Bridgestone Dueler M/T 694 tyres: product test

THE 2001 GU Patrol I’ve owned since new is a capable rig I still enjoy driving every day.

Sure, the 3.0-litre diesel engine has a less than perfect reputation, but mine has been faithful, taking me on countless off-road journeys throughout the past 16 years.

I’ve always had all-rounder all-terrain tyres on my 4x4s, but have often weighed up the pros and cons of changing to a more aggressive tyre.

Sure, muddies are great for playing off-road on wet and sloppy trails, but how will they serve me on my daily drive? Will the road noise be too much? Will they handle Melbourne’s greasy roads after a downpour?

It was a trip to the mud of Mount Matlock where the old all-terrains struggled, so I began seriously thinking about a change. Given I’d spend most of my time off road in the Victorian High Country, I decided it to consider something more aggressive. Enter the Bridgestone Dueler M/T 674.

These tyres have been a pleasant surprise, and they’re certainly more of an all-rounder than I expected. On the black top, grip was a real improvement over the old boots. The Dueler 674s feel safe and secure, and the road noise is fairly unobtrusive and nothing like I had feared.

My wife also agreed that on-road handling felt better than the older tyres, and they were much quieter than expected. The M/T 674s cut their teeth up in Victoria’s High Country around Dargo, crawling up hills and across rivers. There were no concerns and they made for satisfying touring on the High Country’s toughest tracks.

A weekend spent on the scaly tracks and river crossings up at a favourite Huggett’s Crossing in Avon-Mount Hedrick Scenic Reserve gave them another once over. Then the time came for a boys’ trip with kids to Hattah-Kulkyne National Park, testing them out on the sandy tracks of the Mallee. In every case, they came through without any issues.

With its aggressive design, Bridgestone’s Dueler M/T 674 meets the demands of tough off-road driving – even through the heaviest of mud.

The Bridgestone tyres have been designed using 3D technology to deliver superior off-road performance and durability. They also offer improved wear for better mileage, an advanced rubber compound to improve cut and chip resistance, and excellent braking performance.

Other key features include improved grooves and buttress design for better grip in heavy mud; 3D shoulder lugs for durability, traction and handling; and a redesigned tyre footprint for improved wear balance.