ATV Tire Buying Guide

ATV tires aren’t the most exciting part of off-road powersports riding, but having the wrong tires for rough terrain will have you thinking differently. It’s probably the last thing you want to worry about. Thrills and excitement are the only things you want out of the trail. Your tires affect performance and comfort, so do a bit of research and figure out what you’ll need to have the best time you can! We’ve put together this short guide to help you choose the right ATV tires so you can more easily identify what you need depending on the terrain of your choice.

Tire Anatomy

There are three main factors when considering ATV tires: pattern shape, knob size, and tread depth. Pattern shape is the set of grooves on a tire’s surface. Some are designed for better traction in wet conditions, while others are best for dry ground. Bigger knobs mean better contact with the ground, which then leads to superior traction. Tread depth is how much the tires will displace loose material and grip the ground beneath. Deeper treads will displace more material.

Different Types of Tires

ATV tires are designed with unique tread patterns for different tasks, so you’ll want to make a choice based on the terrain you’ll ride on.

Mud

With wide, deep tread to better displace mud and dirt instead of leaving it stuck in the tread, these tires are perfect for additional traction on softer terrain. Mud tires are tough and thick to protect from punctures. Their stiff rubber isn’t so great at harder terrain, so anything like packed dirt is going to offer less grip and a rougher ride.

Sand

Sand tires are hard to mistake for anything else with their distinct paddle tread in the rear set. This allows them to scoop sand while gaining grip and propelling your ATV forward. Their tread patterns are either limited or non-existent and the flatness lets them glide over dunes without sinking.

Hard Terrain

Rocky terrain is best conquered by tight treads for additional contact with the ground and angled grooves for climbing over rocks. They’ll still give good traction on loose terrain, too! The sidewall usually has extra lugs for added protection.

Whether you’re riding on hard mountain trails or soft forest paths, having the best ATV tires can make the difference between a bumpy ride and a smooth day of off-road fun. For all your ATV needs, visit Loewer Powersports & Equipment in Alexandria, LA. We welcome all those coming from Lafayette and the rest of Rapides Parish.