·      Bridgestone outlines how to choose the right tyre based on the application.

·      4x4 tyres have different strengths and compromises depending on their intended use.

·      Local on-road testing highlights the importance of tyre choice for urban and metro handling.

NOOSA, Queensland (31 July, 2024) — Australia & New Zealand’s tyre market leader has outlined the key considerations motorists need to factor in before selecting tyres.

One of the most frequently asked questions within the industry is “what is the best tyre”, and according to Bridgestone Australia’s Sales Director, Claudio Sodano, the answer lies in how motorists intend to use their vehicle.

“Asking what the best tyre is, is a lot like asking what the best car is, or the best shoe is. Ultimately, it’s based on what your requirements are, and the use case. This is why there are so many tyre options – we need to cater to the diverse needs and requirements of the market,” Mr Sodano said.

Bridgestone’s comprehensive range of tyres is comprised of sub-brands to cater to the complete array of the industry: Dueler for 4x4 and SUV products, the Potenza brand for performance products, Turanza for touring options, Alenza for touring and luxury SUVs, Ecopia for low rolling resistance and fuel saving solutions, and Duravis for light commercial applications.

Also in the suite of tyre solutions is the dependable Firestone range of products and value oriented Supercat products available exclusively through Bridgestone Select Tyre & Auto and Bridgestone Service Centre stores.

Within Bridgestone’s Dueler 4x4 & SUV range, there are three distinct product types: highway-terrain (H/T), which prioritises on-road characteristics, all-terrain (A/T) which is the perfect blend of off-road capabilities and on-road performance, and mud-terrain (M/T), which is specifically designed for the rigors of heavy-duty off-road use.

“One part of the market where selecting the tyre based on the application is most important is in the 4x4 and SUV space, because the differences between H/T, A/T and M/T patterns can significantly change the dynamics of a vehicle,” Mr Sodano added.

Highway-terrain tyres, including highway luxury and highway sport variants, are typically what are fitted to the majority of 4x4s when they leave the factory as original equipment. These are tyres that have been developed in collaboration with the manufacturers for the best on-road and compliance benefits. These are also the tyres that will likely deliver the best fuel economy, with all-terrain and mud-terrain tyres adding additional weight and increasing the rolling resistance.

All-terrain tyres are considered the starting point of off-road tyres, with an emphasis on flexibility and versatility, and the durability to handle less consistent terrain. They are often considered the sweet spot for their additional capabilities, while still maintaining strong on-road performance, and with minimal compromise to fuel economy, particularly the passenger construction A/T 002.

A/T tyres will typically have a greater tread depth and more aggressive block design to maximise traction across different surface types. The Dueler A/T 002 uses passenger construction techniques, making it suitable for around 20% use off road, while the Dueler 697 uses light truck construction to give it even greater cut and chip resistance, a reinforced sidewall and offers better protection against stake punctures. With its additional reinforcement, A/T 697 is suitable for up to 30% off road use and is more capable in rockier and harsher terrain than its passenger construction sibling, the A/T 002.

Mud-terrain tyres are the most aggressive looking of the 4x4 range and are characterised by their chunky block patterns and tapered lug design. They are engineered to handle some of the harshest and most challenging terrain and excel in wet, muddy conditions. Mud-terrain tyres are intended to be primarily used off road, with a split of 70% off-road to 30% on road because of the concessions in handling and comfort.

“It’s important for motorists to really think about the typical driving they do, especially when picking 4x4 tyres. If you never plan to go off road, then a highway-terrain or a touring tyre is likely to be your best option, but if you’re looking to explore the capabilities of your 4x4 and venture off-road, then the all-terrain is ideal, with the mud-terrain really for the enthusiasts who are off-roading in rugged conditions frequently,” Mr Sodano said.

“Every product has its own set of features and benefits, but like any product development there is often a compromise in one area to achieve the best outcome in another. In the 4x4 tyre market, with a tendency to focus on purchasing for aesthetic appeal, this can sometimes mean unknowingly compromising on handling characteristics,” he said.

Mr Sodano has nearly 30 years’ experience in the tyre industry, starting his career with Bridgestone as a Technical Services Engineer in 1996. He’s served as a Senior Original Equipment Engineer, playing an instrumental role in local tyre developments for Commodore, Falcon and Magna, before moving into product planning. In 2011 he became the National Technical Field Service (TFS) Manager and then as General Manager – TFS for the Australia & New Zealand market. His previous role was General Manager – Commercial Business before being appointed as Sales Director in January 2022.

In order to better equip customers to make the right tyre choice, Bridgestone conducted local on-road testing across the Dueler A/T 697, A/T 002, M/T 673, H/T684II patterns, against key products from other brands in the A/T and M/T segments. The results highlight the strengths of the Bridgestone patterns across six tests: dry braking, wet braking, wet cornering, wet course, dry slalom and noise.

“We conduct comparative on road tests for 4x4 products because this is how most customers use their cars most of the time and is where safety matters the most.

Designed specifically for on-road use and as expected, the tests showed the H/T 684II was the benchmark in wet / dry performance and noise. When measuring stopping distance for instance, from 70km/h - there was 1m separating the H/T and A/T results in both tests, with the M/T 673 taking a further 0.45m in the dry, and 2m in the wet.

The tests also highlighted the similarity in performance between Bridgestone’s Dueler H/T and A/T products, and the significant difference between them and M/T products, proving the compromise of on-road performance when driving on dedicated off-road tyres like M/T patterns. When comparing to popular alternative all-terrain brands, the tests also highlighted the superior on road handling and braking of Bridgestone A/T products,” Mr Sodano said.

“On road tests highlight how important it is to be choosing tyres based on how you use the car the most, over any other criteria. For those who are sticking to the road, the H/T 684II is the best choice for use, for those doing a little bit off off-roading, the A/T 002 provides versatility and capability, with minimal compromise in on-road performance. The A/T 697 offers even greater durability and puncture resistance, but it’s a bit louder and not as strong in the wet,” Mr Sodano said.

“There is no single best tyre – it’s all down to how you plan to use it. However, it’s important that motorists understand the strengths of each tyre, and what might be compromised to give it that strength,” he added.

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