Deciding which tires to purchase for an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) can be a difficult decision. For an uneducated buyer, the choice can be as muddy as the trails you love to ride. There are a large number of tread patterns, sizes, prices, and construction methods to consider when purchasing new tires for your ATV.
The first thing to consider is tread pattern. The tread pattern needed is determined by the terrain that is traveled most often. Mud tires have high tread that is widely spaced. This tread design is intended to be self cleaning when the trail sticks to the tires. Sand tires have long, flat paddles that cross the width of the rear tires, and a ridge that runs the circumference of the front. These tires give optimal traction on loose trails, but provide very little traction on solid ground. Trail tires are intended to be used on a variety of trails. They are not specifically designed for one type of terrain, but provide good lateral stability and traction. Racing tires are best suited for harder-packed trails. They are knobby and have a flat top that is good for high speeds and power slides. Next, tire size should be considered. In general, try to stick with the size that your ATV came with. Tires with smaller or larger diameters tend to put stress on the engine, transmission, axles, and other ATV components. Also, ply rating is important to determine the flexibility and strength of tire construction. All things considered, price is usually the deciding factor when buying tires. Average prices range from $30 to $150 per tire. If you are on a strict budget, trail tires may be the best choice for you. However, if you have money to spend, feel free to get a set of tires that best suit the terrains that you encounter. |
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