Best Ford Bronco Tire Size According to Weather Conditions

Meta: Discover the ideal Ford Bronco tire size for every weather condition to maximize safety, performance, and traction, no matter the season

Choosing the right tire size for your Ford Bronco is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as an owner. The weather conditions where you live and drive significantly impact which size and type will work best for your vehicle. This guide will help you understand the different options available for your Bronco and how to match them to your climate and driving conditions.

Ford Bronco Tire Sizing

The Ford Bronco offers several factory sizes, depending on your model year and trim level. Understanding these options is the first step toward making the right choice for your specific weather conditions.

Factory Tire Sizes for Modern Bronco Models

Standard Factory Sizes:

• 255/70R16
• 255/75R17
• LT265/70R17
• LT285/70R17
• LT315/70R17

Raptor Model:

• 37-inch all-terrain (approximately 940 mm diameter)

The “LT” designation stands for “Light Truck” and indicates a tire designed for heavier loads and more aggressive use. These are typically more durable and offer better off-road performance than standard passenger tires.

Summer and Dry Weather

Summer driving requires tires that provide excellent grip on dry pavement and good handling characteristics. If you live in a warm, low-rainfall climate, summer-focused tires are an excellent choice.

Best Tire Characteristics for Summer

All-Terrain (A/T):

• Provide balanced performance on roads and light off-road terrain
• Offers good traction in dry conditions
• Quieter than mud-terrain alternatives
• Suitable for mixed driving conditions
• Common sizes: 255/70R17, LT265/70R17, LT285/70R17

Highway-Focused:

• Deliver superior fuel efficiency
• Provide comfortable, quiet rides
• Best for primarily on-road driving
• Less suitable for off-road adventures

Recommended Summer Tire Sizes

For most Bronco owners in warm climates, the factory tire sizes work well. If you’ve added suspension modifications like a levelling kit or lift kit, consider these upgrades:

• 265/70R17 (with 1.5-inch leveling kit)
• 265/75R16 (with 1.5-inch leveling kit)
• 295/70R18 (with 4-inch to 6-inch lift kit)

Winter and Snow Conditions

Winter driving demands tires with specialized tread patterns and rubber compounds designed to maintain grip in cold temperatures. This is where selection becomes critical for safety.

Winter Tire Advantages

Winter-specific tires feature:

• Softer rubber compounds that remain flexible in freezing temperatures
• Increased siping (small cuts in the tread) for better snow traction
• Deeper tread patterns designed to evacuate snow and slush
• Superior braking performance on ice and snow

Best Winter Tire Sizes for Bronco

For Standard Bronco Models:

• 255/70R16 (factory size, acceptable for winter)
• 255/75R17 (factory size, good winter performance)
• LT265/70R17 (factory size, excellent winter capability)

For Lifted Broncos:

• 265/70R17 (with 1.5-inch leveling kit)
• 265/75R16 (with 1.5-inch leveling kit)
• 295/70R18 (with 4-inch to 6-inch lift kit)

Winter Tire Type Comparison

All-Terrain (A/T) for Winter:

• Better snow performance than mud-terrain alternatives
• Quieter on highway driving
• Acceptable for moderate winter conditions
• Good choice if you experience occasional snow

Dedicated Winter:

• Superior performance in heavy snow and ice
• Best choice for regions with frequent winter weather
• Significantly better braking on ice
• Should be swapped seasonally for optimal performance

Important Note: All-terrain tires are a compromise. While they perform better in snow than mud-terrain options, dedicated winter tires will always outperform them in cold weather conditions. If you experience regular winter weather, consider keeping two sets—one all-terrain for summer and one dedicated winter for the cold season.

Mud and Wet Weather Conditions

Driving through mud, wet terrain, and challenging off-road conditions requires tires with aggressive tread patterns and strong sidewalls.

Mud-Terrain Tire Characteristics

Mud-terrain options feature:

• Large, blocky tread patterns with wide spacing
• Thicker sidewalls for better puncture resistance
• Aggressive appearance and off-road capability
• Louder road noise compared to all-terrain tires
• Better self-cleaning properties in mud

Recommended Mud-Terrain Sizes

Factory Sasquatch Package:

• 35-inch mud-terrain (approximately 889 mm diameter)
• Comes standard on high-performance Bronco models
• Excellent for serious off-road adventures

Alternative Mud-Terrain Sizes:

• LT285/70R17 (with standard suspension)
• LT315/70R17 (with lifted suspension)
• 33-inch (approximately 838 mm diameter) with 2.5-inch to 4-inch lift kit

When to Choose Mud-Terrain Tires

Mud-terrain options are ideal if you:

• Regularly drive on challenging off-road terrain
• Frequently encounter muddy or wet conditions
• Plan extended off-road expeditions
• Prioritize off-road performance over highway comfort

Trade-offs to Consider:

• Increased road noise on pavement
• Reduced fuel efficiency
• Harsher ride quality on highways
• More expensive than all-terrain alternatives

All-Terrain Tires for Mixed Conditions

All-terrain options represent the best compromise for Bronco owners who experience varied weather and driving conditions throughout the year.

All-Terrain Tire Benefits

All-terrain options offer:

• Balanced performance on roads and light off-road terrain
• Better winter performance than mud-terrain options
• Quieter operation than mud-terrain alternatives
• Good fuel efficiency
• Versatility for multiple seasons
• Reasonable pricing

Recommended All-Terrain Sizes

For Standard Bronco:

• 255/70R16 (factory size)
• 255/75R17 (factory size)
• LT265/70R17 (factory size)

For Levelled Bronco (1.5-inch levelling kit):

• 265/70R17
• 265/75R16
• 32×11.50R15

For Lifted Bronco (4-inch to 6-inch lift kit):

• 305/70R17
• 295/70R18
• 35×12.50R17
• 35×12.50R18

Best All-Terrain Tire Brands

Popular all-terrain options for Bronco owners include:

• BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
• Falken Wildpeak A/T
• Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner A/T
• Nokian Outpost A/T
• Cooper Discoverer A/T3

Highway and Comfort-Focused Options

If your Bronco spends most of its time on paved roads with occasional light off-road use, highway-focused options deliver superior comfort and efficiency.

Highway Tire Advantages

Highway tires provide:

• Quietest ride quality
• Best fuel efficiency
• Smooth, comfortable highway driving
• Lower rolling resistance
• Reduced wear

Recommended Highway Sizes

Factory Sizes:

• 255/70R16
• 255/75R17

For Levelled Bronco:

• 265/70R17
• 265/75R16

When to Choose Highway Tires

Highway tires are best if you:

• Drive primarily on paved roads
• Rarely venture off-road
• Prioritize fuel efficiency and comfort
• Want the quietest possible ride
• Don’t need aggressive tread patterns

Seasonal Rotation Strategy

Regardless of which type you choose, proper rotation extends life and maintains balanced performance.

Recommended Rotation Pattern

Rotate every 8,000 to 10,000 kilometres to ensure even wear. For Broncos with four-wheel drive, follow a front-to-rear rotation pattern to maximize longevity.

Two-Tire Strategy for Extreme Climates

If you live in a region with distinct seasons:

• Keep all-terrains for spring, summer, and fall
• Switch to dedicated winters for winter months
• Store off-season wheels in a cool, dry location
• Check pressure when changing seasonal tires

Tire Pressure Considerations

Proper pressure varies by size and type. Always check your vehicle’s door jamb placard for recommended pressures rather than relying on the maximum pressure listed on the sidewall.

Adjusting Pressure for Conditions

For Off-Road Driving:

• Reduce pressure slightly (consult manufacturer guidelines)
• Improves traction and ride quality on rough terrain
• Always reinflate to the proper pressure before highway driving

For Winter Driving:

• Check pressure more frequently
• Cold temperatures reduce pressure
• Maintain manufacturer-recommended pressure for safety

For Towing:

• Increase pressure according to load specifications
• Consult your owner’s manual for towing pressure recommendations

Key Takeaways

For Summer and Dry Conditions:
Choose factory sizes or all-terrain tires for balanced performance and comfort.

For Winter and Snow:
Consider dedicated winter options if you experience regular snow, or all-terrain tires if snow is occasional.

For Mud and Off-Road:
Select mud-terrain options for serious off-road adventures, or all-terrain tires for lighter terrain.

For Mixed Conditions:
All-terrain options offer the best versatility for Bronco owners who experience varied weather year-round.

For Highway Driving:
Standard highway wheels deliver the best comfort, efficiency, and quiet operation.

Ford Bronco: Make the Right Choice

Your Ford Bronco tire choice should match your primary driving conditions and climate. While factory sizes work well for most owners, understanding the differences between all-terrain, mud-terrain, winter, and highway options helps you make an informed decision. Consider your local weather patterns, driving habits, and off-road ambitions when selecting the best size and type for your Bronco. Proper maintenance and seasonal rotation will extend life and ensure safe, comfortable driving year-round.

Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle, feature availability.