Jack of all trades, master of none.

This figure of speech is oftentimes applicable to most all-terrain tires. They don’t always give the most comfortable ride on paved roads, and they’re also not the most effective when the going gets tough. Hence the name “all-terrain.” These tires are expected to have the ability to go anywhere, which makes them not particularly suitable for any single type of terrain.

But that doesn’t have to be the case. While all-terrain tires are certainly designed to conquer any sort of road condition, small engineering tricks can make them just a bit more effective for the job they’re made for. That approach is what Goodyear boffins have done to make the Wrangler Duratrac better than the competition.

The problem with using deep treads is that they’re susceptible to clogging by rocks and mud. And because the treads are an all-terrain tire’s lifeline, any blockage will reduce their effectiveness on loose surfaces. By employing self-cleaning blocks near the sidewall, the Wrangler Duratrac constantly keeps itself clear of debris so that it never bogs down even on the most difficult of trails.

Another challenge for all-terrain tires is their ability to keep going on soft ground. Off-roading often requires the driver to maintain a stable pace to sustain progress on low-traction surfaces to avoid getting stuck. TractiveGroove Technology built into the Wrangler Duratrac enhances its ability to power through soft and mushy terrain, consequently minimizing the possibility of having to winch the vehicle out of trouble.

By employing self-cleaning blocks, the Wrangler Duratrac keeps itself clear of debris so it never bogs down even on the most difficult of trails

A technical breakthrough that’s integrated into the Wrangler Duratrac is its acutely angled center tread blocks. Deep enough to enhance traction on gravel, sand and mud, the design is also key to maintaining stability during cornering and reducing noise when driving on paved surfaces. After all, while the Duratrac’s main purpose is for trail use, one still has to drive on the road to go off the road.

A trademark of Goodyear is the inherent durability of its products, and the Wrangler Duratrac is no different. Two steel belts with nylon reinforcement are built into the tire, improving its strength and prolonging its service life. A rim protector also cleverly keeps your expensive wheels from being damaged by foreign objects.

The Goodyear Wrangler Duractrac might look just like a run-of-the-mill tire for SUVs and pickup trucks. But its brilliant engineering tweaks allow it to punch above its weight—and be the perfect tire for either work or play. In fact, there is no better proof of the Wrangler Duratrac’s capabilities than Ford making it standard equipment on the Ranger Raptor.

This branded article was produced in partnership with Goodyear Philippines.