ATV tires and wheels are a big part of what makes your 4 wheeler riding experience. The right tires for the right terrain can mean the difference in a pleasant ride or real problems. If you’ve decided to upgrade from the standard tires that came on your ATV 4 wheeler there are a few things you should consider before making your purchase.
When choosing tires for your ATV the most important things to remember are:
Price – Better tires cost more money but you have to balance the type of tire you want with your budget.
Style of Tire -What kind of driving do you do most often? Purchase tires that are made for the kind of terrain you travel.
- Race tracks – This requires lighter, smoother tires that are made for speed.
- Sand – Often called “Paddle tires”, these are wider, balloon type tires with large threads. They’re designed to keep from sinking into sand.
- Snow – There are special tires you can buy if you’re going to use your quad as a snow plow.
- Rocky, off road, mud – For this type of terrain you need durable tires that can withstand driving over lots of rocks and debris. These tires have well defined threads to give you maximum control over uneven and muddy terrain.
Brand – Some of the most well-known ATV tire brands are: Dunlop, ITP, Maxxis, Polaris, Kenda, and Duro.
Tire Size – Many buyers want to change to larger tires after they purchase their ATV 4 wheelers. Make sure your four wheeler is able to handle the larger size and they won’t rub against fenders or bumpers. Sometimes adding a lift kit is required if you use tires that are much larger than the original equipment.
Ply Rating – The higher the ply rating the more durable the tire. 6 ply tires are very rugged and can take a lot of abuse. They are also somewhat stiff and you’ll need to adjust your driving style to handle the difference.
Warranty – Always find out what kind of warranty the tires come with and everything it includes.
There is one accessory that you need with you at all times. A tire repair kit with a gauge and pump. With off the road terrain you never know what you might drive over. Damaged tires can leave you stuck in the middle of nowhere if you don’t have a way to make quick fixes.
Wheels
Rust Resistant – Your wheels will get wet often so make sure the material they’re made from doesn’t rust easily.
Size – You need to consider the weight and size of tires you want when you’re choosing wheels.
Understand the difference adding new tires or wheels can make on your ride.
- A larger tire will have more ground clearance and can drive over obstacles that could cause problems with regular tire.
- Larger, stiffer tires will make your quad harder to handle. Start out slowly until you’ve mastered driving with the new tires.
- Wider tires will give you more traction, and also throw more mud and dirt onto you and your ATV.
- Gear ratio can also change with tire size, so adjust your shifting style.
If you’re unsure of what type of tires or wheels you want for your four wheeler, spend some time in online forums. Ask other users their experiences with the tires they’ve purchased and if they’re happy with their choice. You can get some honest feedback from actual users that can help you make your decision. But be aware, some people are on forums merely to sell their own products so don’t believe everything you read on the internet.
Shopping online is a good way to find a large selection of tires and compare prices from several stores. Do some research, and ask the right questions and you’ll know which ATV tires and wheels are best for your quad.
Filed under: 4 Wheeler Parts
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