THE SOFT PARADE

BRIDGESTONE HAS LAUNCHED A NEW ALL-TERRAIN TYRE IT SAYS OFFERS BETTER RIDE AND HANDLING THAN TRADITIONAL HEAVY-DUTY A/T TYRES

HE rapid increase in the popularity of 4x4 and SUV vehicles on the market and on the roads has seen a new generation of drivers taking to the tracks to explore the capability of their vehicles.

While we generally recommend upgrading the highway tyres that come on your new 4x4 with a set of Light Truck (LT) construction tyres for durable dependability on harsh outback roads and terrain, LT tyres do come with some compromises that might not be for everyone.

While the heavier duty construction of an LT tyre, be it a mud-terrain (M/T) or an all-terrain (A/T) design, makes it stronger and less susceptible to damage and punctures, it also makes the tyre heavier, and that has a negative effect on the ride and handling of the vehicle.

As LT construction tyres are heavier and stiffer in the sidewalls, this results in a firmer ride, more road noise and increased fuel consumption.

Bridgestone has recognised a gap in the 4x4 tyre market for an all-terrain tyre that offers a more rugged tread than OE highway tyres but retains passenger car (P) tyre construction to maintain lighter weight and OE levels of ride quality. As a result Bridgestone has introduced the A/T 002 tyre to its iconic Dueler range.