Aftermarket ATV Tires – How To Choose The Right Ones

I bet your ATV tires were the last thing you thought about when you bought your four wheeler. Older ATV’s that have been used for a while are more than likely going to need some new rubber in the near future.

Now a person has to stop and think about what type of ATV tires they will buy. There are some simple rules to remember when picking your next ATV tires. Pick the wrong tires and you can be left alone out in the backcountry.

Obviously your budget has to be figured into the mix. Will you be buying new or used atv tires? Never settle for a set of tires because they’re the only ones you can afford. If you have to, save up for a better set.

The first thing you should do is sit down and give some serioius thought about how you use your ATV. If you’re riding the backwood trails and searching out the muddiest places you can find, then obviously you’re not going to by sand tires. Today, it is easier than ever to get the right ATV tire for your type of riding.

Sand tires are really nothing more than wide slick ATV tires with paddles on them. They excel in loose sand because the paddles get traction by grabbing a large amount of sand as the wheel and tire turn. If all your riding is done in the sand, then there is no other type of tire you should have on your ATV. The all smooth ATV sand tires are designed for the front steering wheels of a two wheel drive ATV.

If you find yourself riding down high mountain trails one weekend and riding over sand dunes the next, then a general purpose tire may be what the doctor ordered. More than likely it’s what came with your new or used atv. Although they do not exceed in any one type of terrain, they do offer the best all around performance for the casual off road ATV rider.

Next come the ATV mud tires. These tires are designed to dig deep into mud for traction while throwing chunks of mud off the tires as it turns – so it can displace more mud. Mud tires are great for nearly all soft soil and some rocky terrain as the lugs will grab the rocks you’re trying to move over. While atv mud tires may work well for mud, they’re not exactly the best for sand. Using aggressive tread mud tires in soft sand will leave you digging holes while your friends with sand tires pass you by.

Sport or Performance tires are designed for fast paced riding on hard packed surfaces. You’ll also notice that many sport or performance tires have a lower profile and some will have taller and wider wheels. The tread is also a bit more different, having many smaller treads in an X shape.

As you can see, just choosing any old set of ATV tires won’t do. By giving a little thought to your next set of ATV tires, you can virtually gaurantee yourself a long and happy ride.