Tips for Finding the Right ATV Tires

Finding the right tires for your ATV or UTV can be an intimidating task the first time around. Luckily, we’re here to make it easier by helping you solve the tire sizing equation and providing some best practices for deciding which tires will be best for your ride.

Purchase Considerations

Terrain: Choose the tires for the most common surfaces you will be traveling on (mud, snow, sand, etc.).

Ply Rating: A higher ply typically means higher puncture resistance and load capacity. Six-ply is common for typical ATV use, but eight-ply may be better for tougher jobs.

Tread Design: Tighter, shallower tread is fine for asphalt and hard-packed surfaces, but a deeper, wider pattern helps grip in loose materials like sand, mud, and snow.

Seasonality and Climate: Softer rubber compounds help provide grip in colder weather, but harder compounds will typically have longer tread life.

Capacity and Payload: Ensure that the tires you choose are rated for the weight and payload of your machine.

Understanding Sizing and Spacing  

Tire sizes are identified by a series of numbers. Once you understand how to read the combination, it will be easy to search for the options available for your machine. All of this information will be available in your owner’s manual and in the side-wall of your existing tire.  

The first set of numbers indicates height and width, usually separated by a dash or the letter “x.” For example, you may see a tire number beginning with “14-7,” indicating that the tire is 14 in tall and 7 in wide. Sometimes the first set of numbers will include a third dimension, which stands for the size rim on which the tire will fit. So, a tire number that begins with “14x7x12” tells you the tire would fit on a 12 in rim. Finally, you may see an R included, such as “14-7-R12,” which indicates the tire is designed with radial construction.

If you’re measuring this yourself, it’s important to note that these numbers are always calculated when the tire is fully inflated. You should also make sure to measure from bead seat to bead seat, not from one rim edge to the other. This is important because rim edges vary depending on the brand and tire style, meaning you can’t use that as a baseline.

The second set of numbers you’ll see describe the “offset” of your tires. The first number represents the distance from the inside wheel edge to the mounting surface of the ATV. The second number represents the distance from the mounting surface to the outside wheel edge. If more of the wheel is inside, that’s called a “positive offset,” if more extends outside it’s a “negative offset,” and if the numbers are equal it’s a “zero offset.” So, if you see “4+3” as the second set of numbers, that’s a positive offset with 4 in of the wheel inside and 3 in of the wheel outside.

The final set of numbers in the combination let you know how many bolts are in the rim of your wheel and how far apart they should be spaced in millimeters. So, if the final set of numbers is “4/156,” then you know the wheel needs 4 lug bolts placed 156 mm apart.

Final Thoughts

Make sure the tire size matches your ATV’s wheel size, clearance, and intended load. Pick the tire for your most common riding conditions, or consider an all-terrain option. Make sure you keep your tires properly inflated and move your vehicle regularly to avoid flat spots during storage.