What to Consider Before Buying ATV/UTV Tires
| When you make the decision to buy new tires, you have to be prepared to do your research and think about what to consider before the purchase. Before buying ATV/UTV tires, you will want to take the time to find the right tires for your situation and needs. With dozens of brands to choose from, you will see that there are hundreds of tire options. By considering your application, whether it’s for sport racing or working on a ranch, and then considering your terrain and the traction you need, you can get the perfect tire for your machine. Come along as we review the things to consider when buying ATV/UTV tires. |
Different Options for Buying ATV/UTV Tires
Today’s ATV/UTV owner has a ton of choices in terms of brands and styles of tires.
The basic tire options include:
- Size
- Traction
- Bias
- Radial
- Warranty
- Price
Size, traction, and price are among the most important of these factors when buying ATV/UTV tires.
When it comes to tire size, your specific ATV or UTV model and its wheels will guide your choice. As mentioned, the traction or tread should align with your work or recreational terrain. It often comes down to price and how much you want to pay, as durable tires are the most desirable and longest lasting.
The Terrain for Your ATV/UTV
To narrow the field of tires for your vehicle, look at tires that are best for your terrain and application. For example, if you’re using your ATV/UTV for working in the dry, rocky areas of Texas or zipping around in the mud just for fun, two completely different tires are needed to achieve top performance. And for racing, sport tires tend to be lighter with closer treads, while work tires weigh in heavier.
All-terrain tires are among the most popular choice because they are versatile and durable. However, if work conditions and local terrain include one type of surface, such as Hardpack/Turf, Street, Mud, Rocky, Sand, or Snow, there are tires designed just for those purposes.
For more information about choosing the right ATV/UTV Tires, see our post, “3 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your ATV/UTV Tires”
All-Terrain Tires
Ranging in size and tread patterns, these are the go-to all-purpose ATV and UTV tires for various conditions, from mud to hardpack.
When selecting an all-terrain tire, if you are looking to maximize your speed, it is suggested that you select a lighter-weight tire that falls within stock tire sizes.
Mud Tires
Wide tread spacing enhances grip and self-cleaning when you’re working or playing in the mud. Minimize sliding and spinning with specialized mud tires.
Anyone planning to ride through muddy conditions should consider buying ATV/UTV tires with tread specialized for the mud. The tread on mud tires is designed to send water away from the tread area so that you can achieve traction with minimal sliding.
Sand Tires
Sand tires vary on the front and rear to assist with flotation, grip, and stability. Stay on top of the sand with tires featuring smooth or center tread in front and paddles for grip in the rear.
Glide through sand with specialized ATV/UTV tires. On the sand, less tread is better. Where mud tires send water away from the tire, the tread of a sand tire will pull the sand in. This allows the tires to stay on top of the dune, rather than digging into it. Rear sand tires often feature paddles, where front sand tires can be completely smooth.
Snow Tires
In very deep snow, you want a tire with medium lug depth, to avoid getting stuck. Although you could eventually dig yourself out with aggressive tires, what you’re looking for is an ATV/UTV snow tire with good flotation. This is exactly what it sounds like; you want your vehicle to “float” on top of the snow instead of sinking in. Our tire experts recommend the tires you choose are at a minimum 4 ply rated. You never know what’s under the snow you are on.
Tire Construction
ATV/UTV tire construction is closely tied to performance and that includes whether they are radial or bias and the ply rating. Steel belted radials enable maximum puncture resistance, and higher ply means more layers for longer, better wear.
If you move heavy loads with your UTV, harder tires may provide better ride and resilience. More pliable rubber tires perform better in softer conditions, such as sand. When buying tires online, pay attention to whether treads extend onto the sidewall, too, as that can provide better traction, protection, and handling.
If you narrow it down to a couple of tires and need advice on which one to choose, contact us for details. Once you’ve decided on tires, we’ll ship them to you ASAP. And when they arrive, we encourage you to perform the recommended care to extend the life of your tires.
For more details about specialty ATV/UTV tires, see our post, “Why Riding Conditions Matter When Choosing Your ATV/UTV Tires”
ATVTires is here for you after the sale, too, with strong customer support and a 30-day return policy.
