Do you own an ATV? It is probably one of the most exciting types of vehicles that any adventurer can own. Besides its impressive capability to handle different terrain, you can easily modify it with a wide range of accessories to improve its performance and style. 

For quads, tires are the top-selling modification in the market. You can check out any accessories that you want, but it is the tires that riders want to buy first for their All-Terrain Vehicles. 

Let's discuss all aspects of ATV tires, such as types of tires, tire construction, the importance of choosing the right one for your quad, and how to change them properly. 

Choosing the right kind of tires for your quad is essential for its performance in different types of terrain. So, what do you have to watch out for when it comes to buying tires for your ATV?

Tread Pattern

ATV tires have different tread patterns depending on their purpose and the terrain they were designed to tackle. Some have deeper tread depth for better traction on challenging terrain like muddy and rocky terrain. 

Tire Construction

There are two types of ATV tire construction:

  • Bias-ply tires - They used to be the only type of ATV tires sold in the market back in the day. They are made of crisscrossing ply cords that are placed diagonally, bead to bead on the insides of the tires. The exact number of the plies used to bond together to build the structure of tires determines the tires' ply rating. 
  • Radial tires - These ATV tires are composed of ply cords that are placed parallel to each other, extending from bead to bead at a 90 degrees angle towards the center of the tires. The ply cords, together with a steel belt, strengthen the tires, reducing their wear and tear by evenly distributing the weight of the ATV. They are usually more expensive than Bias-ply tires, but they last longer.

Tire Size

It is highly recommended that you select the tire size that is the same if not close to the size of your ATV's stock tires. If they are too big, it can harm the drivetrain and suspensions of your ATV. Going up one size or two sizes bigger than the original tires is acceptable. 

What are the different types of ATV tires?

  • All-purpose or All-terrain - They have tread patterns that allow riding in different kinds of terrain. They are not advised to be used in extreme or difficult terrain. One example of a popular all-terrain ATV tire is the Terra Hook ITP tires.
  • Sand - As the name suggests, these are lightweight tires that are ideal for sandy terrain. It has widely-spaced paddles that cut through the sand while in motion. They can not be used on roads and are only meant to be used on soft terrain. 
  • Mud - This type of tire can handle the most extreme terrains. It features thick and deep lugs that allow the ATV to move across deep mud. These lugs act as a paddle that disperses water as it moves and prevents mud from sticking in between the tire treads. One of the most highly recommended mud tires is the Bearclaw Kenda Tires. 
  • Motocross - They are meant for use on ATV motocross events that feature dirt race tracks. It features strong lugs and a wide-spaced tread design that showcases superior traction and cornering on racing tracks made of loose dirt. 
  • Off-road - They are meant to be used on off-road trails. These heavy-duty tires can be used on the desert, dirt, muddy and rocky terrains. They feature an aggressive tread pattern that is usually puncture-resistant, perfect for even the most challenging terrains. 

How often do you need to replace your ATV tires?

Do a visual check on them at least once a month, or if you are using it for extreme riding, you should check it after every ride. Check for signs of wearing, cracks, or any damage. If your tire treads are damaged or worn out, it is recommended to replace them. Tire manufacturers also have a recommended mileage limit for their tires. 

How do you properly change your ATV tires?

  1. Deflate them. Remove the tire cap and release all the air. 
  2. Once they have been deflated, start breaking the bead seal. Use a bead breaker bar to pry off the bead seal. Repeat the process on all of the ATV tires. 
  3. Remove them from the rims. Spray a soapy solution on the bead of the tires to help you with the process. Use the flat end of a pry bar and insert it between the rims and tires. 
  4. Using the pry bar, pull the tires away from the rims, working around it until it moves over the wheels. 
  5. Mount the new ATV tires. Make sure that the tire size is ideal for your rims. Try fitting it around the wheels. Apply a soapy solution on the inside of the tires. Use a pry bar to insert them on the wheels. Move the tire bead over the rims. Make sure that it is placed snugly in the bead line.
  6. Inflate it using a compressor. Apply the recommended PSI. Once they are properly inflated, your ATV is good to go.

Conclusion:

It is important to invest in good-quality ATV tires. A rider's life depends on them. Every ATV rider needs to understand how the tire construction, sizing, and type of tires can affect your vehicle's performance. Always use the right type of ATV tires on specific terrains. Make sure to replace them if needed. If you are not familiar with ATV tires, you can always consult a professional. They can help you in selecting the best kind of tire that is ideal for a specific model of ATV. 

Also, if you are unable to mount the ATV tires yourself, you can always opt to have them installed at a tire shop. Remember that quad tires are harder to install because they have tougher beads. If you have enough money, you can also purchase a tire-changing machine. It allows you hassle-free tire changing in the comfort of your home garage. 

Shopping for ATV tires can be expensive, but they are the best investment that you will make for your ATV.