifting your car is considered a modification and isn’t allowed in all states and territories – but don’t panic, when you contact us for a quote, either to lift your car or supply mud tyres, you’ll be able to ask an experienced tyre shop about what’s possible where you live.
“If you’re interested in finding out if your vehicle will be able to accomodate mud tyres, why not contact us for a tyre quote. Not only will you find the best priced mud tyres from tyre shops near you, a technician will be able to tell you whether your vehicle has enough clearance to run them.”
Written By
Matt Banks
Matt is the founder of Autohero.com.au and has been hooked on cars and repairs ever since childhood.
A veteran in automotive since leaving school, Matt has completed his trade as a panel beater and is across all things with wheels.
His first car was a 1967 FORD XR Wagon followed by a string of collectable Holden’s.
Have a question for Matt? Leave a comment below.