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On/off-road tires must strike a compromise between traction, durability and longevity. "Fuel efficiency, tread life, casing durability and other factors can have a direct impact on operating cost," says Chris Tolbert, business segment manager, Michelin Americas Tires. "By selecting the best tire for the application, on/off-highway fleets can ensure their operating costs remain low."

Many different types of tires are available. "There are all-position tires - capable of being used in steer, drive or trailer positions - and tires made specifically to give better traction in drive positions," notes Tim Miller, Goodyear Tire & Rubber.

Yet, a common mistake is assuming one or two different tires will fill the needs of every truck in the fleet. "If some trucks travel frequently on the highway and others are mainly off road," Millers notes, "the same tire, or tires, might not deliver the best performance (tread wear and durability)."

Match to operating conditions
It's all about choosing the most appropriate tool for the job. "Most people don't try to pound a nail with a screwdriver, and neither should they expect good results if selecting the wrong tires," Tolbert asserts. "On/off-road tires face specific challenges and dangers that must be addressed in the tire design and construction to make sure the tire's life and performance will be maximized."

Consider the percentage of time the vehicle will spend on- and off-highway. "A tire that is designed mainly for off-highway use will wear more quickly than an over-the-road tire when the vehicle is used in mainly highway situations," Miller states.