Breaking the Mold: Magic Magnetic Tires Redefining the Automotive Industry

Magic magnetic tires are a revolutionary new technology that has the potential to change the way we drive and travel. These tires utilize magnetic fields to provide enhanced traction and control, making them perfect for various road conditions and terrains. The magic magnetic tires work by utilizing powerful magnets embedded within the tire tread. These magnets generate magnetic fields that interact with the magnetic field of the road surface. This interaction creates an incredible amount of friction, ensuring better traction and grip. One of the key advantages of magic magnetic tires is their ability to adapt to different road conditions.

This gives the car ultra-maneuverability and could pave the way for smaller car parks and more efficient used of road space because it allows the car to move sideways. There are also embedded sensors in the tires that increase safety by communicating road and weather conditions [such as black ice or sudden obstacles] to the vehicle control system and other nearby cars.

The 3D printed tread mimics the pattern of brain coral and behaves like a natural sponge designed to stiffen in dry conditions and soften when wet to deliver excellent driving performance and aquaplaning resistance. We found ourselves heading into some really cold temperatures and our Japanese friends told us flat out not to head out onto the icy and snowy roads of Hokkaido without proper winter tires.

One of the key advantages of magic magnetic tires is their ability to adapt to different road conditions. Whether it's snow, ice, gravel, or wet surfaces, these tires can adjust their magnetic fields to provide optimal grip and stability. This versatility makes them extremely useful for all types of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and even motorcycles.

The Magic-number Car Tires for Overlanding

Originally published 2015 / Updated December 2018 (When we buy a new set of tires, we update this post with the latest news. The last update is about the generous gift of new overland tires in Almaty, Kazakhstan).

I hear you thinking, “What, another post on tires? You’ve got to be kidding me! There must hundreds of them on the Internet.”

Yes, you are right, another post on tires – car tires for overlanding, to be exact.

But this time I am writing it.

Because we get many emails and messages from 4×4 enthusiasts and overlanders asking us what type of tires we use, or why our Land Cruiser drives on such skinny road tires.

Like with all choices in life, a perfect one doesn’t exist. Same with car tires for overlanding. You will always have to accept certain limitations and live with that. There is no manual that will tell you what choice to make. For me, after so many years on the road, I am comfortable with the choices we make today.

I learned from my mistakes and we continue to acquire knowledge on the subject as options for overland tires are not the same everywhere on the globe, and you must plow with the oxen that you have.

Car Tires for Overlanding in a Nutshell

If your journey is less than two years and you are not racing around the globe – driving, say 30,000Ks per year – one set of tires will probably suffice. But if you do plan to buy new tires while on the road, make sure you select the right rim before you start your journey.

Find out if the rim-sized tires that you like so much are common on the continent you plan to travel on. This may save you a lot of headaches (and money).

Why My Fondness For a Skinny, High Tire?

I think it all started with my first car, a Citroën 2CV. They had absurdly thin, high wheels. Once, we had serious snow. When driving into town I saw big, luxurious cars swerving into problems in corners. This was mainly caused by the weight of their vehicle and the fact that it had rear-wheel drive. Meanwhile, the 2CV was cornering without a problem.

Okay, I hear you; a big-ass Land Cruiser is not the same as my ‘ugly duckling’. You are right, but the principle remains more or less the same. Stick with me and let me explain.

Some facts:

• We are driving around 20,000 kilometers a year.
• Roughly 95% of the time we drive in 2×4, on roads as well as (unpaved) tracks.
• 70% of the Land Cruiser’s weight is on the rear axle.

For these conditions I look for the following when buying overland tires:

• Good mileage.
• As little noise as possible.
• Affordability.
• Availability.
• High ply rate.
• Little wear and tear on the axles, differentials, and gearboxes as possible.

When those tires have also the ability to:

1. Raise clearance,
2. go really low on tire pressure [and inherit fat tire symptoms],
3. have absurdly strong sidewall protection,

then I am all game. Did you ever wonder why Land Rovers in the Camel Trophy drove on skinny tires? Or why Dakar cars don’t have extremely wide tires? The drivers tested and tested, and came to the same results.

So why shouldn’t this be the case with car tires for overlanding?

Our Overland Tire Choices Thus Far

During our Landcuising Adventure we have bought a variety of tires and while all those tires were different to some degree, I felt confident taking all those tires into the mud, going rock climbing, driving into the dunes, on gravel roads, and into the snow.

To a certain extend tire pattern can help you overcome the terrain, but I am convinced that tire pressure, the driver’s capacity, as well as gear choice are of greater importance.

When we arrived at Malaysia’s famous Rainforest Challenge we were laughed at with our Land Cruiser’s skinny, Indian road tires. But during the ten-day event we gained growing respect as we conquered the terrain and daily rolled into camp.

So, here we go, the car tires we have bought and used on our overland journey!

01- Security TM 718 Off-road Tires 8PR – Netherlands

Before our departure from the Netherlands (in 2003), I bought Chinese, aggressive, nylon off-road tires. They looked tough and many off-roaders asked me where to get them.

But they were noisy as hell, gave us bad mileage, were bumpy and uncomfortable although they were only 8 PR.

On the plus side, these tires were regroovable so we brought them to a shop in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. We could select a different pattern if we wanted to, but stuck with the existing pattern in order not to destroy the underlying fortifications.

You may not be familiar with regrooving tires or retreading but in Asia and South America it is not uncommon. It is a viable option to keep your tires going for just a little longer.

02- JKTire Steelking Radials 14PR – India

In India the thread started to show so we had to replace the tires. There wasn’t much choice so after a day’s search we bought lovely JKTire radials with a road pattern. Those car tires gave us the most bang for our buck and, in fact, we were so content with them that I tried to get another set in Iquique (Chile) a couple of years later.

Good mileage, no noise and very comfortable. They brought us to the finish of the Rainforest Challenge and got us rock-climbing on the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Laos.

03- Pirelli AS22 12PR – Paraguay

We obtained our third set of overland tires in Paraguay, the tax-free haven of South America. We made a strange but good choice buying Brazilian-made Nylon Pirellis, as we knew we were in for two years of rípio in Patagonia, and no matter what tires we would buy, they were going to be discarded after those two years.

A salient detail is that these car tires were 50% cheaper in Paraguay than in their production country of Brazil. Thanks to a 14-ply rate we had no sidewall punctures. They were a bit noisy on asphalt and affected a little on the mileage. For a nylon tire this one had a pretty good comfort. But we decided that from then on we would stick to radials.

04- Apollo Dura-Mile LT 14PR – Chile

Next up: Iquique (Chile). Here I tried to get my hands on some JKTires but couldn’t find them. However, I stuck with the Indian thought and got a nice set of Apollo radials. I had the choice between a high miler [highway pattern] and a dura miler [mixed pattern]. We opted for the last.

I think this has been a solid choice with good comfort and mileage and no noise. Only downer: a few weeks later we discovered could have gotten genuine French made Michelins ZXY for 80 U$D in La Paz, Bolivia!

05- Roadstone Radial A/T 10PR – Brazil

Two years later, just before we set out to cross the infamous BR319 and the Transamazônica in Brazil, we needed new tires and found ourselves in Manaus.

Strangely we couldn’t find our magic numbers so we set out to find the best next thing, a 235/85R16.

Many say these have the same height and width of the 7.50R16, but I beg to differ. These tires might look the same but are actually a tad wider and give less mileage and more wear [tie rod ends and center arm wore prematurely].

Also, the 235/85R16 generally come with less sidewall protection and a lower ply rating, resulting in more sidewall punctures when aired down.

On the plus side they are very comfortable. One thing that really annoyed us was the many rubbing punctures we got during their second and last year. I don’t know whether this was due to the fact that we used tubes while it said tubeless, or not.

We had been using tubes in tubeless tires before with no problem. Then I thought it was due to the fact that the tubes were more than nine years old and replaced them all. But the rubbing punctures kept on happening and drove us nuts.

06- Roadshine RS604 14PR – Colombia

Time to get our sixth set of car tires. Initially the idea was to get new tires in Venezuela where they should be cheaper than in Colombia. But after checking various sources we concluded that it would be difficult to get tires in Venezuela (due to political situation) and pulled the trigger on getting them in Bogotá.

This gave me the choice between the excellent Japanese Sumitomo highway pattern or a Chinese B brand with a bit more Mud + Snow pattern. Prices were almost the same as the Chinese being a bit cheaper.

We are very happy with that decision. Although we have seen our magic-numbers-tires in Venezuela for bargain prices, the old tires wouldn’t have made it across Los Llanos in Colombia.

Do you see the regroovable marking on the side of the tire? This means these tires have plenty of rubber on them and when they are becoming worn and slick you just go at them with a gauge and you are good to go.

07- Bridgestone Blizzak 12PR – Japan

We found ourselves heading into some really cold temperatures and our Japanese friends told us flat out not to head out onto the icy and snowy roads of Hokkaido without proper winter tires. Masa helped us out and found a great deal on these 7.50R16 Blizzak tires.

Unbelievable how these tires kept us on the roads throughout the harsh winter in sub-zero temperatures. Anything cold we put under these tires, it handled without a hick-up. Really impressive how we could climb narrow mountain roads that were completely iced over.

Recommended Books on Preparing your Overland Journey

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Products from Amazon

08 BFGoodridge All Terrain KO2 10PR – Kazakhstan

We arrived in Almaty Kazakhstan with our Blizzaks in serious trouble. From Siberia’s snow-covered winter roads we had nothing to fear. However, the threads had been destroyed by the stones of Mongolia’s rough tracks and a couple of stones had wedged in between the siped tires. This resulted in broken steel threads inside the tire, which played havoc with the tubes.

After two extensive repairs on the road, these tires were not to be trusted anymore, which resulted in an Escape-From-Kazakhstan-Alive action plan. We bought two ridiculously small, second-hand 215/70R16 tires to make the last push to Almaty – a mere 300 kms. Here we would have to shop around and find our magic overland tires for the 8th time in our journey.

But alas, where in South America we could more or less buy whatever we fancied, here in Central Asia it is a bit more complicated. The weather conditions are much more extremes and thus choosing either winter or summer tires is a big risk either way.

The challenge was to find something that would fit both seasons to some extent.

The tire guys had a nice Chinese option in stock. Yes, the magic numbers indeed: 7.50R16 with the above par of 14PR. However, it came with a nasty street pattern and we definitely needed something more sturdy for the coming years. They offered to cut any pattern we wanted for next to nothing and had we had no other option, this would have been our purchase.

Fortunately, there was another, much better option: the much-hyped-and-coveted BFGoodridge KO2s. They were on the high-end of our budget and available only in 235/85R16. This meant we needed to risk putting tubes into tubeless tires and take care not to get sand and debris between the tube and the tire. It could work – after all, we had done this before, in Brazil (see #5).

The big pro for these tires was that they fit the picture other overlanders painted us of the region and what we could expect for the coming years in terms of road conditions. The only thing was, not unimportantly, freeing up the budget. Maybe we could ask for a discount?

Totally unexpected, Santa Clause in disguise stepped up to the plate. Who knew Santa Claus existed? He does, and his real name is Ben Steiner. He sent us an Instagram message that same evening.

He follows our adventures and reacted to our stories in true Christmas spirit.

“When you arrive in Almaty and find a tire store, pick out a pair of tires and let me know what the total cost is of the tires installation is. Hopeful to travel the world soon.

I believe in Karma and someday I will be in need no doubt. I have the means to help you know and hope when I am in need I will have someone willing to help.

Let me know the total and have a happy holiday.”

Karin-Marijke and I needed to pinch each other a few time, but then reality sat in and we were blown away by this fantastic offer. Thank you, Ben!

The following day we drove out of the tire w orkshop with a big smile.

Let’s see how these tires fare in the future. We know that we need to take extra care because we opted to keep the splits, which means looking for ways to keep out the debris. We already came across an idea that talks about sealing the ring opening and valve hole with silicone.

How that works, we’ll let you know in an update.

Shopping for Overland Tires

Once you know where the tire shops are, be prepared to bargain and look beyond the obvious. My criteria, after 12 years, has boiled down to the following:

• Size 7.50R16 [note the R and not a -] so not 7.50-16 [that would be nylon].
• Radial.
• Ply rating of 12 and above [due to the weight of the car]. 14 ply is indestructible.
• Pattern [everything a bit more blocked than straight highway lines].
• Cheapest.

Let me know in the comments below what your criteria are for your overland tires.

Tips for Keeping your Tires in Shape

Once you have found your favorite tire, you want to keep that tire in perfect condition. One of the most important things is to keep track of its pressure. Keeping your tires on the right pressure, will save fuel, avoid excessive heat that will lead to increased wear and could even lead to a blowout and thus you having to buy new tires.

I use a simple Tire Pressure Gauge to check the pressure. Even if a service station—or anyone else who is providing me with air to inflate the tire—has an integrated pressure gauge, I still check the final pressure with my own gauge, to avoid calibration errors between devices.

Remember: always check the pressure when your car tires are cold. Before setting out in the morning is best.

Another option is to install a more automated Tire Pressure Monitor System, that allows you to monitor your tire pressure and temperature while driving, and even put out a warning signal before things go wrong.

Because every overland vehicle is different in weight and size and most of us drive around in a modified car, it could be difficult to find out the perfect tire pressure for your set-up.

There are numerous methods but I prefer the one that is called the Chalk Test. I’m not going to write about it here, as there are good explanations on some fora and even a few YT’s – Google is your friend.

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After two extensive repairs on the road, these tires were not to be trusted anymore, which resulted in an Escape-From-Kazakhstan-Alive action plan. We bought two ridiculously small, second-hand 215/70R16 tires to make the last push to Almaty – a mere 300 kms. Here we would have to shop around and find our magic overland tires for the 8th time in our journey.

Moreover, magic magnetic tires offer improved control and handling. The enhanced traction allows for better maneuverability, especially in challenging driving situations. Whether it's navigating sharp turns or braking on slippery surfaces, these tires provide the driver with a superior level of control and confidence. Additionally, magic magnetic tires have the potential to increase fuel efficiency. The increased grip and traction of these tires result in less energy being wasted. This means that vehicles equipped with these tires can travel longer distances with the same amount of fuel, ultimately saving money and reducing environmental impact. Furthermore, the magic magnetic tires promise a smoother and quieter ride. The increased friction reduces vibrations and noise, providing a more comfortable driving experience for both the driver and passengers. Although magic magnetic tires sound like a dream come true, there are still challenges to overcome. The cost of developing and manufacturing these tires may initially be high, making them less accessible to the general public. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding the long-term durability and maintenance of these tires. Overall, magic magnetic tires have the potential to revolutionize the automotive industry. Their ability to provide superior traction, control, and fuel efficiency make them a highly attractive option for drivers worldwide. With further research and development, these tires may become a common feature on our roads, making driving safer and more enjoyable for everyone..

Reviews for "Magically Enhancing Performance: The Power of Magnetic Tires"

1. Sarah - 1 star - I was really disappointed with the magic magnetic tires. They didn't live up to the hype at all. The tires were supposed to provide a smooth and comfortable ride, but instead, they were constantly slipping and sliding on the road. I also had trouble with the magnetic feature as it kept attracting all kinds of metal debris, causing punctures and damage. Overall, I found them to be unreliable and not worth the money.

2. John - 2 stars - I had high hopes for the magic magnetic tires, but unfortunately, they fell short of my expectations. While they did provide good traction on certain surfaces, I found that they lacked stability and control on wet roads. I was also disappointed by their durability as they wore down much quicker than regular tires. Additionally, the magnetic aspect of the tires seemed unnecessary and only added to the complexity of maintenance and repairs. Overall, I wouldn't recommend the magic magnetic tires for everyday use.

3. Laura - 1 star - I regret purchasing the magic magnetic tires. Not only did they fail to deliver on their promise of improved performance, but they also caused more problems than they solved. The magnets attracted nails and other metal objects, resulting in multiple flat tires. I also noticed a significant decrease in fuel efficiency, which was a major inconvenience. Additionally, the tires produced an annoying humming noise at higher speeds. Overall, I found the magic magnetic tires to be a complete waste of money and I would not recommend them to anyone.

A Revolution on Wheels: Magic Magnetic Tires