Wheels & Tyres for 4wd’s

The wheels and tyres that a 4x4 comes off the factory floor with are fitted perfectly to the vehicle, but they may not fit the new owner’s needs so well. Four wheel drives generally come with all terrain or road wheel and tyres, so if lots of off roading is your thing, you may wish to lift the vehicle, improve traction, or fit tough, heavy tread or even rock hopping tyres.

Wheels & Tyres for 4wd’s

The wheels and tyres that a 4x4 comes off the factory floor with are fitted perfectly to the vehicle, but they may not fit the new owner’s needs so well. Four wheel drives generally come with all terrain or road wheel and tyres, so if lots of off roading is your thing, you may wish to lift the vehicle, improve traction, or fit tough, heavy tread or even rock hopping tyres.

4x4 wheel and tyre combinations

Just as it is important to fit the right wheels and tyres for the driving you will be doing, it is also vital that tyres and wheels suit each other and the vehicle. There are legal specifications regarding the type and size of wheel and tyre modifications that can be made to SUV’s and 4x4’s. The standard is that a new wheel and tyre fitment (ie the wheel and tyre combination) MUST stay within the mudguard and inside of the vehicle’s body – it must not be visible from above when the wheel is in the straight ahead position.

The safest wheel and tyre combination is the one that the manufacturer put on there, so if you are considering modifying this it is best to seek expert advice.

Changing your 4x4 wheels and tyres

The reasons that you may need to change your 4x4 wheels and tyres include

• The vehicle came with on road tyres and you are using it for mainly off roading. In this case, you may need a modified suspension, tougher tyres with deeper tread and more traction, and toughened wheels. These websites offer a selection of off road tyres and wheels; www.jaxquickfit.com.au , and http://thetyrefactory.rtrk.com.au
• The vehicle came with all purpose tyres and you are using it for tough off road applications. In this case, you will need specialist tyres for mud or rock terrains, as well as toughened wheels, and modifications to your suspension. You may also need a bash plate and other modifications
• You wish to modify the wheels and tyres for aesthetic reasons by adding mags or alloys. These websites offer a range of mags and alloy wheels specially for 4wd’s; www.alliedwheels.com.au/4x4-alloy-wheels-2.htm , and www.tyrepitstop.com.au/4x4-wheels-4wd.asp
• Before changing the wheel and tyre fitment on your 4x4, it is advisable to check that the end result will be legal. Contact your state’s road authority (for example www.vicroads.vic.gov.au in Victoria) to check

4x4 vehicles lend themselves to changes of wheel and tyre fitments more than most other vehicles, due to the nature of what they are intended for.