Highway Terrain Tyres: The Best Option For Your Long-Distance Driving Experience

Regardless of what you drive, and where, tyres play a pivotal role in the journey, not just because they’re the only points of contact that connect the vehicle to the road but as a significant factor in terms of safety, comfort, and efficiency.

There is no shortage of tyre brands, tyre choices, sizes and intended uses, however, highway terrain (HT) and touring tyres stand out for their bespoke design, catering to a vast majority of drivers who favour the tarmac over rugged trails.

Nearly every vehicle you see on a car lot will have mild, street-optimised tyres, but why do nearly all vehicles roll off the production line equipped with these particular types of tyres? Let's delve into the specifics, shedding light on the advantages of HT and touring tyres and how to prolong their life, ensuring miles of seamless journeys.

Why Touring Tyres Dominate OEM Specifications

Original Equipment (OE) tyres aren’t selected at random. Manufacturers conduct extensive market research to identify the tyre type that aligns with the driving preferences of their target customers.

Statistics don’t lie: the average motorist favours the road. Consequently, touring and HT tyres are the go-to choice for nearly all vehicle OE options, and here's why:

• Noise Reduction: HT and touring tyres are engineered for a quieter ride, reducing cabin noise, which is a priority for the everyday driver.
• Steering Response: They offer superior steering response on asphalt, ensuring a smoother and safer driving experience.
• Target Audience: Automakers know that most drivers stick to paved roads, making these tyres the logical option for meeting consumer demands. This is true, even of crew cab 4WD vehicles, believe it or not.
• Wet Weather Safety: HT and touring tyres have tread patterns with smaller tread blocks and optimised water drainage paths. These tyres are able to disperse water more effectively than other types of tyres.

The Edge of HT and Touring Tyres

When compared against common alternatives like Ultra High Performance (UHP), High Performance (HP), All-Terrain (AT), and Mud Terrain (MT) tyres, HT and touring tyres bring a range of benefits to the table:

• Fuel Efficiency: Designed for optimal rolling resistance, these tyres help in conserving fuel, making them economical for long drives.
• Longevity: Designed for soaking up the miles, they typically offer more range before needing replacement, thanks to their tread design focused efficient on road use.
• Comfort: With a focus on a smoother ride, they absorb road imperfections, making them ideal for daily commuting and long-distance touring.
• Versatility: While not designed for off-road use, they provide adequate performance on light gravel and wet surfaces, covering a broad spectrum of driving conditions.

Maximising Tyre Lifespan

The longevity of HT and touring tyres is not solely reliant on their design but also on how they are maintained. Here are some tips to extend their lifespan:

• Accurate Tyre Pressure: Routinely check and maintain the recommended tyre pressure to prevent uneven wear and tear. You can find your vehicles recommended tyre pressures in your owners manual or on the tyre placard sticker.
• Tyre Rotations: Rotate your tyres as advised by the manufacturer to ensure even wear across all tyres, extending their usable life. Typically, tyre rotations should be performed every 10,000kms or so.
• Wheel Alignments: Keep your wheels aligned to avoid irregular tyre wear, which can prematurely wear out your tyres.
• Avoid Harsh Conditions: While it's not always possible, minimizing exposure to extreme conditions and rough surfaces can help preserve your tyres. While HTs and touring tyres are designed to be long-lasting tyres, they’re often not as damage and puncture resistant as more offroad and heavy duty tyre products.

Get the right replacement tyres for you!

The choice of highway terrain and touring tyres by vehicle manufacturers is a testament to their suitability for the average driver's needs—balancing efficiency, comfort, and durability. By adhering to maintenance best practices like proper tyre pressure, regular rotations, and wheel alignments, drivers can significantly extend the life of their tyres.

Should you have any doubts about the condition of your tyres or are in the market for a new set, don't hesitate to get in touch with the team at Marks & Wallings. Offering expert advice and a wide range of options suited for most vehicle makes and models, we are your go-to destination for ensuring your tyres are in tip-top shape, ready to take on miles of journeys ahead.