The Ultimate ATV Tire Guide

One of the most important parts to consider is the ATV tire. Choosing the right tire for the terrain you plan to ride on is crucial to prevent damage to your vehicle and ensure proper traction.

Here's a guide to the different types of ATV tires:

• All-Terrain/Trail Tires: These are the standard-issue tires that come equipped with most ATVs. Trail/all-terrain tires are versatile and durable, but not designed for specific terrain types. They come in a wide range of tread patterns, with depths ranging from one to a few centimeters. With closely-aligned treads, these tires offer decent traction on many surfaces and are ideal for general-purpose riding.
• Mud Tires: If you love riding through muddy terrain, you'll need specialized mud tires. These tires have tall lugs that grip tightly into mud and prevent slippage. However, they may require lifting the ATV or adding wheel spacers since mud tires tend to be larger and heavier. Be aware that big mud tires may require more power from your ATV and could wear down certain joints and bearings. Some mud tires have lugs on the shoulders to help clear away mud. It's important to note that mud tires are not designed for hard-pack terrain and could get damaged or ruined if used on hard-pack dirt or pavement.
• Snow Tires: For Manitoba's snowy weather, you'll need snow tires for your ATV. Snow tires have either short lugs with more spacing or trail tires with thin lugs. Studs can be added to the former design for better traction on ice, while the latter is better for powdery snow. The wide spaces between the treads on snow ATV tires help clear snow away from the tire as it spins to prevent skidding.
• Sand Tires: If you plan to ride on sandy terrain like dunes or beaches, you'll need sand tires. These are the most specialized ATV tire type and should never be used on any other terrain. Sand tires have paddle-like protrusions that act as small shovels to push sand away from the tire, allowing for better traction. Even the front and rear tires have different designs, with the front tires having a slicker tread pattern to help with steering.
• Pavement Tires: Also known as turf savers, pavement tires are designed for flat lawns, turf, and hard pavement. Other ATV tires with protrusions and lugs can shred turf, so these tires have shallow treads that are tightly spaced to provide a smooth riding experience on flat ground. It's important not to use these tires on terrain where you need more traction, as they are not designed for it.

Choosing the right ATV tire is crucial for proper traction and preventing damage to your vehicle. There are specialized tire types for different terrains such as mud, snow, sand, and pavement. When selecting your ATV tire, consider factors like tread pattern, lug height, and tire size. Using the wrong tire type on a certain terrain can lead to costly repairs or even accidents, so always do your research and choose wisely.