How to Choose the Right The Types of ATV Tires for Great Performance
Understanding the various types of ATV tires allows each owner of a Quad or other machine to select the right tires for the places they ride. Let’s take a look at the most common types of ATV tires so you’ll know which ones to choose to maximize your machine’s performance and optimize your enjoyment.
Here are the top five categories of tires, with a brief description of their features and how they differ from other types of ATV tires.
1. All-Purpose Tires: These are the tires most ATV’s come from the factory with. In aftermarket terms they are commonly known as O.E.M. tires and are made by a wide range of quality manufacturers. These include AMS, GBC, Kenda, Dunlop, Goodyear, Titan, Duro, Super Grip and more. They are made for the rider who takes his ATV onto a variety of terrains including dirt, sand, pavement, snow and mud – those most all-purpose tires are not great in mud or snow.
2. Trail Tires: These resemble all-purpose tires but may have shallower, broader treads. They are ideal for packed dirt or gravel trails and work well on pavement as well. If you typically ride on ATV trails in your area or use your ATV for work on a farm or ranch these are one of the types of ATV tires you should consider most. Look for quality trail tires from all the leading tire makers with specific models like the Carlisle All Trail, the Kenda Road Go, the GBC Dirt Tamer, and the Maxxis Bighorn.
3. Sand Tires: These types of ATV tires are also known as paddle tires because they have deep, irregularly shaped treads that some think look like paddles. They are made specifically for sand and may not perform all that well on harder surfaces. If you ride dunes or race in the sand ATV sand tires are the tires to go with. Look for models from the top makers like the Kenda Gecko Dune Runner, ITP Sand Star and the GBC Sand Shark.
4. Race Tires: Built for speed, there are various types of ATV tires in this category, depending on the kind of track you are racing on. Most manufacturers make a high quality ATV racing tire that is versatile for quick starts, good cornering and high durability. Some of the more popular models include the ITP Holeshot tires that come in a variety of specific styles, the Maxxis Razr series, and the Dunlop Quadmax Sport.
5. Mud Tires: These heavy-tread tires are built to get through the sloppy stuff with ease. They ride a bit rough on hard surfaces so aren’t good all-purpose choices. But when you love to splash through the thick stuff they are your best choice. Top of the line ATV mud tires include the GBC Gator, the Dunlop Quadmax, the Gorilla Silverback and the ITP Mudlite, but there are many more good ones to consider.
Peruse all types of ATV tires as you make your selection. Casual and all-terrain riders will do well with all-purpose O.E.M. tires, race tires or trail tires. Sand and mud lovers should select a quality set designed for that kind of action.