How do rover wheels survive on rocky Mars?

Rover wheels on Mars face rough terrain, sharp stones, and steep temperature changes, so they are engineered very differently from Earth tires. NASA’s rovers use lightweight metal wheels with treads or chevron patterns for grip, and the design must work without air-filled rubber. Curiosity’s wheels, for example, have developed damage over time from sharp rocks, which shows how harsh the Martian surface can be. Engineers constantly balance durability, traction, and mass because every kilogram sent to Mars is costly. Wheel shape and suspension are part of the rover’s ability to travel long distances safely.