SUV. Three letters that mean practicality, versatility, and fun.
But a Sport Utility Vehicle is only as good as its tires. It is, after all, where the rubber literally meets the road. Choosing the right tire for an SUV requires careful thought and an understanding of how and where the SUV will see action.
Here we zero in on three kinds of tires from Maxxis Tires Philippines and see if their slogan, “Takes you further”, will take an SUV further on the challenging conditions of Philippine roads. Their SUV/4×4 Bravo Series comprises three models: Bravo HP-M3, AT-771, and AT-980, each being designed and manufactured to provide choices to drivers with an SUV or 4×4 vehicle.
First up, the Bravo HP-M3. The perfect choice as an on-road tire that refuses to sacrifice speed, wet-road handling, comfort, and safety. In highway speeds, its continuous centre rib design with slanted sipes – the groove that gives the tire its grip – provides outstanding stability on wet conditions any Philippine driver experiences during the rainy season. Add in the wide circumferential grooves to channel and expel water for hydroplaning resistance and the Bravo HP-M3 reveals itself as a premium all-season touring tire. It is also surprisingly quiet for all that muscled grip.
Second, The Bravo AT-771. Its tread is noticeably more aggressive and more off-road capable. Surprisingly, the off-road features do not sacrifice on-road viability. Hydroplaning resistance and wet traction qualities are still achieved through its tread design. Its tread and lug’s design makes all the difference on how well it handles and how long it lasts off-road. This tire would be ideal for someone who loves their SUV and takes it everywhere – much like their smartphone. Put on your office shoes and take it to work on the weekdays, then load up your gear and hit the trails on the weekends.
Lastly, The Bravo AT-980. The big guns. For the driver looking to invest a bit more into having a blast on the trail. It shrugs off damage with its deep tread blocks, and grips and holds on to the terrain because of its aggressive zig-zag pattern. This pattern also conveniently self-cleans and provides outstanding braking and on-road performance, regardless whether it’s dry and sunny outside or wet and muddy. Aggressive tires usually compromise when it comes to handling on the road, but not the AT-980. The square tread shape maximizes contact patch and makes handling responsive. Most importantly, it’s durable. The AT-980, with its robust nylon cap ply and durable sidewall, gives it puncture resistance and more bruising protection.
The verdict: the Bravo Series by Maxxis Tires Philippines offers Philippine drivers and their SUVs or 4x4s a variety of choices to suit their driving style, the terrain, and their lifestyle. The Bravo HP-M3 is an excellent choice for on-road applications; the Bravo AT-771 is the ticket to both light trail and on-road driving in the Philippines, and the Bravo AT-980 gives the best experience on the trails without compromising on-road practicality.
Bottomline: There’s a tire for every SUV driving condition. The more you know, the better the journey.
