Your ATV tires aren’t meant to last forever. Even the most durable and highly specialized tires will need replaced eventually. But tires are a big investment and most of us don’t have a limitless budget when it comes to our quad (as much as we would love to).
Unfortunately, there is no set time period or mileage limit on ATV tires. Depending on what type of terrain you stick to and how often you ride, your tires can last anywhere from a year to 5 years (or longer). So how do you know when it’s finally time to bite the bullet and buy a new set?
Since there is no firm expiration date on a new set of tires, it’s important to know what to look for in terms of wear and tear. Here’s a rundown of the top 4 signs that your ATV tires might be nearing the end of their run.
Visible wear and tear is one of the most obvious signs of a bad tire. We recommend conducting a pre-ride inspection every time you take your quad out. Here are some specific things to look for:
If you notice any new or unusual vibration when riding, it could be a sign of bad tires. Sometimes this can be fixed by rotating them. But if you rotate your tires and the vibration is still there, uneven tire wear could be the issue. It could also be due to the separation of your tire’s internal plies, which would push pressurized air up against the rubber wall and cause wobbling.
A constant humming sound that changes with your ATV’s speed could signify a chopped thread. Another weird noise to listen for is a thumping sound, which might indicate that your tire has a flat spot. In either case, it’s probably time for some replacement tires.
Tires are considered balding when there is little to no tread pattern left. Driving on bald tires is dangerous because of the lack of traction. Your tire’s grooves are there to allow water and debris to escape from the tread. When there is no tread and water can’t escape, you can end up hydroplaning or spinning out of control.
Buying and mounting new tires is a pain in the butt (and the wallet), but it’s inevitable. Here are a few steps you can take to ease that pain and extend the life of your ATV tires.
Tire maintenance is an investment, but it’s worth it if you want a smooth ride and top machine performance. To really make that investment go far, opt for a quality set of tires suited to your ride style. The next time you’re in the market for new ATV tires, check out what SuperATV has to offer. Whether you need specialized mud tires or an aggressive all-terrain set, we’re here to keep your quad looking good and performing even better.
