The tires of the ATV are among the most important parts. Basically, all-terrain tires are made for proper performance for both on- and off-road purposes. This is accomplished by using a tread pattern design where the lugs are tighter together than a mud tire's tread. They perform well on a variety of terrains, like rocks, sand and mud, while still offering decent traction on a paved road.
Depending on the tires, one can use the ATV for various purposes. Since the ATV is designed for off-road use, such as on sand, gravel, mud or snow, much depends on the type of tires one uses in an ATV.
When first launched in 1981, the ATVs had balloon tires. Today, a general ATV tire is heavy, with deep treads and a low pressure (less than 10 pounds per square inch [PSI]). This helps the tires get a better grip on the road, and therefore helps in navigating terrain like forests and wetlands.
A tire is made out of belts, a carcass and the inner lining. The belts are a series of rubber-coated layers of steel, polyester, nylon or Kevlar. The carcass is the main body of the tire, which is made out of wire beads and body plies. The inner liner is a special layer of compounded rubber, forming the inside of a tubeless tire.
There are two basic types of tire construction: bias-ply and radial designs. Bias-ply tires are made of textile cords, like nylon and sometimes Kevlar. Radial tires are made of rubber-coated reinforced-steel cable belts.
Each type of tire construction has its own unique set of characteristics, which play a part in its performance.
Sipes are the slots cut into the surface of the tire tread. The number of sipes and the way they are set in the tires is an important factor in the traction the tires get on muddy, snowy, wet or icy surfaces.
It is very important to be able to read the specs of a tire before buying it. The basic factors important while buying tires are tire type, tire width and aspect ratio of the height to the weight to the tire. Also, one should find out about the construction, wheel diameter, load index and speed rating of the tire.
The tires of an ATV are also the main culprit for the various criticisms against ATVs today. Along with taking a good grip on the path, the ATVs also dig channels that drain out boggy areas of water in forests, tear out fragile plants that are vital for the integrity of the sand dunes in deserts and beaches, and also destroy well-maintained snow trails in snow.
