Jimny 2022 – No traction in dunes with Goodyear Silent Trac MT (215/75R15)

Hi everyone!

I’m new to the Jimny world and wanted to ask for some advice. I have a 2022 Jimny, and I recently switched from the stock tires to 215/75 R15 Goodyear Silent Trac MT. The issue is that when I aired down to 10 PSI in the dunes, the Jimny had no traction at all—I couldn’t climb even in 4x4 Low. Meanwhile, a friend with a 1.5 Grand Vitara had no problem going up the same dunes.So my question is: could this be due to the type of tire, or would moving up to 235s actually make a noticeable difference in sand traction when aired down? I’ve read that Goodyear MTs aren’t great for sand, but I’m not sure if switching to BF Goodrich in 215 size would help significantly, or if it’s really worth going all the way to 235s with a lift, even if it’s a bigger investment.Would love to hear from anyone with real dune or beach experience. Thanks in advance!

So a few questions.

1. What sort of sand/dunes? Where in the World are you? i.e. are we talking soft dry sand or wetter seaside sand?

2. Are you used to driving off road and specifically on sand dunes? Really meaning, are you able to identify what is going on and the difference between mechanical and driver impacts?

3. How did the Jimny go on standard tyres in the dunes?

4. Did anyone else have a go driving the vehicle in the dunes with the same results?

5. Any photos or video of the Jimny in the dunes when you having issues?

I don't see any reason why your chosen tyre should cause a specific issue.

The Gen 4 Jimny does have an annoying DSC (stability control). Are you sure it wasn't this causing you problems? That said, in low range you should still have been able to get about ok.

This might be a helpful video:

It's also worth noting that generally the more chunky the tyres are the more they try and dig through sand instead of riding on top of it. This is also true of the newness of the mud tyres so the more they wear the better they become. To a point.

If the majority of your off-road driving will be in sand dunes you are probably best looking at a tyre special designed for sand and similar surfaces, rather than a mud tyre or an AT tyre.

Insa Turbo Sahara’s ( www.insaturbo.com/sahara-mt ) spring to mind, but others might be suitable.

Just out of interest what tyres did the Vitara have on?

I know they are called "Sahara", but I don't think they are sand tyres. They are just a remould copy of an early Geolander MT.

Their page says

‘ INSA TURBO SAHARA MT is a serious performer for serious off-road enthusiasts. This tyre is designed to conquer some of the wildest terrains; from muddy trails, rocky riverbeds to sandy deserts. It best suits the serious off-road enthusiasts that require extreme off-road appearance and traction.’

It’s the only tyre I have seen mention ‘sandy deserts’.