For folks who use their SUVs and pickups to drive on- and off-road, all-terrain tires are the way to go. With deeper and more aggressive tread, these tires are designed to tackle tough terrain from the get-go.
These are stronger than standard tires, too, and made to withstand harsh conditions. It’s all about maximum traction on loose surfaces. Plus, there’s no denying the added appeal of their rugged aesthetic. And thanks to advancements in tire technology, the latest all-terrain tires offer improved on-road comfort and handling as well as better fuel efficiency compared with earlier iterations. All of these benefits don’t come at the expense of off-road performance, either.
Here’s where the Bridgestone Dueler A/T002 comes in. It boasts a hexagonal center block shape that allows for a wider contact patch. That means more adhesion and better braking balance from the tire, whatever the surface. It works in conjunction with the optimized rib design, as it channels water out more quickly and prevents hydroplaning.
But when the going gets muddy, the A/T002’s staggered shoulder blocks ensure that the vehicle can pull itself out of such situations. At the same time, these blocks also aid greatly in traversing rocks and steep inclines.
Aside from the redesigned pattern, the Dueler A/T002 features Bridgestone’s Nano-Pro Tech. It bonds the hydrophilic coating of silica to rubber that is naturally hydrophobic. In other words, Nano-Pro Tech improves wet-weather traction as well as fuel efficiency, wear life, and durability. The good news is drivers can enjoy Nano-Pro Tech in other Bridgestone products.
The result of all these changes are vast improvements over the previous Dueler A/T697. Tire life is longer by up to 35%—great news for those who drive their 4x4 vehicles daily. Also, braking distances have been reduced by an impressive 17%. Rolling resistance is up by 2%, while noise levels are down by 2 decibels*.
What does this all mean? The Bridgestone Dueler A/T002 is an all-terrain tire that eliminates the usual drawbacks of an off-road tire. With higher grip levels, it increases safety by enhancing the vehicle’s handling dynamics on the road or trails.
At the end of the day, the Bridgestone Dueler A/T002 retains the capabilities that are needed when taking on challenging situations, be it mud, ruts, rocks, sand, or puddles. It’s a no-compromise tire that’s prepared to perform, whatever the terrain, and whatever the situation.
*Based on internal testing conducted at the Bridgestone research facility, comparing the Dueler A/T002 and Dueler A/T697 in size 265/65 R17.
