Understanding ATV Tire Pressure

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 stuck. 

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. 

What Is the Best ATV Tire Pressure?

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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. Seven to eight psi is the average range for all-purpose trail riding, but you’ll get more traction and increase puncture resistance if you adjust pressure based on the terrain. The softer the ground, the lower the pressure. 

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. 

Keep in mind 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 can 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 the lack of obstacles gives you the freedom to ramp up your speed, which only makes things hotter. Extra heat wears down the tread pattern and makes the rubber more elastic, making it easier to penetrate. Stick to 14 to 18 psi when driving on the road. 

These recommendations vary by make/model and riding style. Monitor how your ATV handles and adjust the level accordingly. Increase pressure if vibrations increase. Try moving it up or down if you experience poor handling and balance.

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.

Monitoring ATV Tire Pressure 

Tire pressure isn’t set in stone. The air will gradually escape over time, 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. Older tires with worn tread patterns release more air. 

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 two percent. 

Elevation will also have a slight effect. Expect a moderate decrease in pressure when scaling mountains.

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 Technology 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.

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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. Use the recommendations to tread new ground.