Tires

Baja Claw Bias Belted

Mickey Thompson Baja Claw Bias

Your Truck / Off-Road Tire Questions Answered

What are the differences between a radial and a bias belted tire?

The body plies are perpendicular to the bead on radial tires. On bias and bias belted tires, they are at an angle (bias) to the bead, which greatly increases sidewall strength and durability. The belt on a bias belted or radial tires improves tread stability and helps reduce rolling resistance which is the radial tires main feature. M/T's construction sandwiches the belts between the body plies, which improves ride and virtually eliminates belt and ply separations. Sandwiched belt construction is unique to M/T tires only.

What are some benefits of using a radial tire?

Radial tires offer two primary benefits:

1. Superior uniformity for excellent ride quality.
2. Increased steering response and stability.

What are some benefits of using a bias tire?

Bias belted tires offer two primary benefits:

1. Reduced rolling resistance for better mileage and tread life (compared to straight bias ply tires).
2. Strong sidewalls for protection off road.

How do the Baja Belted® and HP's handle compared to a radial tire?

Given proper rim size and air pressure, our Baja series fiberglass belted tires will ride smooth and handle well. Tires wider than 12.5 can sometimes catch the wear grooves on blacktop highways which can cause some lateral movement.

Will running a Baja or HP decrease my gas mileage when compared to a radial?

There is a minimal effect when using tires the same size as OE. Larger diameter tires may actually increase gas mileage.

What kind of mileage can I expect out of the Baja Belted, HP's, and the radials?

Your driving habits and conditions will affect your mileage. If proper rim size, air pressure and rotation is maintained. Most Baja series tires will get 25-30,000 miles. Radial and tall Baja tires (over 35) can get considerably more than 40,000 miles. No mileage guarantee is offered.

Do the M/T® tires make a lot of road noise?

All aggressive tread tires, regardless of brand, will make road noise. A noise level which may be objectionable to one person may be acceptable to another. The Baja Belted HP tires are quieter than the Baja Belted.

How large of a tire will fit on my vehicle with no modifications?

This is a question that has no real specific answer, as there are too many variables. Mickey Thompson has compiled a fitment guide that may help you make a decision. Note: You will have to keep in mind that overall diameter of a tire will affect ABS brake systems, speedometer readings and final gear ratios. You will also have to measure side to side clearance to keep the tire away from inner fenders and other sheet metal.

Why would I choose to use a wide tire? Why would I choose a narrow tire?

Wide tires offer a unique look which many people desire. Beyond looks, wide tires are used where flotation and stability is desired. Narrow tires are used where traction, primarily in muddy conditions, is desired.

Are the Baja Belted tires directional?

Mickey Thompson Baja Belted tires use a semi-directional tread design. Depending on which way the tires are mounted, they will have a higher degree of traction or flotation.

1. For maximum forward traction, mount white letters out (serial # in) on the left (driver's) side of vehicle, and white letters in (serial # out) on the right (passenger) side of vehicle.
2. For maximum flotation, (or maximum reverse traction), mount white letters in (serial # out) on left (driver's) side, and white letters out (serial # in) on right (passenger) side.

Note: Since off-roading involves a fair amount of backing out of difficult situations, most people mount tires with the white letters out all around.

The Sidebiter®sidewall on the Mickey Thompson Baja tires are unique in their appearance. What functions do they serve?

1. Protect the sidewall from damage by rocks, branches, twigs, curbs, etc.
2. Aid flotation and traction when in soft terrain.
3. Increase gripping tread by up to 50% in off road applications.

The Sidebiter®sidewall on the Mickey Thompson Baja tires are unique in their appearance. What functions do they serve?

1. Protect the sidewall from damage by rocks, branches, twigs, curbs, etc.
2. Aid flotation and traction when in soft terrain.
3. Increase gripping tread by up to 50% in off road applications.

What is the load range on a specific tire?

All tires have a maximum load and inflation stated on the sidewall. Mickey Thompson does have a load range chart available on request.

What is the maximum weight it should take to balance my tire?

The industry standard is approx. 2% of the tire weight. Our standard is approx. 1% of the tire weight. Tires with excessive balance weight can be replaced under our adjustment policy within the first 10% of tread wear.

How much air pressure should I run in my tires?

This varies greatly with rim, tire size and vehicle wt. Pressure is correct when you have a full footprint on the ground. A good starting point would be 70% of the maximum inflation as stated on the sidewall of the tire.

What is the minimum air pressure I can safely run in the Baja and HP's when going off road?

For off road situations, where speed is less than 5 mph, air pressure can be lowered enough to engage Sidebiters®. Depending on vehicle weight and tire size this can be as low as 4-6 PSI. However, tires used on 16.5 bead diameter wheels should never be run below 25 PSI. Note: Never operate a vehicle on the highway at pressures used on the trail. You must re-inflate the tires before driving at highway speeds.

Why do some tires wear so fast and unevenly?

Many things can cause this. To mention a few:

1. Improper air pressure.
2. Wrong rim size.
3. Improper alignment.
4. Weak or worn suspension components. Note: Some stock front suspension components cannot handle the abuse of wheel and tire combos that are much larger than the o.e.m.
5. Over load.
6. Improper balance. Note: It is a good practice to have the tire and wheel assembly balanced each time you rotate your tires.

What is the best way to maintain maximum performance from my tires?

Use proper rim size. Maintain proper air pressure. Rotate the tires every 3000-5000 miles (if possible). Maintain proper alignment and replace worn front suspension components.

How often should Mickey Thompson tires be rotated?

At least every 3000-5000 miles. Note: It is also suggested that you have the tires balance checked at this time as well, even if you just static balance them.

What is the best rotation pattern?

Cross non-drive tires to drive axle. Move drive axle tires straight to non-drive axle. Note: On a 4x4 vehicle consider the rear axle the drive axle.

What kind of warranty is on my Mickey Thompson tires?

All D.O.T. approved tires are warranted against defects in material and workmanship on a pro-rated basis. Consult the Mickey Thompson adjustment policy for details.