When it comes to ATV and UTV performance, your tires are the foundation of your ride. The right tires will allow you to conquer any terrain, including rugged mountain trails and muddy forest paths.
This is our go-to guide for making sure your ATV or UTV ride is smooth as butter. We will answer common questions about ATV and UTV tires, provide maintenance tips to extend their lifespan and help you select the best tires for your terrain, including mud, sand, and rock.
Let’s ride!
Are tires for UTVs and ATVs the same?
ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles) and UTVs (Utility Task Vehicles) both need specialized tires, but they are designed and used differently. In a few cases, the same tires can work for both types, but choosing a tire designed specifically for either an ATV or UTV gives you the best performance and safety.
Our advice is to choose a designated tire. Better safe than sorry.
So what is the difference between ATV and UTV tires?
ATVs are typically used recreationally, so their tires tend to be lighter and designed to give individual riders maximum swiftness and freedom of movement. ATV tires are also sometimes referred to as quad tires, four-wheeler tires, or all-terrain vehicle tires, emphasizing their use for quad bikes or smaller off-road vehicles.
UTV tires are typically great for heavy-duty and professional use, so their tires are designed to be durable and carry heavier loads and multiple passengers. UTV tires are often called side-by-side tires, utility vehicle tires, or SxS tires, reflecting the utility-focused design.
How to select the right ATV/UTV tires for various terrains
Choosing the right ATV or UTV tire ultimately comes down to which terrain you are riding in. Here are the main types:
- All-terrain tires: Versatile options suitable for mixed-use on dirt, gravel, and light mud. Ideal for recreational riders exploring diverse trails.
- Mud tires: Designed with aggressive tread patterns for enhanced grip in wet, muddy conditions. Perfect for wetlands and boggy environments.
- Sand tires: Featuring paddle-like treads, these tires “float” on soft sand, making them ideal for beaches and dunes.
- Rock tires: Built with reinforced sidewalls to handle rocky trails and prevent punctures, these tires are great for mountainous regions.
- Snow tires: Engineered with cold-weather rubber compounds and deep sipes, these tires maintain flexibility and traction in icy conditions.
When choosing an ATV or UTV tire, the most important thing to consider is whether you are mostly riding in muddy, sandy, rocky, icy or mixed terrain.
Using the right tires for the terrain keeps you safer by giving you better traction and control – mud tires will have better grip on slippery trails, but sand tires will glide over dunes rather than sinking into them.
The right match also helps your tires last longer since off-road tires wear out fast on pavement, and road tires can get damaged on rocky trails. Plus, it makes your ride smoother and more fuel-efficient.
Which ATV/UTV tires are best for off-road?
When it comes to off-road adventures, the best ATV or UTV tire depends on the specific challenges of the terrain:
- For muddy trails: Look for mud tires with widely spaced, aggressive treads to prevent clogging and maximize traction.
- For rocky terrain: Look for rock tires with a durable construction and extra sidewall protection.
- For sand dunes: Look for sand tires with paddle-like treads for the necessary flotation and grip.
- For snow and ice: Look for snow tires with specialized rubber compounds and deep treads that have great grip in cold and slippery conditions.
High-quality off-road tires ensure your ATV or UTV is always ready to ride, so you don’t get stuck in slippery mud or deep sand.
How to find the correct ATV/UTV tire size and fit
Getting the right tire size is important for both the safety and performance of your ATV or UTV ride. Follow these steps to find the correct fit:
- Check the manufacturer’s recommendations: the manual for your ATV or UTV will tell you the ideal tire size and specifications.
- Understand tire markings: ATV and UTV tires typically feature markings like 25×8-12. This represents:
25: Overall tire diameter (in inches).
8: Tire width (in inches).
12: Rim diameter (in inches). - Match tire and rim sizes: Ensure the tire’s rim matches your vehicle’s wheel size and specifications.
- Consider terrain-specific needs: Larger tires provide more ground clearance for off-road use, while smaller tires offer better stability on hard-packed surfaces.
You should always consult a professional ATV and UTV tire dealer if you’re unsure about sizing or compatibility.
How to maintain ATV and UTV tires to extend their lifespan
Taking good care of your tires is a non-negotiable if you want to expand their lifespan. Here’s how to keep ATV and UTV tires in top condition and make them last longer:
- Monitor tire pressure: Check and adjust your tire pressure regularly to match the manufacturer’s recommendations. Incorrect pressure can lead to uneven wear or reduced traction.
- Inspect for damage: After every ride, inspect your tires for cuts, punctures, or embedded debris.
- Rotate tires: For UTVs with uneven weight distribution, rotate tires periodically to ensure even wear.
- Clean tires after use: Mud, sand, and other debris can degrade rubber over time. Clean your tires thoroughly after rides, especially in harsh conditions.
- Store tires properly: Keep unused tires in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent premature aging.
You should replace your ATV or UTV tires when the tread is worn, sidewalls are damaged, or you experience consistent performance issues.
Checklist: signs you need new ATV/UTV tires
Worn-out tread – If the tread depth is low or uneven, your tires won’t grip properly, making off-road riding risky.
Cracks or dry rot – Visible cracks on the sidewalls or between treads indicate aging rubber that can fail unexpectedly.
Frequent loss of air – If you’re constantly refilling your tires, slow leaks or internal damage might be the cause.
Reduced traction – Slipping more than usual in mud, sand, or rocky terrain? Worn tires may not be providing the grip you need.
Punctures or cuts – Small punctures can lead to bigger problems, and deep cuts can weaken the tire’s structure.
Bulges or bubbles – Any bulging spots mean internal damage, which could lead to a blowout while riding.
Tires are over six years old – Even if they look fine, rubber breaks down over time. Old tires can become brittle and unsafe.
Are KENDA ATV and UTV tires distributed in Europe?
Yes, KENDA ATV and UTV tires are widely available in Europe through a network of authorized dealers and distributors in the UK, Poland, Belgium and Switzerland. Known for our high-quality construction and terrain-optimised designs, KENDA tires keep Europe moving, from recreational riding to heavy-duty work applications.
Click here to read our full ATV/UTV catalogue and click here to see all of our ATV and UTV tires.
With 6 distribution centres all over Europe, we strive to provide quick and flexible deliveries when they are needed. We make sure our dealers and distributors always get the right products by having local customer care teams ready to advise with a high level of technical know-how. Dealers interested in stocking KENDA tires should contact Sales Director Christian de Wit.
Where can I buy KENDA tires for ATV and UTV?
If you are an ATV or UTV enthusiast interested in getting KENDA’s ATV or UTV tires fitted on your vehicle, please contact your local dealer or distributor.
If you are already a KENDA distributor and dealer and looking to order KENDA ATV/UTV tires, you can visit our local webshops.
WEBSHOP
Poland
WEBSHOP
Switzerland
WEBSHOP
United Kingdom
