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There are many options out there for ATV and UTV owners to choose from. Selecting the right tires for your ATV is crucial to getting the best performance from your all-terrain vehicle. It is important to understand how different sizes, styles and tire construction can affect how your ATV will perform in different circumstances. Hilltop Tire is here to help you though the process and with a little bit of knowledge, you can make an intelligent decision when you purchase a set of ATV tires.

Choosing the best tread design

ATV tires are very specialized and should be used for their recommended terrain. You will find that sand tires will not perform well in deep mud or on rocks. While mud tires will ride and handle poorly and wear quickly on hard-packed surfaces or pavement. So, whatever the environment you ride in most, make sure to choose a tire that will give you optimal performance for that terrain.

All-Terrain Tires
All-terrain or all-purpose tires are the most common because most ATV’s come standard with All-terrain tires. These tires will provide a good all-around traction for general riding on multiple terrains without the extremes all year long. They tend to last the longest of any other tread design as well. The only problem with these tires is they are not designed to excel specifically in any one terrain. So, if you tend to ride in one particular terrain, like sand or mud, a terrain specific tire is going to be better for you.

There are many all-terrain tread designs to choose from. Some have more square treads, while others come with long rectangle treads or lugs. One common feature you will notice is that the treads are set close to each other, which gives a relatively large contact patch. Combine that with a tread depth of under an inch, and you’ve got good traction with a smooth ride.

Mud
These are those tires with the large thick knobs that act like shovels to keep you moving in the most extreme mud conditions. Mud tires have serious grip and can also make a good snow tire.

 

 

 

Sand
Front sand tires are nearly slick except for a rib down the middle or sides for steering, while rear sand tires look like paddles.

 

 

 

Motocross ATV
Motocross ATV tires have a tread design ideal for loose track conditions common in MX racing. With stiff knobs, they give consistent cornering and a wide-spaced tread pattern provides better clean-out.

 

 

 

Off-Road ATV Tires
Off-road ATV tires are like the All-Terrain tire but with stronger tread and extra durability to take on varying terrain, from hard packed surfaces, soft terrain and other off-roading conditions.

 

 

 

Choosing the right size tire
The tire size is a string of numbers along the rim of the tire, similar to what’s on a regular car tire. Knowing what these numbers mean will help you get the best performance and the right set of tires for your ATV.

Tire Size 25x8-12* – Height x Width - Wheel Diameter

The (25) is the overall height of the tire when it is mounted and inflated to factory recommended air pressure.

The (8) is the overall width of the tire when mounted and inflated to factory recommended air pressure.

The (12) is the diameter of the wheel that the tire will mount to.

*All measurements are in inches.

At Hilltop Tire we know all this can be very confusing and frustrating if you don’t understand it all. That’s why we are here to help! Any of our knowledgeable service advisors will be able to assist you in choosing the right tire for your specific needs. With thousands of tires in stock to choose from, you will definitely find the tires you are looking for!

Give us a call.