What do H/T, A/T, M/T, and UHP tire markings mean?
Often, tires can be seen with markings such as H/T, A/T, or M/T. These can only be found on tires for crossovers and SUVs. Each designation has a clear affiliation with the tire class and implies a different operating environment.
Before choosing tires, you need to ask yourself a few questions. Where do you drive? What do you do there? How much time do you spend on road use, and how much time do you spend off-road? The wrong choice can result in characteristics you don't use on the one hand and discomfort on the other. Today, we'll break down which type of road each of these segments is intended for.
H/T (HIGHWAY TERRAIN)
Tires with the H/T marking are standard equipment on most crossovers and SUVs. Despite their off-road capabilities, some vehicles in this class never leave the city. The tread pattern of tires in this class is designed to provide a minimal advantage on dirt roads and complex road sections while ensuring high acoustic comfort and smoothness on asphalt. The tread depth of such tires is usually low, and the total share of the negative profile (the sum of all longitudinal and transverse channels and lamellas) is significantly inferior to the positive profile (the amount of rubber in the contact patch). The tires have high characteristics on dry and wet surfaces.
A/T (ALL TERRAIN)
Tires in the A/T class are a compromise between on-road and off-road use in a 50/50 ratio. It is essential to consider that tires in this class already significantly lose in terms of comfort compared to H/T tires. This is important to consider when choosing, as A/T tires are often chosen for their appearance and how they change the overall look of the vehicle. If you don't leave the city or are limited to urban use, you'd be better off with road-use tires. The tread depth of such tires is usually above average, and the total share of the negative profile is noticeably larger than in H/T tires. The tires have high characteristics on light off-road terrain.
M/T (MUD TERRAIN)
M/T tires are the most off-road capable, with increased strength. Tires in this class are designed exclusively for off-road use. Unparalleled strength and the best characteristics in impassable areas come at the cost of the most uncomfortable driving in city conditions. These are definitely not everyday tires. The tires have the largest ratio of negative profile to positive profile and the highest tread depth.
UHP (ULTRA HIGH PERFORMANCE)
It's not uncommon to come across tires with the UHP marking. This marking implies the implementation of the highest characteristics. It's known that the criteria for high performance vary for everyone, so this marking is nothing more than a marketing move that doesn't carry particularly important information.