Considerations When Buying ATV Tires
An all-terrain vehicle is a machine of power designed to help you test your prowess. With the right tires for the vehicle, you get the best in traction and control for your favorite set of wheels. Here are a few important considerations when buying ATV tires to help you get the right option for your vehicle.
Terrain and Type
One of the biggest considerations when buying ATV tires is the terrain you intend to ride over. The terrain type will help determine the type of tire best suited to your needs. For instance, if you typically ride over rough, rocky terrain, all-terrain tires are a must whereas riding over mostly sand or loose gravel can get by with the less rugged sand tire type. If you use your ATV for racing, a racing tire is a must have while those looking to ride mostly over wet, muddy terrain will benefit more from a mud tire. When you aren't sure which terrain you intend to ride and want to keep your options open, an all-terrain tire will still work for most of these needs, but a specialized tire definitely gives you an advantage when riding for specialized terrains in particular if that is what you typically ride. For example, while mud tires are great for dealing with muddy terrains, if you try to use them on a dry, rough terrain, it won't give you the right control or speed so if you intend to ride multiple trail types, opt for the most versatile option available.
Weight
Another one of the biggest considerations when buying ATV tires is the weight. Any time you add anything to your ride you want to consider how it will affect the overall weight of the machine. If a tire is heavier, it can add strain to the engine and components of the model which will add to wear and tear over time. It will also be harder for lower displacement engines to turn enough tread on heavier tires. The goal is to find tires your ATV can easily turn without the tread weighing it down or being slow in the process. You can check with the manufacturer of your model for this information since it will vary based on the specifications of your engine and model.
Size
While it may look cool to trick out your tires with a size bigger than what is recommended, there are good reasons not to do this. For starters, the size of the tire needed is determined by the turning radius and the amount of room under the fenders. If you go too big in size, it will add strain to the vehicle and may not even turn properly to start. It can also lead to suspension issues and damage the axis over time due to the extra strain. While it is possible to go one or even two sizes bigger in select models, for the most part it is better to stick to the manufacturer's suggested sizing.
