You should replace your UTV tires if they indicate any of these flaws:
- Bulging sidewalls
- Punctures
- Cracked/dry rubber
- Uneven/worn-down lugs
Side by side utility vehicles are increasing in popularity since they have enhanced safety features, and hence, constitute a perfect replacement for quad bikes.
UTVs are vehicles better suited for towing a trailer, traveling off-road, carrying passengers, carrying small equipment/cargo, and maneuvering over rough terrain or around obstacles. UTVs are the perfect outdoor vehicles for the most ardent of recreationists.
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Are UTV Tires Durable?
Yes, the UTV tires are durable, lasting even more than six years, and that is even mainly possible when you subject them to proper care and maintenance. For the UTV tires replacement intervals, it rests on various factors. Some of those factors include the tire type, the surface type you ride on, quality of the tire, rubber hardness, etc.
Proper care and maintenance, which may include replacing the tires, helps not only to keep you safe but also for general better performance and driving experience.
Failing tires exert excess stress on the suspension and drivetrain of your vehicle. That is why, at all times, you have to make sure that your UTV tires are still in a great working condition.
The manufacturer of your tire should recommend to you the appropriate time for you to replace your UTV tire. Usually, from the manufacturer’s point of view, when you need to replace your UTV tire depends on the mileage and time.
Nevertheless, while the manufacture advice gives you some sense of when to replace a tire, still, it is upon you to regularly visually inspect the tires for identification of damage and wear and tear signs. For the signs indicating damage and wear of the side by side UTV tire, they may include:
- Bulging sidewalls
- Punctures
- Cracked/dry rubber
- Uneven/worn-down lugs
Advantages of UTV Tires
a. Durable
They are more durable than your conventional tires. And although the UTV tires tend to last longer, in the end, they capitulate to wear and tear. That is why you have to replace your tires.
By the way, note that you should avoid using the wrong tire as it can increase the rate of wear and tear of tread and tire. The result is a shorter interval of tire replacement.
b. Versatile
The best tires for UTVs are designed to be able to handle and withstand different surface riding conditions.
All-terrain tire, also known as all-purpose tire, can work best on hard terrain and soft surfaces. As a result, all-purpose tires are more suitable for general-purpose riders and everyday use.
Factors Affecting the Interval of UTV Tire Replacement
1. Understand The Tire Type
There are different types of UTV tires, and they are of different quality and meant to be used on different terrains. The type of tire greatly influences the interval of replacing tires.
For instance, when riding on asphalt, the tires of your UTV will tend to wear and tear much faster than when you are riding on sand/mud. So, with asphalt riding, it necessitates frequent replacement of UTV tires, unlike mud or sand riding.
a. All-purpose or General Terrain Tires
The all-terrain UTV tires have large, rugged lugs, ranging from three quarter to one inch tall. This particular lugs spacing is vital for the delivery of a robust grip when one is riding over logs and rocks.
Nevertheless, when it comes to mud, snow, and sand terrain, the general-purpose tires may only offer a small bit of traction.
b. Sand Tires
These UTV tires are usually unmistakable as they benefit from the most specific tread patterns. The front tires may contain a few ridges or be completely smooth as they are mostly relied upon for steering purposes.
In contrast, the rear tires may be wider and lighter and make use of paddle-like ridging compulsory for facilitating digging into the sand. Sand tires for a UTV are meant for staying on the sand top, and as a consequence, they are not suitable for driving on paved/hard surfaces.
c. Mud Tires
The proper mud tires for your UTV are synonymous with lugs that are heavy-duty, large, and aggressive. The heavy-duty nature tends to resemble claws. The rugged lugging helps in affording you an aggressive and better grip in wet and slippery conditions.
Moreover, the lugs feature tough sidewalls essential to withstand any beating and eventually, get you out of the messy situation.
Also, because of the ridging implemented is often flaring-out or angled, this results in the self-cleaning of the mud tires. As the tire spins, mud is shoved outward (by the tread) from the centerline, vital for keeping the lugs clear.
a. Racing Tires
The UTV racing tires are highly-specialized as they are designed with an angled knobby tread. For that reason, the racing tires can perform optimally on packed trails when driven at higher speeds.
b. Snow Tires
Most trail and mud tires can still deliver better performance in snow terrain. Nonetheless, there are specifically built UTV snow tires to provide much-better, improved traction on the snow surface.
When it comes to the design of snow tires, there are two major designs adopted, which generally borrow from a mixture of other styles. For the first snow tire design, it is designed with shorter lugs, akin to a UTV trail tire, but, the spacing applied is similar to the one found in mud tires.
The first design is beneficial in that it makes it possible for the addition of more studs. That is a welcomed addition, particularly if you are to drive in a condition requiring more traction.
The second design UTV tires also involve having either trail or mud tire with lugs that are very thin. This design style is appropriate for use on a powdery snow surface.
The two designs, for the reason that between the thread, they use wide spacing, they are valuable in aiding easier clearing of the collected snow by the tires.
Mostly, if you choose the right tire type for your particular surface, it means better performance and even longer tire replacement interval.
2. The Tire Construction
Bias and radial are the two categories of constructing UTV tires. Tires with a bias construction are beneficial as they deliver better performance on rough driving terrain and sharp inclines. On the other hand, radial UTV tires provide you with a smoother ride when used on flat/paved surfaces.
Now, while repairing of radial tires is more expensive and difficult, unlike bias tires; still, their main benefit is that they are durable. Radial tires tend to last longer, which can be further boosted through proper, regular maintenance and proper usage. It will take you longer to replace radial tires than bias tires.
3. The Intended Use of The Tire
As I had already commented, there are different types of UTV tires meant for use on different surfaces. Take into consideration when you use your Side by side UTV and the different driving environments it is subjected to like rocky terrain and winter conditions.
If you use a tire that is not better suited to a particular driving terrain/condition, then, it will be more susceptible to wear and tear, which necessitates frequent tire replacement.
4. Balancing of the Tires
By and large, it is essential that the tire of your side by side UTV is accordingly balanced, though that may depend on the riding type you undertake.
Balancing the tires is essential in two significant ways. First, tire balancing is one of the vital steps you can take to safeguard your vehicle against the need for regular maintenance and repair. If your UTV has improperly balanced tires, it means it will be more susceptible to wear and tear.
The result is that quality and performance are negatively affected and there is need for regular tire replacement. Using unbalanced tires means the interval of replacing tires will be much shorter.
Secondly, another benefit of balanced tires is that they significantly improve the safety of the vehicle for your use. When you have imbalanced tires, then it becomes easier for you to loss control when there is a minor imbalance incidence.
Balancing of UTV tires is more recommended for you, if you are the kind of driver who loves fast driving, particularly on packed-down dirt ways and deserts.
A Quick Recap about Side By Side UTV Tire Replacement
For UTV tire replacement, always make certain that you purchase and only use the tires specifically designed for these types of vehicles. The UTV tires have typical size and dimensions and thus, different from the conventional tires used by, e.g. car and truck.
The UTV tires are specifically designed for the particular terrains you will be using them on whether it is snow, mud, sand, etc. But, also remember that there are UTV tires suitable for general purpose use.
Do not purchase replacement tires not built specially for side by side UTVs, unless you want to waste your time and money. Even more importantly, only purchase your UTV tires from sellers dealing exclusively in tires. That is since their tires are generally low-priced, so, the replacement cost is not prohibitive.
In conclusion, as well, ensure that regular and proper maintenance is also a top priority. The best maintenance of your UTV guarantees that it can perform better, including when it concerns the tires. Better performing vehicle means less instances of replacing or fixing any of the parts including tires and you are safe when driving.
