How to Buy ATV/UTV Tires: A Guide to Shopping Smarter

Buyer's Guide

Buying ATV or UTV tires doesn’t have to be a guessing game, or a gamble with your wallet. In the video below, Calvin walks you through exactly how to buy the right tires for your machine and riding style. But if you prefer to read (or just want a recap), this blog post covers the full breakdown.

Step 1: Match Tread to Terrain

Not all tires labeled “mud” or “trail” perform equally. What really matters is the tread design.

Here’s what to look for:

Mud: Deep, spaced-out lugs that bite and self-clean to keep you moving.
Hard-Pack / Gravel: Flatter, tighter tread for smooth, stable traction.
Sand: Paddle-style or wide-lug tires help your machine float rather than sink.
Street / Pavement: Flatter profile with more rubber-to-road contact reduces road noise and improves grip.
All-Terrain: Medium-depth lugs and a balanced pattern are your best bet for versatility across conditions.

Step 2: Pick Your Ply Rating

Ply can confuse some folks, so here’s how we think of it. Ply rating = tire toughness or layers. The more plys, the stronger the tire.

Here’s how to match ply to your riding intensity:

4–6 Ply: Perfect for light trail use or utility cruising. Light and flexible.
8–10 Ply: Great for aggressive riders tackling rocky terrain or deep ruts.
High Ply: If you’re towing or carrying heavy loads, you’ll want the extra sidewall strength.

Choosing the wrong ply can lead to premature wear, or worse, a ruined weekend ride.

Step 3: Understand Radial vs. Bias-Ply

These terms refer to how the tire is built and they impact comfort, durability, and longevity.

Radial Tires: More flexible sidewalls = smoother rides and better grip. They’re ideal for mixed terrain and trail comfort.
Bias-Ply Tires: Built tougher with crisscrossed layers. Better for hauling, heavy-duty use, and rocky terrain.

Step 4: Verify Your Size & Budget

Upsizing might sound fun, but it can throw off your machine’s handling and gearing. Always check your owner’s manual for max diameter and width before upgrading.

Just remember:

Bigger tires doesn’t always mean better.
Ply, brand, and terrain focus all affect price.

Want to see what tires match your machine and budget? Shop here by size, brand, terrain, and price range.

Recommended Tires to Get You Started

If you want a head start on your shopping, these picks from the video are great places to begin:

AMS Mud Evil: Serious grip for riders who live in the slop.
Airloc Power Trail: A smooth, stable trail tire with 6-ply strength.
Kenda Bear Claw K299A XL: Budget-friendly and dependable for light-duty use.
ITP Mud Lite II: The all-arounder, built for mud, trail, and versatility.

All of these are available now at ATVtires.com, along with hundreds of other rider-approved options.

Final Thoughts

There’s a lot that goes into picking the right ATV or UTV tires, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re trail cruising, mudding, hauling, or just exploring, matching your tire choice to your ride style makes all the difference.

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