Main Types of ATV Tires

Since “ATV” is short for “all-terrain vehicle,” it stands to reason that the vehicle should be suitable for all terrains.

However, just because the ATV itself can handle any type of ground you throw at it, that doesn’t mean its tires are up for the challenge. That’s why choosing the right kinds of ATV tires is so important. The tires are the first point of contact, determining whether your ATV will glide effortlessly across the surface or struggle to move an inch.

Which types of ATV tires are right for you depends on where you’ll be riding your ATV, and the names of the tires will clue you in on their purpose. Learn more about why each tire is designed the way it is.

Mud Tires

Traversing muddy terrain requires aggressive treads, and mud tires feature some of the most exaggerated treads of any design. Their tall lugs are spaced far apart to funnel mud through large voids and away from the tire. Essentially, the lugs act like paddles pushing a boat through water, which allows them to have an incredible grip in the deepest muck.

Pros:
  • Secure traction in deep mud
  • Self-cleaning
Cons:
  • Mud tires are heavy, which puts stress on ATV components
  • Poor traction and ride on harder surfaces
  • May require lifting or spacers to fit on the ATV

These types of ATV tires are best suited for swamps and other muddy, wet environments.

All-Terrain Tires

These are among the most common types of ATV tires because, as the name implies, they offer solid performance on most surfaces. They may not be as good in mud as mud tires or as good in snow as snow tires, but all-terrain tires perform well enough in all conditions to be excellent all-rounders.

The lugs are shorter and more tightly packed than mud tires, but still have more aggressive treads than the all-season tires found on the average car.

Pros:
  • Can handle a wide variety of surfaces
  • Wide use means plenty of choice of brand, size, and tread design
  • Long-lasting
  • Smooth ride
Cons:
  • May not handle specific surfaces as well as specialty tires

All-terrain tires can handle rocky terrain, gravel, and shallow mud, offering stable handling on a wide variety of terrain. They’re less suited for deep mud or sand.

Sand Tires

Rear sand tires are the drive tires, the ones that propel the ATV forward. They feature sparse paddle-like treads with vast voids in between. Front sand tires are nearly tread-free and use only one or two ridges to give the ATV directional stability.

These types of ATV tires are highly specialized and should only be used in sand. If used on any other kind of terrain, the result will be a terrible ride and damaged tires.

Pros:
  • Provides stable, secure handling in loose sand
Cons:
  • Not suitable for any environment other than sand
  • Requires different tires for front and rear

Whether you’re riding on a beach or in a desert, sand tires can give your ATV the traction it needs.

Trail Tires

Like all-terrain tires, these types of ATV tires are jack-of-all-trades that prioritize versatility. They offer secure footing on forest paths and gravel and are good enough for light off-roading.

Tread designs can vary greatly, and some even push their patterns toward one type of terrain over others, though manufacturers are careful not to compromise their tires’ performance on other possible surfaces.

Pros:
  • Designed to work as well as possible on the widest array of terrains
  • Good traction without sacrificing ride quality
  • Excellent longevity
Cons:
  • Won’t handle the deepest, most challenging mud, snow, or sand

Use these tires on dirt trails and mixed natural terrains where the surfaces don’t become too extreme.

Racing Tires

These are the types of ATV tires users buy when speed is the main consideration. For motocross sports that race on medium to hard-packed earth, racing tires offer tenacious grip thanks to their hard rubber compounds and stiff, short, knobby lugs with square edges. Voids are small to create the largest possible contact patch.

Stray too far from the target terrain, and ride quality will suffer, however. Traction will be in short supply in mud, snow, and sand. Additionally, the hard rubber compounds and stiff treads will make riding on the pavement quite noisy while proving mediocre adherence.

Pros:
  • Allows for high-speed handling and stability on specific surfaces
  • Harder rubber compounds translate to less wear
Cons:
  • Poor traction outside of motocross/ATV racing environments

Use these tires only on tracks designed for motocross and ATV racing, and they’ll serve their purpose well.

Snow Tires

While many ATV owners forego these types of ATV tires because mud or trail tires are “good enough,” snow tires offer superior traction.

There are two main types of snow tires — one that provides traction through paddle-style lugs and one with more conventional all-terrain-style lugs, though widely spaced for channeling snow. This second type may even feature holes for adding studs to aid in traction on ice.

The paddle-lugged tires are designed for gripping powdery snow. Both feature softer rubber compounds designed to withstand extremely cold temperatures

Pros:
  • Provides excellent grip on snow and ice-covered surfaces
  • Designed to handle extremely cold temperatures without cracking or hardening
Cons:
  • Poor traction on surfaces other than snow and ice
  • Not designed to withstand high temperatures
  • Buyers must choose between tires for powdery snow or ice/hard-packed snow

These types of ATV tires should only be used in snow and ice.Using snow tires in warm, dry conditions will cause them to wear out quickly, not to mention the handling and ride quality will be poor.

Why Buy Tractor Tires From Us?

Tires4That knows tires inside and out, no matter the vehicle or purpose. We’ve become a trusted tire supply partner for people around the world, and we look forward to partnering with you!

Shop our comprehensive selection of tires and get the traction you need for the terrain you face. If you’re having trouble deciding which tires are right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to the tire experts at Tires4That!

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