What Tires to Use for Desert Off-Roading
3 Answers
Off-roading requires tires with larger tread blocks, such as snow tires, rainforest tires, rock-crawling tires, and desert tires. Below are some considerations for desert off-roading: 1. Deflate the tires to reduce tire pressure, ensuring quick passage through the desert without getting stuck in the sand. 2. Equip with professional tire pressure monitoring devices to strictly control the uniformity of pressure across all four tires. Adjust the tire pressure to 1.6~2.0bar, as lower pressure improves the vehicle's off-road capability. 3. Travel in a convoy of multiple vehicles whenever possible for mutual assistance in case of emergencies. Essential rescue equipment includes tow ropes, U-shaped shackles, shovels, and two-way radios.
The key to choosing tires for desert off-roading lies in enhancing escape capability. I believe wide treads are particularly important, like the large tread block design of the BFGoodrich KM3, which can increase buoyancy and reduce sinking in soft sand. Last year, I tested the Cooper STT Pro in the Kubuqi Desert, and its raised shoulder treads were noticeably more stable when climbing sand dunes. Tire pressure also needs to be adjusted flexibly; I usually lower it to around 1.0 bar before entering the sand. The increased contact area from the widened tires makes it harder to get stuck in quicksand zones. Additionally, deserts are full of sharp rocks, so tires with Kevlar-reinforced sidewalls offer extra peace of mind. I recommend avoiding regular highway tires, as they have poor heat dissipation and are prone to bulging. Although specialized sand tires are more expensive, they can be lifesavers in critical moments.
As an owner who frequently drives in the northwest, I prioritize practical performance when choosing desert tires. The tread should be deep and sparse, like the large chevron pattern design of Giti AT100, which quickly sheds sand to prevent slipping. Once when I got stuck in the Tengger Desert, switching to Cooper DISCOVERER S/T tires made a noticeable difference. The key is to pair them with the correct tire pressure—I usually reduce it to 0.8-1.2 bar, much lower than the standard value. Also, remember to carry two sets of traction boards for self-rescue when stuck in the desert. Regular AT tires can barely manage, but the rubber compound of professional MT tires is more heat-resistant, especially when the sand temperature exceeds 60°C in the afternoon, as regular tires are prone to deformation.
