ATV tires conquer all types of terrain — from soft sand and dirt to gravel roads and steep rock formations — using nothing but air. The amount of oxygen between the rubber sidewalls affects performance under various conditions. Less air makes the tires soft and malleable, like a balloon. Too much air makes them rigid and stiff. Each works best in certain situations, and the wrong amount can leave you stranded mid-trail.
Discover everything you need to know about ATV tire pressure to prepare your vehicle for the path ahead.
What Is Tire Pressure?
Tires are filled with compressed air, which determines firmness and structural integrity. Pressure is measured in PSI (pound-force per square inch), so if the pressure is listed at five PSI, there are five pounds of force pressing down on every square inch. Higher pressure creates a firmer sidewall, making the rubber more inflexible and difficult to puncture. A lower PSI makes the rubber tire more malleable and flexible to adhere to the shape of the ground. Both have their pros and cons and are suitable for different environments.
What Is the Best ATV Tire Pressure?
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The correct tire pressure varies by make and model. Check your owner’s manual to see what the manufacturer suggests, and use this guide to ATV tire sizes to find the right set for your off-roader. A Polaris needs between 10 and 15 PSI, while a Can-Am needs between 15 and 25 PSI. The ideal PSI range should be printed on the sidewall. Seven to eight PSI is the average range for all-purpose trail riding, but you’ll get more traction and puncture resistance if you adjust pressure based on the terrain. The softer the ground, the lower the pressure.
Most models recommend reducing PSI by one to two pounds per square on the front tires. The rear tires bear more weight and need additional pressure to produce power.
ATV Tire PSI for Soft Terrain
Wet sand and mud move, slide and change shape quickly, making them hard for objects to latch onto. Lower your tire pressure to six to eight psi so your tires can match the elasticity of the ground, maximizing contact.
Dry sand shifts on the surface, but it firms up several inches deep. In the dunes, lower your tire pressure anywhere from eight to 10 PSI.
Remember that lowering the pressure decreases puncture resistance, so steer clear of sharp objects like glass from broken bottles and rocks.
ATV Tire PSI for Hard Terrain
Gravel roads, tightly packed dirt, tree roots and rock formations can have sharp edges that penetrate underinflated rubber. To create a firm outer barrier, bring your tire pressure up to 10 to 12 PSI. The tread should retain its shape regardless of what’s underneath.
ATV Tire PSI for Paved Roads
ATVs aren’t street-legal, but you can drive on private paved roads and, with the required modifications, public streets in certain states. Asphalt runs hot, and high speeds only make the rubber hotter. Extra heat wears down the tread pattern and makes the rubber more elastic, reducing puncture resistance. Stick to 14 to 18 PSI when driving on the road.
Monitoring ATV Tire Pressure
The recommended pressure varies by make/model and riding style. Monitor how your ATV handles and adjust the level accordingly. Lower pressure as the terrain softens. And increase pressure if vibrations increase. Continue adjusting pressure if you experience poor handling and balance.
Reduced air pressure can reduce fuel efficiency and acceleration. If you find accelerating difficult, reinflate your tires to give the vehicle additional support.
You should never exceed the max PSI for your side-by-side make/model. Adding excess air can stretch the rubber and increase the risk of leaks.
The weight of your cargo affects tire pressure. Driving a UTV full of passengers requires high pressure. The added weight causes the tires to compress, reducing tire pressure. Check PSI levels before and after loading the vehicle to see how much they vary.
When riding on various terrains, attach wireless off-road headsets to your helmet to coordinate tire pressure with the rest of your group. The other riders can help you gauge whether your tires are over- or underinflated in real-time. You can hear and respond to everything they say without taking your hands off the handlebars or your eyes off the path. Compare PSI levels across the group to decide the ideal range for the trail.
Use Off-Road Headsets to Communicate on the Go
Tire pressure isn’t set in stone. The air will gradually escape, regardless of how often you ride. Going above 30 mph, rough riding and rock crawling deplete PSI levels faster than gentle cruising. Leaving your bike in storage can also change air pressure. Use the same tire pressure regardless of the tire’s age or when it was installed. New tires need the same amount of air as old tires, but tires with worn tread patterns release more air and may need to be adjusted more often.
Pressure will also increase in hot weather and decrease in the cold. For every 10 degrees Fahrenheit change in temperature, PSI levels will typically fluctuate by two percent.
Elevation will also have a slight effect. Expect a moderate decrease in pressure when scaling mountains. Pressure can increase when coming back down the slope.
Use a tire pressure gauge to measure the level before every ride. Keep your gauge and a pump handy on long rides to adjust as you encounter different types of terrain.
If you need to stop, the others may not want to wait. Use the Packtalk Edge ORV to sync with the group automatically. It uses Dynamic Mesh Communication to create a direct link between each rider so they don’t get disconnected when someone leaves the pack. The headset will reconnect to the group thread as soon as you’re back in range.
The sidewalls shouldn’t rub against the fender or rims when inflating your tires. They should be able to turn freely. Compare the measurements to the recommendations to ensure you use the correct size.
You can’t drive an ATV with a flat tire. Bring a winch, recovery kit, spare tire and flat fixing kit to resolve tire trouble on the spot. Let the authorities know where you’re going and when you plan to return if you get stuck in the wilderness.
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Adjust ATV Tire Pressure Like a Pro
Every off-road enthusiast should know how to check and when to adjust ATV tire pressure. Keeping your tires in the correct range will protect them from flats and save you the hassle of getting stuck in the mud. A tire gauge and compressor will give you much-needed peace of mind when traversing new terrain. Know the firmness of the ground and your PSI levels when riding to help your off-road vehicle work smarter, not harder. Get the Packtalk Edge ORV Today!
