Off-road vehicle with large lights and rugged tires driving through a shallow river. Background features autumnal hills and a cloudy sky, conveying an adventurous tone.

Your Practical Checklist  for All-Terrain Tires

Driving in the Philippines can sometimes be an adventure. You face some of the most diverse sets of road conditions in the world. 

One day you're driving in the heavy traffic of Metro Manila, and the next, you're tackling a muddy provincial road after a sudden downpour. Sound familiar?

If you're driving a truck or SUV, choosing the right all-terrain tires is crucial for handling this diversity safely.  But what should you look for? This guide will be your go-to checklist to find tires for all terrain that deliver both durability for the trails and comfort for the highways.

 

Main features to consider in all-terrain tires

When you're comparing options, focus on the technical details. Here are the key features that matter for Filipino drivers:

  • Aggressive tread design: An aggressive tread design with deep grooves isn’t just for show. It provides a solid grip on mud, gravel, and uneven surfaces, especially during the rainy season when rural roads can become challenging.
     
  • Sidewall strength: You need reinforced sidewalls built to resist punctures and damage from sharp stones, deep potholes, and rough terrain.
     
  • On-road comfort: Not all driving is off-road. Much of your driving is still on pavement. A well-engineered design should also minimize road noise for a smoother, quieter ride on highways like SLEX or NLEX.
     
  • Load capacity: Especially for 4x4s and trucks, ensure the tire can handle heavy loads. This is a major consideration for family outings, hauling cargo, or trips back from the province loaded with “pasalubong.”
     
bfg ph ko3 in actrion

Your practical safety and maintenance checklist

Once you've found the right tires for all-terrain, the next step is proper care. The tropical climate, with its intense heat and heavy rain, can be harsh on rubber. This checklist ensures you get optimal performance and lifespan from your tires.

Important safety checks

Prioritizing safety means regular checks are non-negotiable, especially for all-terrain tires that see heavy use. Here's what to focus on:

  • Tire pressure: Always adjust pressure based on your load. Lower pressure can help on soft mud, but highway driving requires the manufacturer's recommended pressure for stability. Check this monthly, as heat can cause pressure to fluctuate.
     
  • Tread depth: The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm. However, for safe off-road traction and to handle flash floods, we recommend a depth of 3-4mm.
     
  • Sidewall inspection: After any rough trip or hitting a pothole, visually check for cuts, cracks, or bulges. A damaged sidewall poses a high risk of failure.
     
  • Spare tire: Is your spare in good condition? A reliable spare means your adventure continues, uninterrupted. Ensure it's properly inflated and is the correct size and type of your vehicle.

 

KO3 Tread

How to make your all-terrain tires last longer

To maximize the lifespan of your tires, follow these practical steps:

  • Rotate your tires every 8,000–10,000 km to ensure even wear.
  • Wash tires after muddy or dusty trips to prevent rubber degradation.
  • Regularly check alignment and balance to avoid uneven tread wear.
  • Avoid overloading your vehicle beyond the tire's load rating.

 

Get ready for any road with BFGoodrich all-terrain tires

Whether you're navigating the urban jungle of Cebu or heading off the beaten path in Luzon or Mindanao, having confidence in your tires is key.

bfg ph ko 3 on field 1

Thanks to advanced, race-proven technologies like the CoreGard technology in the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3, these tires are engineered to deliver the sidewall toughness and performance Filipino drivers require. You can find a professional service near you to get the right advice and a proper fitting.

 


Off-Roading Essentials You Need Before Your Next Trip

Learn what are the off-roading essentials and why you need them before starting your next journey.

View more

BFGoodrich KM3 vs KO3: Which Tire is Right for You?

Compare BFGoodrich KM3 and KO3 tires. Learn about their performance, durability, and find out which one is ideal for your 4x4 or SUV.

View more

A 4x4 Driver's Guide to Mud Terrain in the Philippines

Learn about the different types of mud terrain in the Philippines and how to choose the right tyres and driving techniques for safe off-road adventures.

View more
You are using an unsupported web browser
You are using a website browser that is not supported by this website. This means that some functionnality may not work as intented. This may result in strange behaviors when browsing round. Use or updgrade/install one of the following browsers to take full advantage of this website