As an off-roader, tires are an important part of your life. Here’s a quick guide about how to read a tire sidewall and make an educated decision the next time you need to purchase new hoops for your ATV.
ATV tires are sized in inches with the format of overall diameter by width by rim size, for example: 25×10-12. When inflated to specification, this tire is 25 inches tall and 10 inches wide; it’s made for a 12-inch rim. Exact dimensions will vary slightly by manufacturer.
When replacing tires, it’s OK to install ATV tires that are slightly smaller or larger. If you go with significantly larger hoops, they might rub on the fenders unless a lift kit is installed. And since larger ATV tires put a lot of strain on the engine, CVT (automatic) transmissions will require modifications so power delivery can tuned for it.
Tall sidewalls are preferred for utility ATVs because they offer more flexibility and cushion over uneven terrain. The ATV tire sidewall also offers some grip in muddy conditions and they help protect expensive aftermarket wheels by folding over and gripping boulders.
If you’re outfitting a sport quad with new tires, it will call for short sidewalls to offer stability at high speeds. The crown, or ground contact surface, should also be flatter than a utility quad tire, also to increase stability.
Another important consideration when choosing ATV tires is its construction. Most ATV tires are constructed with a bias-ply method where layers of nylon cords cross over each other from bead to bead at a 30-degree angle. Radial tires are relatively new to ATVs. Their construction generally makes them more flexible and quieter.
Ply rating affects the ATV tire’s stability and handling characteristics. Fewer plies tend to provide better ride quality and flexibility, but puncture resistance isn’t as high.
Tires used to be made of multiple plies (sometimes more than six) but with newer, stronger materials the strength and durability of a 6-ply tire can now be achieved from a 3- or 4-ply tire, for example. So, keep in mind that a tire’s ply rating doesn’t necessarily refer to the number of plies it has.
When choosing a tread pattern, evaluate the terrain where you ride and buy tires that suit it. If you encounter a lot of muddy, mucky conditions with little to no hard ground, a mud tire is appropriate. They have deep lugs (three-quarters of an inch and more) with wide spacing so they clean out.
Conversely, if you avoid sloppy conditions, pick an ATV tire with a less aggressive tread pattern so you can enjoy a smooth ride and not tear up the ground. Lugs on all-purpose trail tires are usually up to about three-quarters of an inch deep and are set closer together.
