Off-road adventures can become quite extreme, depending on the circumstances.
After all, you’re traversing rough trails and unpredictable terrain, and all you have is a vehicle powerful enough to get you through all that.
However, as powerful as your vehicle may be, it won’t be of much help to you without proper tires. This is exactly why many off-road enthusiasts opt for the 315/70R17 tire size. But why is that? Simply put, this tire size is considered to be the sweet spot between performance and practicality.
In other words, balancing aggressive terrain capabilities with daily drivability means that such a tire can get you through pretty much anything seamlessly, whether you’re driving down the highway or ploughing through muck and mud. That said, why is this particular tire size so sought-after? Let’s find out!
The Tech Specs
Now, one would think that a simple tire size won’t tell you much about the tire itself. That is only partially true, especially considering the fact that many tire models from numerous brands come in 315/70R17 size.
For instance, some tire models in this size specialize in specific terrain, such as mud terrain or rugged terrain, whereas others are all terrain models, which allow them to conquer almost every road. Also, some models have specific features, like quiet ride, fuel efficiency, and so on.
Nevertheless, the size itself can tell you a lot about the tire’s capabilities, regardless of the model or brand. So, in this particular case, a 17-inch wheel that this tire size is designed for indicates more space for the rubber itself.
In other words, this ensures superior cushioning when traversing rocky terrain, especially if you slightly deflate the tire to absorb more impact. A 315 mm tire width, which is approximately 12.4 inches, ensures maximum traction on uneven terrain, giving it vastly improved grip on muddy, rocky, and similar roads.
More often than not, inflating/deflating tires is quite necessary in order to overcome various obstacles and challenges on off-road trips. But, as long as the tire is designed to handle variations in air pressure, it’ll retain its capabilities with ease.
Furthermore, tire size also indicates the tire design. In this case, the numbers indicate that any tire in this size is designed for off-road adventuring. That also means these tires are designed to handle anything the trail throws at them.
This includes traction for soft, loose, and hard surfaces, self-cleaning capabilities that help eject rocks and mud, puncture and tear-resistant technology, as well as a specialized compound that provides traction in various weather conditions.
Aspect Ratio Benefits
Another thing about this tire size that showcases true capabilities is the aspect ratio. A 70% aspect ratio in radial construction highlights that this tire can effectively absorb shock from uneven terrain.
In all terrain variants, for example, a higher aspect ratio indicates a smoother, quieter driving experience. Therefore, aside from great off-road performance, tires with a higher aspect ratio also ensure comfort and sometimes even optimal fuel efficiency for on-road driving.
That means they’ll provide the necessary handling and stability, as well as balanced traction that prevents the vehicle from getting stuck in sand, mud, or gravel during off-road driving. At the same time, these tires will ensure an enjoyable ride on paved roads.
In addition to that, a high aspect ratio also indicates a sturdy design, which means the tire can really take a beating before it shows any signs of serious damage.
Of course, that all depends on the model and manufacturer of the tire, but generally speaking, tires that come in 315/70R17 size are known for their durability and exceptional off-road performance.
Trail Performance
As mentioned before, tires that come in 315/70R17 size are designed for off-road use. However, some specialize more in extreme terrain than others. For example, all terrain variants aren’t as capable or durable as specific models specializing in mud or rugged terrain.
What’s more, the vast majority of tires that come in this size pack an aggressive tread pattern, which not only makes them capable on off-road terrains, but also makes them look awesome. Therefore, if you’re looking to upgrade your car’s appearance, investing in such tires would be quite an improvement.
Moreover, if you’re preparing an off-road trip through forests, jungles, or even some crazy mountain trails, the 315/70R17 tire size will not let you down, regardless of the tire model or brand.
Conclusion
As mentioned before, every off-road adventure requires a proper vehicle with a serious build for such endeavors. And, every vehicle designed for off-road trails requires reliable tires to help keep it going through thick and thin.
That’s why the 315/70R17 tire size is the perfect fit for such vehicles and adventures. Tires in this size offer an ideal balance of form, function, and even value. Considering all other alternatives available in the market, this tire size offers a balanced price-to-quality ratio.