Most ATV owners will want to make their tires last for as long as possible to save money and get the most bang for their buck. When trying to preserve ATV tires to make them function for as long as possible, what are some things a novice rider should know and do to maintain the tires of their vehicle? Here are the best ways to take care of and improve the longevity of ATV tires!
Some of the best ways to make ATV tires last longer are by driving in well-kept areas, avoiding off-roading, and keeping a good PSI level for tires. ATV owners will know that tires need to be replaced when they start to lose their tread.
What makes ATV tires get run down and worn out the fastest? What can conscientious ATV owners do to get the best experience out of their expensive tires? Let’s go over what to look for in-depth when it comes to making ATV tires last for as long as possible!
1. Signs that ATV Tires Need to Be Replaced
ATV tires have something in common with all other vehicle tires–they will not last forever! Even so, it is important to keep track of the warning signs for when old tires are due to be phased out for new ones. If an ATV driver uses worn-out tires past their recommended replacement date, things could get dangerous fast. Old tires are far more prone to popping, leaking, and malfunctioning than new tires.
Surprisingly, a new set of ATV tires do not have clear-cut expiration dates. Drivers must know what to look for when it comes to tire wear and tear. Tires are near the end of their line if there are punctures or cracks evident in their skin. Visible wear and tear present as punctures in the rubber of tires, bald spots in the tread, cracks in the sidewall, cracks between treads, worn tread lugs, or missing tread lugs.
ATV riders should carry out a pre-ride inspection before every single ride. During a pre-ride inspection, vehicle tires should be checked over for cracks, punctures, and damages. The valve stems and core need to be checked for leaks as well, the vehicle looked over for lodged items, and the tire pressure needs to be monitored often.
A pre-ride inspection will help ATV operators catch any physical signs of worn-out tires, but they should also take a little test drive to see if they can feel the signs of tires in need of replacement. If an ATV feels especially wobbly or is vibrating while being driven, this could likely be a sign of bad tires. Try to notice any unusual or new vibrations and wobbles. These issues can be fixed by rotating them. If the issues persist, try to fix uneven tire wear or the separation of the tire’s internal plies by replacing them with entirely new tires.
Consistent humming sounds and weird noises that occur while driving an ATV could also be signals that the four tires need replacing. A chopped thread could be the specific cause for an annoying constant humming that changes with the ATV’s driving speed. Thumping sounds could indicate that a tire has a flat spot, which is another signal to replace those treads!
Tire balding is a more obvious sign that tires need some changing out. Tires are bald when there is little to no tread pattern left. Using balding tires is so dangerous because they have a lack of traction that can easily lead to out-of-control spinning or hydroplaning! New tires with grooves and fresh treads need to be used so that debris and water can escape from the tires, allowing for safe traction.
2. Average Lifespan of ATV Tires
An important question to ask when prolonging the lifespan of tires is how long they can be expected to last. Every ATV driver handles and uses their vehicle for different periods and on different terrains, so tires don’t have an exact expiration date since they wear out at very different rates from driver to driver. Tires are meant to be consumables, which means they must be replaced at one point or another. No tire will last forever, but carefully caring for them will make them last for as long as possible and give the best driving performance possible!
Any ATV drivers that ride for more than 3 hours per week will usually need to replace their tires roughly every 4 months. The lifespans of both ATVs and their tires will be lengthened or shortened based on factors like the riding terrain, riding speed, the quality of the tires, and type of usage. Cheaper rubber tires will wear out fairly quickly, while tires from reputed brands will give a better riding experience and a longer lifespan. The more intense ATV drivers who ride for more than 7 hours per week will need to check the state of their tires with regularity. These more hardcore drivers will likely need to replace their tires every few months, but it can help to read the vehicle’s owner’s manual to see if there is a recommended time to replace tires.
3. Preserving Tires with Mindful Driving
One of the foremost ways to make ATV tires last is by driving with care. This doesn’t mean an ATV driver still can’t have fun! It just means that if drivers want to lengthen the lives of their tires, they should cut down on the rough off-roading in rocky and dusty areas and try to drive in ATV parks, on maintained trails, and on paved roads when possible. Try to avoid or limit the donuts and wheelies too, as risky tricks and maneuvers can lead to damaged and extra worn-down tires.
In especially hard terrains, ATV tires will wear down quickly. ATV drivers need to be conscientious about where they drive their ATVs. Drivers should prevent their ATV tires from getting stuck and free-spinning in mud, sand, snow, or ice. If a driver must travel over mud, sand, snow, or ice, they are encouraged to drive slowly and carefully. If their tires get stuck, slowly rock the ATV back and forth to free it from adverse terrains.
4. Maintain a Good PSI on the Tires
Keeping all four tires at an appropriate PSI will make driving safe and the tire lifespan long! PSI rates can vary and be situational from ATV to ATV, so consult online sources for the specific ATV model and the owner’s manual for the best PSI amounts.
It is advised to avoid running above or below manufacturer recommendations for long periods. ATV operators often run higher pressures for hard surfaces, which will lower rolling resistance for a higher speed, but decrease the ride quality when increasing center tire wear, which makes the tires more prone to impact damage. Running an ATV at a lower-than-recommended pressure increases footprint, which as a result, usually increases traction. Underinflation of the tires can lead to troublesome premature tire failure from excessive sidewall flex, sidewall cracking, tread cracking, and even bent rims. This can lead to the risk of popping the tire bead on the wheel itself.
ATV users should begin their PSI levels at the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure and then adjust up or down by a single PSI until it fits the ATV driver’s riding style and riding conditions. The back tires require a setting that offers the best traction and ride for the ATV. Front tires are important too–if they have overly low pressure, turning and tracking will be difficult. Most ATV riders will maintain two different pressures between the back and front tires. If this is the case, make sure to keep the pressure the same on the horizontal parallel.
PSI numbers are impactful since even on PSI difference can cause a side pull. Drivers can test out different PSI levels to discover the best tire conditions that fit their tastes. Be sure to guard against underinflated tires, since they are vulnerable to pinching in areas where the tires are not snug to the wheel. Overinflated tires create uneven wear and unpredictable handling, so keep up the appropriate PSI levels to get the best experience out of the tires. Keep a handy pressure gauge accessible so the PSI and air in the tires can be checked.
5. Prevent Cracking and Damages
As mentioned before, a big warning sign that ATV tires need to be repaired or changed out for new ones is cracks and damages evident in the tread of tires. Tire sidewalls crack thanks to severe age, extreme changes in heat, exposure to ozone, and other factors. Sidewall cracks are a problem since they can directly lead to slow tire leaks and then violent tire blowouts. To decrease the likelihood of tire cracking, keep ATV tires out of direct sunlight and store the vehicle away from ozone-producing machinery. Keep track of the date of tires and inspect them for health after storage season.
6. Do Not Exceed ATV Load Limits
A great way to make tires last is to listen to the ATV’s needs and treat them with care. This looks like following the owner’s manual and being mindful to not go over the ATV’s load limits. The more excess weight that is put on an ATV, the more pressure is put on the tires. This excess force can be a contributing factor to blowouts, unsafe handling, and unnecessarily burnt-up fuel.
6. Replacing Overly Smooth Tires
ATV tires are not invincible. Even after ATV owners have done all they can to prolong the life of their tires, they will inevitably wear down and show signs of balding and smooth treads after wear and tear. Smooth tires are only good for driving on sand terrains, and even then, there are specifically-designed tires that are made to be put to use in sand dunes that are safer. When this time for replacement comes, ATV owners will need to finally open their wallets and take the old ones off to make room for the new tires.
6. Rotate Tires Regularly
Riders that rotate their tires will see better tire life as a direct result. Just like cars and other vehicles, ATV tires should be rotated for better vehicular health. Uneven wear and tear will be minimized and longevity maximized with regular tire rotation.
7. Best Tires to Buy as Replacements
Particular brands of tires can be bought as replacements that will last longer than below-average, cheaper, rubber tires. Better tires that last longer can be bought from reputed brands. ATV drivers who want to keep riding rough can invest in better tire lifespans by buying EMT/Run-Flat Technology tires. EMT/Run-Flat Technology tires have stiff and self-supporting sidewalls that allow them to keep rolling after getting large holes. These heavy-duty tires are specifically created to hold up against large punctures, which means they can be used for many miles at low speeds and the ATV driver won’t need to worry about getting stranded due to tire punctures.
ATV drivers should play things safe and always have a patch kit available on their ATVs in case they pop a tire while driving aggressively.
8. Other Ways to Improve the Lifespan of ATV Tires
There are many other creative ways to better the run time of tires. For instance, with pre-ride inspections and even ATV dealership appointments, minor issues can be noticed and remedied before they cause serious issues. ATV enthusiasts should also keep their tires pretty clean and can buy a special protectant to better shield them from harmful UV rays from the sun. Washing the tires once every month should suffice, while a protective product should be purchased and its instructions followed to successfully lengthen the life of the tires.
Make sure to also buy the correctly sized tires for the ATV in question. Using tires that are too big can cause tires to rub against the ATV frame, making them wear out even faster than usual. Finally, buy tires that match the terrain that the ATV will be driving on. Stores sell specialized tires for all kinds of terrain, so it is best for improved tire performance and longer lifespans.
