The Best 35-Inch Tires for Your Jeep

Owning a Jeep often comes with the desire to explore off-road terrains, climb over rocks, or plow through mud and sand.

When it comes to maximizing your Jeep’s performance, tire selection is crucial.

One of the most popular tire sizes for Jeeps, particularly for those who love off-roading, is 35 inches.

The market is flooded with a variety of 35-inch tire options, which can make choosing the right ones a daunting task.

This article aims to help you make an informed decision by providing insights into the best 35-inch tires for different Jeep models and applications.

What to Look for in 35-Inch Jeep Tires

Tread Pattern

• All-Terrain: Offers a balanced performance between on-road and off-road use.
• Mud-Terrain: Aggressive treads designed to offer maximum traction in muddy conditions but can be noisy on highways.

Load Range

• Ensure that the tire’s load-carrying capacity matches or exceeds the needs of your vehicle.

Durability

• Look for tires that are built with reinforced sidewalls and feature puncture-resistant technology.

Top Picks for 35-Inch Jeep Tires

1. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2

• Best for: All-Terrain
• Pros: Exceptional durability, year-round performance
• Cons: Slightly expensive
• Notable Features: CoreGard technology for sidewall protection, 3D siping for improved wet traction

2. Goodyear Wrangler MT/R with Kevlar

• Best for: Mud-Terrain
• Pros: Unbeatable traction in muddy and rocky terrains
• Cons: Noisy on highways
• Notable Features: Kevlar reinforced sidewalls, advanced mud-flow geometry

3. Toyo Open Country M/T

• Best for: Mud and Rock Crawling
• Pros: Long-lasting tread life, good off-road capabilities
• Cons: Expensive
• Notable Features: Aggressive tread design, high turn-up, 3-ply polyester construction

4. Nitto Ridge Grappler

• Best for: Hybrid (All-Terrain/Mud-Terrain)
• Pros: Quiet and comfortable on-road, aggressive off-road
• Cons: Average mud performance
• Notable Features: Dual sidewall patterns, reinforced block foundation

5. Falken Wildpeak A/T3W

• Best for: Budget-conscious buyers
• Pros: Affordable, good all-terrain capabilities
• Cons: Less aggressive tread pattern
• Notable Features: 3D Canyon sipe technology, heat diffuser technology

Tips for Maintaining 35-Inch Tires on Your Jeep

1. Regularly Rotate: To maximize tire life, it’s crucial to rotate your tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles.
2. Check Tire Pressure: Proper inflation ensures optimal performance and increases the lifespan of your tires.
3. Alignment Checks: A good alignment can prevent uneven wear and improve your Jeep’s overall handling.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right set of 35-inch tires for your Jeep can make a significant difference in your driving experience, whether you’re an off-roading enthusiast or someone who enjoys a balanced on-road and off-road lifestyle.

By understanding your requirements and taking into account features like tread pattern, load range, and durability, you can make an informed decision that will serve you well in the long run.

ALSO SEE: Jeep Wrangler JK vs JL

40 FAQs on Jeep and Off-Roading Tires

General Questions About Jeep Tires

1. What is the standard tire size for a Jeep Wrangler?

Answer: The standard tire size varies by model, but it’s generally around 31-33 inches for most stock Jeep Wranglers.

2. How often should I rotate my Jeep’s tires?

Answer: It’s recommended to rotate your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, although this can vary based on the type of driving you do.

3. Can I go off-roading with all-season tires?

Answer: While it’s possible, all-season tires are not optimized for off-roading. You’ll get better performance and safety with all-terrain or mud-terrain tires.

4. What is the difference between all-terrain and mud-terrain tires?

Answer: All-terrain tires offer a balance between on-road and off-road performance, whereas mud-terrain tires are designed primarily for off-road conditions and may be noisier or less comfortable on-road.

5. How do I check my tire pressure?

Answer: Use a tire pressure gauge to measure the PSI (pounds per square inch) level. Always check the tire pressure when the tires are cold for an accurate reading.

35-Inch Tire-Specific Questions

6. Why choose 35-inch tires?

Answer: 35-inch tires offer a good balance between off-road performance and daily drivability, making them a popular choice for Jeep owners.

7. Will 35-inch tires fit on a stock Jeep Wrangler?

Answer: Most stock Jeep Wranglers will require a lift kit for proper clearance with 35-inch tires.

8. Do 35-inch tires affect gas mileage?

Answer: Yes, larger tires generally decrease fuel efficiency due to increased rolling resistance and weight.

9. How do 35-inch tires affect handling?

Answer: Larger tires can alter your Jeep’s center of gravity, which may affect handling. However, they also offer better traction and can improve off-road performance.

10. Are 35-inch tires good for snow?

Answer: They can be effective in snow, particularly if they have an aggressive tread pattern and are properly inflated.

Maintenance Questions

11. How can I extend the lifespan of my Jeep’s tires?

Answer: Regular rotations, proper inflation, and alignment checks are key to extending the lifespan of any tire.

12. Is tire balancing necessary after off-roading?

Answer: It’s advisable to have your tires balanced after a rigorous off-roading session, as the terrain can affect the balance.

13. How do I repair a puncture?

Answer: A tire repair kit can fix minor punctures. However, for serious damage, it’s best to replace the tire.

14. Can I use a regular jack for tire replacement?

Answer: A regular jack may suffice for on-road use, but for off-roading, consider using a high-lift jack for greater versatility and safety.

15. How long do mud-terrain tires last compared to all-terrain?

Answer: Mud-terrain tires typically have a shorter lifespan than all-terrain due to the softer rubber compound used for better off-road grip.

Off-Roading Questions

16. What is the ideal tire pressure for rock crawling?

Answer: Lowering your tire pressure to around 15-20 PSI can improve grip during rock crawling.

17. How do I choose between radial and bias-ply tires for off-roading?

Answer: Radial tires are generally better for mixed on/off-road use, while bias-ply tires are often chosen for extreme off-road conditions.

18. Are beadlock wheels necessary for off-roading?

Answer: While not strictly necessary, beadlock wheels can help prevent tire bead separation during aggressive off-roading at low air pressure.

19. What’s the best tire tread depth for sand?

Answer: A deeper tread depth, often found in mud-terrain tires, is generally better for sand.

20. Should I get snow chains for winter off-roading?

Answer: Snow chains can offer improved traction in snowy and icy conditions but are generally not recommended for other types of off-roading.

Technical Questions

21. What is a load index?

Answer: The load index indicates the maximum weight that each tire can support.

22. What does the speed rating mean?

Answer: The speed rating indicates the maximum speed the tire is designed to handle when properly inflated and loaded.

23. How do I interpret the tire size markings?

Answer: The numbers on a tire sidewall indicate its size, load index, and speed rating. For example, in “35×12.50R17LT”, 35 is the diameter in inches, 12.50 is the width in inches, R indicates radial construction, 17 is the wheel diameter in inches, and LT means Light Truck.

24. What are run-flat tires?

Answer: Run-flat tires can still be used for a limited distance after a puncture, but they are generally not recommended for off-roading.

25. What does ‘ply rating’ mean?

Answer: The ply rating indicates the tire’s load carrying capacity and its resistance to punctures.

26. What are sipes?

Answer: Sipes are small slits in a tire’s tread that improve traction on wet and icy surfaces.

27. How do I decode the DOT number?

Answer: The DOT number is a code that provides information about the tire’s place and date of manufacture.

28. What are directional tires?

Answer: Directional tires are designed to roll in only one direction and are optimized for water evacuation.

29. Should I use nitrogen to inflate my tires?

Answer: Nitrogen can provide more stable tire pressure over time and temperature changes, but it’s not strictly necessary.

30. What’s the difference between tire balancing and alignment?

Answer: Tire balancing ensures that the weight of the tire is evenly distributed, while alignment adjusts the angles of the wheels so they are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground.

31. Can I use tubeless tires for off-roading?

Answer: Tubeless tires are generally fine for off-roading and have the benefit of being easier to repair in the field compared to tube-type tires.

32. What is the proper way to store unused tires?

Answer: Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and sources of ozone like electric motors.

33. How can I improve my Jeep’s fuel efficiency with larger tires?

Answer: Proper tire inflation, regular maintenance, and possibly re-gearing can help offset the fuel efficiency loss from larger tires.

34. Do I need to recalibrate my speedometer if I change tire sizes?

Answer: Yes, changing tire sizes can affect speedometer accuracy, and recalibration may be necessary.

35. What is tire siping?

Answer: Tire siping involves cutting small slits in the tire tread to improve traction on slippery surfaces.

36. How do I know if my tires are worn out?

Answer: The tread depth should not be below 2/32 of an inch. Many tires have built-in wear bars that become visible as the tire wears down.

37. Can I mix and match different tire brands?

Answer: While possible, it’s not recommended as different tire brands may have different handling characteristics.

38. What is hydroplaning?

Answer: Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water builds between the tires and the road surface, leading to a loss of traction.

39. How does tire age affect performance?

Answer: Older tires, generally those over six years old, can lose elasticity and provide less grip, even if they have sufficient tread depth.

40. Do I need to replace all four tires at the same time?

Answer: Ideally, yes, to ensure uniform handling and wear. However, if only replacing two, install them on the rear axle for better stability and control.