ATV Tires

Reading ATV tire sizes

ATV and UTV tire sizes use three numbers in inches: overall height, section width and rim diameter, such as 28x10R14 or 22x11-9. A dash indicates bias-ply construction, while an R indicates a radial. The rim diameter must match your wheel exactly, and the front and rear sizes can differ, since many machines run a narrower front tire and a wider rear. Always check the owner's manual for the sizes the manufacturer approves.

Radial versus bias-ply

Bias-ply tires have stiff, simple sidewalls and are often lower priced, and they perform well in mud and on trail use where puncture resistance matters. Radials flex more, deliver a smoother ride, run cooler at speed and usually wear longer. They also carry more weight and can be harder on a machine's drivetrain, so larger radials are best on UTVs and ATVs with adequate power and axle strength.

Matching the tread to the terrain

• Mud: deep, widely spaced lugs, as on Mud Lite, Swamp Lite and Zilla designs, clear mud and grip in soft ground but ride rougher on hardpack.
• Sand: paddle or scooped rear tires and smooth or ribbed fronts, such as the Sand Star style, give flotation on dunes.
• General trail: medium lugs, like the Bighorn class, balance traction on dirt, rocks and roots with a smoother ride.
• Hard-pack and racing: lower, tighter tread suits GNCC style terrain.

Ply rating, pressure and fitment

Ply rating indicates casing toughness, so a 6-ply tire resists punctures better than a lighter one, with a bit more weight. ATV tires run very low pressures, often only a few psi, so use a low-pressure gauge and follow the machine's specification. Larger tires increase load on wheel bearings and axles and can change steering effort, ground clearance and gearing, and they may rub on the fenders or suspension arms.

Have tires mounted on suitable rims by someone who knows ATV wheels, since they use low-pressure beads that seat differently from car tires. Torque lug nuts to the specification and recheck after the first ride. Confirm fitment for your exact machine and check the manufacturer's recommended tire sizes before ordering.

Maintenance and common mistakes

Inspect tires after every ride for cuts, embedded thorns and sidewall bruises, since ATV tires carry little air and are easy to puncture. Keep pressures equal on each axle unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise, because uneven pressure causes pulling. Use sealant only if it is compatible with the tire and wheel.

A frequent mistake is mounting radials with the wrong rotation direction. Most ATV tires have an arrow on the sidewall, and the direction can differ between front and rear. Another is using tires that exceed the machine's width limit, which can strain steering components and make the vehicle harder to turn. Large lug tires wear quickly on pavement, so avoid riding long distances on roads. Rotate or swap tires according to the tread pattern, and clean mud from rims to avoid bead leaks. Store tires out of direct sunlight, and mark which tire goes where to keep rotation consistent.