This article covers the following platforms
MSFS 2024
MSFS 2020
ATS
FSX
Prepar3D

The simulator uses ground color to determine surface type, so it sometimes gets it wrong. Ground that clearly looks like sand might be classified as concrete.
When that happens, you may see no visual effects kicked up from the wheels, different wheel traction, or different wheel sounds.
The locations in the Explore! section have been corrected to use the right surface types.