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A Comprehensive Guide To UTV Tires

Feb. 10 2021 Buying guide By Interstate Cycles

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The right UTV tires make all the difference in the comfort, efficiency, and enjoyment of your powersports adventure. It's why so many side-by-side owners purchase aftermarket tires to replace the default ones. But with so many options, how do you pick the one that best matches your riding lifestyle and budget?

Here at Interstate Cycles, we strive to make your life easier. We created the following guide on UTV tires. If you have questions or want to shop UTVs for sale, reach out to our expert staff. We are happy to help! Our powersports dealership is located in Lake City, Florida, and we also serve those in Jacksonville and Gainesville.

When Standard UTV Tires Are Not Enough

The default tires on your side-by-side are fine for standard trail riding. But they are not as well-suited for difficult terrain or longer rides.

In many cases, the tires were picked for their low cost to the manufacturer (in order to keep the UTV's overall asking price lower for the customer). If you have the budget for this aftermarket accessory, it's wise to get it. You'll enjoy many boosts to the trail riding experience, including better performance and improved safety.

All-Purpose UTV Tires

These are a step above the tires that came with your side-by-side. They come with perks such as improved tread design and greater puncture resistance. They tend to be heavier than standard models, but not so much that it drastically affects the UTV's performance.

They will provide decent performance in mud, snow, and sand. But they won't perform exceptionally well on anything other than compact dirt. They are best used for standard trail riding with the occasional venture into more challenging terrain.

UTV Mud Tires

If you want to explore muddy terrain, know that standard UTV tires are not a good match. Their tread blocks are so close together that the mud will not get cleaned out when the tires spin. They will get stuck with mud, which makes safe riding a challenge.

UTV mud tires are helpful because:

  • Their tread lugs are spaced apart
  • Their tread lugs are up to two inches
  • They have aggressive tread patterns
  • They can easily clear out mud when they turn, which ensures there is no loss of traction

They will be heavier, which can reduce the side-by-side's performance. They also tend to provide a less comfortable experience on compact dirt trails.

UTV Sand Tires

Whether you want to conquer dunes or explore the desert, you will likely want to avoid standard UTV tires. They will often get stuck, cause handling issues, and compromise performance.

UTV sand tires are helpful because:

  • They are made to 'float' on the surface of this unstable terrain
  • The front tires are often bald, which helps them stay on top of the sand while still being able to tackle turns
  • The rear tires use a paddle-like design, which helps them stay on top of the sand while propelling the side-by-side forward
  • The lightweight design keeps the powersports vehicle moving forward, rather than sinking into the sand

These models won't perform well, however, on other terrain types.

UTV Rock Tires

At first glance, these look more like truck tires than powersports ones. They are built for impressive performance on slippery rocks and hard packed terrain.

UTV rock tires are helpful because:

  • Their tread lugs are close together
  • The tread design optimizes traction
  • They have boosted puncture resistance, which is helpful when dealing with sharp and jagged rocks

Of all the specialty terrain models, these are the best suited for being a general purpose tire. They can best handle terrains other than the one they are specifically designed to handle. Just know that their heavier weight can reduce side-by-side performance.

UTV Snow Tires

Sure, you won't be riding on snow here in Florida. But we wanted to cover this option in case you take your side-by-side on a road trip in the winter.

UTV snow tires are helpful because:

  • The widely spaced lugs help clean out snow
  • They are designed to stay on top of the fresh powdery snow, rather than sink in
  • The additional siping helps in slick conditions
  • The specialized rubber compounds keep the tires soft in freezing temperatures

Just know that these models do not perform well in dry conditions.

UTV Racing Tires

If you enjoy side-by-side racing, you will want to upgrade from the default tires. In most cases, you will pick based on the terrain you are racing on. You can also look for models that offer features such as boosted forward traction, cornering ability, and durability.

We hope you found this guide to UTV tires helpful! For more information or to shop side-by-sides for sale, contact Interstate Cycles. Our friendly staff is happy to chat with you and assist with anything you need. Reach out online, over the phone, or stop by our dealership in Lake City, Florida. We are also proud to serve those in Gainesville and Jacksonville.