Tips to Keep Your ATV tires in Tip-Top Shape
A single ATV tire can cost hundreds of dollars. Multiply it by four, and you have a significant investment.
After making this huge investment in your all-terrain-vehicle, you want to ensure the tires last, right? One of the best ways to keep your ATV tires free of wear and tear is with regular maintenance.
Unfortunately, if you have never put much thought into maintaining this part of your ATV in the past, you may be somewhat lost when it comes to getting started.
Don’t worry! We are here to help.
With our maintenance tips for ATV tires, we’ll help make sure yours last.
Choose the Right Size ATV Tires
Before considering how to maintain your ATV tires, you have to find the right ones. One of the most important considerations is the tire size.
When you begin searching for ATV tires, there are three numbers that determine the size you need, just like on traditional vehicles.
The first number is the height, second is width and third is the diameter of the rim the tire can be mounted on. Each of these numbers is presented in inches.
A good rule of thumb when purchasing aftermarket tires is that you can safely go an inch up or down, or an inch wider or narrower. However, it is still a good idea to check with the manufacturer as this may void the warranty.
The smaller tire you purchase, the less likely that tips and flips are going to occur, but your ATVs ground clearance will be reduced.
Dress Your ATV for the Occasion
Every type of terrain you plan to drive on will have unique challenges. When purchasing tires, make sure to consider the type of riding conditions you will most often face. Cater to your specific needs.
The main type of ATV tires available to purchase include:
- Sand
- Racing
- Snow or mud
- All terrain or trail
If you are a thrill chaser and are using your ATV on dunes or trails, then sand or racing tires are best. However, for use on a farm or large property, mud or snow and all-terrain tires are best.
All-terrain tires are designed to do just as the name implies – perform well in several conditions. These are the most common type of tires selected because they have better lateral and vertical stability, but don’t work well in the snow or mud.
The snow and mud tires have deeper lugs, spaced further apart, giving them more traction control in slippery conditions. These aren’t a good choice for hard surfaces or turf.
Keep in mind, you can easily make custom additions to your ATV tires to accommodate various riding conditions, including tire studs that provide additional tread if you are driving in wintry weather, such as snow and ice.
Balance the ATV Tires
When you know how to balance the tires, you can enhance and even extend their useful life. This is especially the case when you opt for the highest quality tires available on the market. Also, it will help protect from abnormal wear and tear, by reducing vibration and improving the smoothness of the tires.
Additionally, tires that have traveled more than 5,000 miles should be rebalanced and changes made to keep them problem-free.
Wheel Alignment Can’t be Ignored
One way to tell if your ATV tires are properly aligned is to see if they are wearing faster than usual. This is evident if one side or a portion of the tire appears worn more than others.
Tires that are properly aligned will handle better, help prevent issues when traveling at higher speeds and provide better efficiency for the ATV.
Get the Pressure “Just Right”
One of the best things you can do when it comes to your ATV tires is to maintain the PSI. You need to check what the manufacturer recommends, and use this unless the specification is higher than the pressure limit printed on your actual tire.
Perfect pressure makes a huge difference. If the tires are underinflated, the sidewalls and tread will wear down quickly. While this may still provide a smooth ride, you are risking punctures in the ATV tires, and even blowouts. This could leave you stranded and may even cause a serious injury.
If your tires are overinflated, they may be riding only on the center of the tread. This not only wears it down but also reduces your traction.
This is why we consider PSI an exact practice. You need to always make sure the pressure in your ATV tires is “just right” before you begin riding.
Always Be Prepared
You have likely heard the phrase, “expect the best, prepare for the worst.” This rule is applicable to when you ride your ATV and your ATV tires.
Make sure you take along a ratchet strap, flat kit, ATV helmet and other necessary tools. You can never tell when something may go wrong, and if you don’t have these items with you, you may wind up stranded.
Mind Warranty Instructions or Restrictions
When maintaining your ATV tires, make sure to read the manufacturer’s warranty carefully. There are some things that may result in it being voided.
For example, if you have the alignment or balancing of the tires done by an unauthorized mechanic, or install the wrong size tire, your warranty may be canceled. Be sure you are aware of the specifics before moving through with this type of maintenance.
Protect the Tires from the Sun when Not in Use
Over time, the UV rays from the sun can cause the compounds in ATV tires to break down. If you are parking your ATV outside when it isn’t being used, make sure to cover the tires or better yet your entire vehicle with UV reflective material or tire wheel covers.
You can purchase these items many places. If you don’t have access to covers, then another option is plywood. Lean pieces of plywood against each of your ATV’s tires to shield them from the sun. Make sure the wood is big enough to cover the entire tire.
The best solution is to park your ATV inside. If an inside location isn’t available, try to find somewhere in the shade. Protecting them from the sun will help extend their useful life.
Protect the Tires from the Ground
This may sound silly but hear us out. Over time, pressure from the ATV on the same portion of the tire for extended periods of time can result in damage.
This is especially true if you park your ATV on the hot asphalt. Additionally, if the tires are parked in the same place, for a long time, dry rot may appear.
A great way to avoid the heat, and reduce the possibility of dry rot, is by jacking up the ATV when it is not being used and keeping the tires off the ground.
Another option is to position the tires on thin plywood, so they aren’t in direct contact with the hot surface of the ground.
If you aren’t planning on driving your ATV for an extended period of time, make sure to move it occasionally. This will eliminate the pressure of the ATV being in the same spot on the tires.
Care While in Short- and Long-Term Storage
The tires on your ATV need to be properly inflated, even if it is only going to be in storage for a short period of time. Be sure to check the tire pressure regularly.
Also, avoid storing anything in or on the ATV while it is in storage, as this can lead to more pressure on the tires and the potential for more damage.
For longer-term storage, the wheels and tires need to be removed from your ATV. Once off the vehicle, underinflate them and make sure they are stored in a dark, cool location.
Clean the Tires
When you buy an ATV, one of the most exciting thoughts you have is getting dirty and having fun. While this is great, you can’t leave the tires dirty for extended periods of time.
You should make sure to clean the tires after every ride, especially if mud and snow are involved.
To do this, all you need is a water hose, and for tough dirt and debris, a scrub brush. This will help you effectively remove the dirt and ensure damage doesn’t occur.
Keep Your Tires Properly Maintained for Best Results
Westshore Marine buy’s and sells massive amounts of tires each year due to our Lowest Price Guarantee saving customers thousands of dollars each year. So if you want to fully enjoy your experience on your ATV, regardless of if you are using it for work, fun or something else, maintaining the tires is a must.
With the tips here, you are on your way to making sure you make the most of the investment you have made.
If you want to know more about ATV tire maintenance, or when you should see professional service, contact us. Our team loves ATVs and can help ensure your tires remain in tip-top shape, regardless of how they are used.