Mud/Snow

We Offer a Wide Selection of Mud & Snow Tires for Your ATV/UTV

High-quality and grippy mud tires and snow tires are what put the “All-Terrain” in All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV)! If you want to tackle any trail at any time of year, your tires are your ride’s most important element. And when the off-roading recreation ends and it’s time to get down to serious business, your utility task vehicle (UTV) deserves a set of new mud or snow tires, too.

What to Look for When Buying ATV Mud & Snow Tires

Here are the criteria to consider when buying UTV and ATV mud tires and snow tires to boost your off-road performance:

Tread Patterns

UTV and ATV tires for mud and snow are specifically designed to channel away wet sludge and dig into the earth beneath. The tread patterns on mud and snow tires for ATVs and UTVs are aggressive and deep, featuring long, cutting tread blocks. They boast wide, angled sipes that allow snow and mud in, then funnel them out as the tire rotates. However, such aggressive tread patterns make these tires unsuited for paved roads. As grippy as they are in wet, slushy conditions, they are shockingly slippery on hard, dry surfaces.

Tire Size

There are two methods for measuring the sizes of UTV and ATV mud tires and snow tires:

Standard Tire Sizing

To understand standard sizing, let’s look at an example: 22-11-8. The first number is the tire's height when fully inflated at the recommended pressure. The second number is the width, and the third number is the rim diameter. (All of these measurements are in inches.)

Metric Tire Sizing

UTV and ATV snow tires and mud tires in metric sizes are much less common, but let’s go over an example to understand the numbers regardless: 215/80R-14. The first number is the tire’s width in millimeters. The second number is the sidewall height represented as a percentage of the width. In our example, 80% of 215 mm gives us a 172 mm sidewall height. The R refers to the tire construction, which in this case is Radial. Strangely, the third number is an outlier, as it is not metric. It represents the rim diameter in inches (14, in this case).

Tire Ply and Star Rating

“Ply” refers to the strength and load capacity of the tire. The higher the number, the stronger it is. While these numbers once indicated the number of plies used to construct the tire, the system is more arbitrary due to modern plies being stronger. Typically, the ply ratings range from 2 to as high as 12. As for star ratings, one star equals 2 plies. So, if you see a 2-star tire, it carries a 4-ply rating. The stars also indicate the maximum operating pressure:

• 1 Star: 4 PSI
• 2 Stars: 5 PSI
• 3 Stars: 7 PSI

Not all tires carry ply ratings on the sidewall. In these cases, the star rating will appear instead.

Bias-Ply vs. Radial

When discussing tire ply, you will also see tires listed as “bias-ply” or “radial-ply.” These terms refer to the internal structure of the tire.

Bias-Ply

These tires are constructed of diagonal overlapping plies of nylon or similar materials. The sidewall and tread area are a single unit that is thick and puncture-resistant, which contributes to the tire’s overall strength. Bias-ply tires are also less expensive than radials. However, their stiffness can lead to a harsh ride. And since the sidewall and tread are intrinsically linked, traction can suffer at higher speeds. Wear is higher than radials, too.

Radial-ply UTV and ATV snow tires and mud tires are constructed of steel belts that sit at 90-degree angles to the radial plies. That allows the tread and sidewall to act as separate units, which keeps the tread planted firmly even at high speeds. The sidewalls may be more susceptible to punctures, and their initial purchase costs are higher. Still, radials tend to last longer than bias-ply tires in general and offer a smoother ride with better control.

Rubber Compound

Perhaps just as important as the tread pattern is the rubber compound used in UTV and ATV snow tires. The rubber must be soft to flex around the irregularities of the snowy ground, which means the tires must provide extreme grip. Manufacturers also design the rubber in snow tires to stay soft and pliable even in frigid temps.

Flat vs. Round

You’ll also need to choose between UTV and ATV mud tires or snow tires with flat or round tops. Round-top tires are geared toward off-roading since they tend to dig into dirt, mud, and snow very well, while flat-top tires are designed more for on-road handling and stability.

ATV Mud & Snow Tires FAQs

Can These Tires Be Used on All ATVs?

As long as the tire size matches the rim size, the tire will fit. You’ll just have to pay attention to the ply or star rating to ensure the tires can handle the vehicle’s weight.

What Is the Lifespan of ATV Mud & Snow Tires With Regular Off-Road Use?

Depending on how aggressive the rider is, mud and snow ATV tires can last anywhere from 20,000 to 40,000 miles.

Do These Tires Require Special Maintenance?

You should clean your tires after every ride. Don’t use harsh chemicals that may damage the soft tire compounds, and keep the tires out of the sun to avoid dry rot. When storing your ATV, keep its tires properly inflated or remove the wheels entirely to avoid flat spots.

How Do These Tires Compare to Standard All-Terrain (ATV) Tires?

Mud and snow tires feature far more aggressive tread patterns to dig through wet, sloppy surfaces to get to the ground below. In the case of snow tires, their rubber compound will be much softer to provide better traction. Mud and snow tires should not be used on paved roads to avoid premature wear and poor handling characteristics.

Why Buy ATV Mud & Snow Tires From Us?

Tires4That has an unbeatable selection and decades of experience. We’ve been supplying specialty tires to enthusiasts and professionals since 1968, and we look forward to supplying the next generation, too. Whenever you wonder, “Who has tires for that?” remember that we have (and are) Tires4That! If you need help choosing the perfect ATV mud or snow tiers, contact our knowledgeable customer service team!