BFGoodrich Tires in Calgary: History, Best Models, and How They Hold Up
BFGoodrich has been making tires since 1870, which makes it the oldest tire brand in America — older than the automobile it would come to be known for. In Calgary, the name means one thing above all: the All-Terrain T/A, the tire that more or less created the modern off-road category.
Here's where BFGoodrich came from, the models worth knowing, and how they hold up through our winters and gravel season.
The short version
- BFGoodrich was founded in 1870 in Akron, Ohio — the oldest tire brand in America.
- It pioneered the All-Terrain T/A in 1976 and built a deep off-road racing reputation.
- For Calgary, the All-Terrain T/A KO3 (and the proven KO2) is the model that comes up most.
- BFGoodrich is part of the Michelin group, with the engineering depth that brings.
A quick history of BFGoodrich
Benjamin Franklin Goodrich started the company in Akron in 1870 — the first rubber maker west of the Alleghenies and the oldest tire brand in the United States. BFGoodrich produced the first American-made pneumatic automobile tire, then spent the next century building a motorsport legend in off-road racing, from the Baja peninsula to desert rallies.
In 1976 it launched the Radial All-Terrain T/A, the original mass-market all-terrain tire, and the T/A name has been a fixture on trucks ever since. Today BFGoodrich is part of the Michelin group, which pairs the brand's rugged reputation with serious engineering resources.
What BFGoodrich is known for
- Off-road toughness. The All-Terrain and Mud-Terrain T/A lines are built for gravel, rock, and trail abuse.
- The T/A heritage. Decades of racing and a tread design that's become an icon on half-tons and 4x4s.
- Highway manners. For an aggressive tire, the All-Terrain T/A stays reasonably quiet and composed on pavement.
The BFGoodrich tires we see most in Calgary
| Model | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| All-Terrain T/A KO3 | All-terrain (3PMSF) | Current flagship: gravel, snow, and highway |
| All-Terrain T/A KO2 | All-terrain (3PMSF) | The proven predecessor, still popular |
| Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 | Mud-terrain | Serious off-road and mud |
| Trail-Terrain T/A | Rugged all-season | Crossovers and SUVs, milder use |
The All-Terrain T/A KO3 is the BFGoodrich most Calgary truck and SUV owners ask for. It carries the 3-peak mountain snowflake rating, so it's a true winter-capable all-terrain you can leave on year-round — a good fit if your truck splits time between the city, gravel, and the highway. Compare options in the all-terrain range or the full light-truck lineup.
For a mostly-pavement crossover, the Trail-Terrain T/A is a quieter, milder option. For serious mud and rock, the Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 is the specialist.
How they hold up on Calgary roads
- Tough enough for our gravel. The reinforced casing on the All-Terrain T/A shrugs off the sharp gravel on the back roads east of the city better than most.
- Winter-rated and year-round. The 3PMSF KO3 and KO2 let a lot of truck owners skip the seasonal swap entirely.
- Aggressive but liveable. Plenty of grip off-pavement without turning every highway run into a roar.
For more on how all-terrains perform through a Calgary winter, see our guide to all-terrain tires in Calgary, or our best tires for trucks and SUVs guide.
Frequently asked questions
Are BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires good in snow?
Yes, for all-terrains. The All-Terrain T/A KO3 and KO2 both carry the 3PMSF winter rating, so they're capable in snow far beyond a standard all-season — though a dedicated winter tire still wins on sheer ice.
What's the difference between the KO2 and KO3?
The KO3 is the newer generation, with updated tread compound and pattern for longer life and grip. The KO2 is still an excellent, well-proven tire and is often available at a good price.
Are BFGoodrich tires good for daily driving?
Yes. The All-Terrain T/A balances off-road grip with manageable highway manners. If you're almost always on pavement, the Trail-Terrain T/A is a quieter choice.
Who makes BFGoodrich tires?
BFGoodrich is part of the Michelin group, so it shares engineering resources with one of the largest tire makers in the world while keeping its own rugged identity.
Does Prince Tires carry BFGoodrich?
Yes — browse the lineup at princetires.ca/collections/bfgoodrich or call (403) 452-4283.
Putting together a truck or SUV setup? Book a visit or call our Calgary shop for honest, no-pressure advice. Prince Tires · 111 42 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2G 0A4 · (403) 452-4283 · Book online.
Posted by the Prince Tires team. Calgary tire specialists since 2021. Last updated: June 2026.
Sources: BFGoodrich Tires, Tire and Rubber Association of Canada.
