ATV Tire Buying Guide
All-terrain vehicles (or ATVs) are known for their ability to handle all types of tough terrain, from mud to sand to snow. However, it can be helpful to swap out the tires on your ATV for certain types of riding to give yourself better traction and control. Certain types of tires are designed specifically for one type of terrain in particular and it’s wise to know what the differences are between ATV tire types.
Barnes Bros. Motorcycles & Off-Road in Canonsburg is your Pennsylvania ATV dealer. Read on to learn more about the three primary types of ATV tires you should know, so that you can always select the right set for the type of riding you wish to do.
All-Terrain Tires
The most basic type of tire that you’ll come across is the set that generally comes installed on your ATV when you first buy it: all-terrain tires. “All-terrain” simply refers to a tire that is broadly useful on most types of terrain. You’ll be able to tackle hard or soft ground, turf and even somewhat muddy conditions with a good set of all-terrain tires. This style is not specialized to any particular type of riding, so you’re generally able to use all-terrain tires for most off-roading purposes.
There are, however, some other types of tires that can be more useful for riding on certain terrain types that you should be aware of, in case you want to invest in additional sets for more specialized rides.
Sand Tires
Riding in sand requires some pretty unique tires because of the lack of traction that sand offers. Sand tires are also referred to as paddle tires, because they have a unique paddle-style ridge that works by pushing sand backwards, thus giving you more traction over loose sand. It’s similar to the mechanism of a steamboat on the water.
The one caveat with sand tires is that they can’t be utilized on any type of terrain that isn’t soft and loose. If you try to drive onto concrete or hard-packed dirt with sand tires, they will be destroyed! So make sure that you only take your sand tires on sand.
Mud Tires
Muddy terrain also makes traction more challenging, due to how much water it contains. Mud tires were created with oversized knobs that can sink deep into the terrain and grab on when you hit the throttle so you get the traction you need. These tires are the best for soft ground. They can also be utilized in slushy or snowy conditions since their lugs help to provide even weight distribution that prevents slippage.
Just like sand tires, though, you have to be mindful of riding mud tires on hard terrain. Their lugs will be quickly worn down and ruined, making them unusable on any type of terrain. Stick to slush or mud and you’ll be good.
Other Types
Of course, if these options aren’t what you’re after, you still have others. Here in Pennsylvania, you may want to consider purchasing snow tires if you do a lot of riding in the winter. If you enjoy racing, you may want tires that are lighter in weight and more responsive to give you that competitive edge. Whatever type of riding you want to do, there’s an ATV tire for it!
Want to buy some special tires for your ATV? Visit our website, where you can view tires as well as our stock of new and used ATVs for sale at our location in Canonsburg, PA. Barnes Bros. Motorcycles & Off-Road proudly serves the greater Pittsburgh area as well as the city of Washington, PA.