Choosing the Right ATV Tires and Wheels


by  Chris Casarez 9/10/2010

ATV Parts & Accessories
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiasts or an indoor geek (like myself), riding an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) can be a rewarding experience. There’s nothing like the adrenaline rush you get from speeding through bumpy roads or sand dunes while feeling the full effects of the elements around you to get your mind off work-related stress. The ATV industry includes an impressive array of vehicle manufacturers. Names like Honda, Kawasaki, Bombadier, Suzuki, and Yamaha, and Polaris are among the well-known manufacturers that makes ATVs.

There are a few things you will need to know about maintaining or even upgrading your ATV. You have to make sure you’re equipped with the proper ATV parts and accessories. And if you’re going to be doing some serious ATV riding, that means ATV wheels, tires, and winches.

ATV Wheels and Tires
ATV tires are perhaps the most obvious of the group. If you’re going to be doing some serious off-roading, you’ll need to have some quality off-road tires. It’s important to know that all-terrain vehicles can have three, four, or six wheels. Obviously this will affect your choice of tires. This is one of the things to take into consideration when shopping for ATV wheels or tires.

Since ATVs by their very nature tend to geared towards harsh terrain, there doesn’t exist the same danger of choosing a street-oriented wheel that can’t handle constant abuse the way you’d come across with truck, Jeep, or SUV tires. Of course, your decision will be affected by your ATV use. ...

Qualities of Efficient Backhoe Tires


by  Nuche Villaneuva 9/10/2010

Backhoes are versatile machines. If they are maintained properly, they can do certain jobs that other machines cannot do. They can be attach to several tools to carry out certain task. Backhoe maintenance should be done in a regular and specific manner. A conditioned backhoe will carry out efficient job and makes it simpler and faster. One of the considerations in maintaining a backhoe is the tire condition.

Tires are very important. It will determine how efficient and versatile a machine is given a specific workload. However, most tires can be easily bald. It is very important to secure good tires before operating a backhoe to avoid unwanted incidents and accidents that might harm people in the operations area. How are we going to ascertain that the tires are in good condition? Here are some of the qualities of good tires that we should take into consideration.

An efficient tire should have a good grip to any type of ground. There are different types of tires being used to any type of ground. There are tires which utilize rubbers to get a good grip in asphalt road. There are big four wheel tires for off-road driving and inconsistent ground operations. Whatever ground you are dealing with, the tires should have a very good grip of it. At the same time, there should be an appropriate tire for each of the workload to ensure precision and accuracy.

The tire’s thickness should also be considered. If say for instance the tire is getting too thin, ...

Cheap ATV Tires - What’s a Bargain and What’s a Mistake


by  Reid Martens 3/25/2010

ATVs, or all terrain vehicles, have become one of the hottest recreational vehicles on the market today. Off-road excursions in one of these little, insanely quick monsters will have you screaming in terrified delight. Some have even crossed into the realm of utility vehicle, being used for farm chores as well as off-road fun. Eventually, though, you’re going to have to replace the tires on your all terrain baby, and you find yourself wondering: are the cheap ATV tires really a bargain?

Well - that depends. As tires go, when compared to the cost of the tires on your vehicle, all ATV tires are cheap ATV tires. Prices run anywhere from $16 each to $60 and up; how much you pay for those tires is going to depend on the size you need and where you go for the purchase.

Looking online for cheap ATV tires is at the very least a good place to start. You can see a real price range for different manufacturers, and do research on those manufacturers to see who’s reputable and who’s not. The prices might even be low enough that, coupled with the fact that you might not have to pay sales tax on an online sale, buying online and shipping them to your home is a viable option. At the very least, you’ll be armed with some information when you head to a local supplier.

The amount of usage, and what type of usage, your ATV gets is going to play a big part in ...

Your All Terrain Tires Guide


by  John A White 3/25/2010

Tires are every bit as important as the other components of your vehicle. Without them, quick and fluid movements are impossible, since the metal mechanisms behind the wheel aren’t built for friction. Tires, particularly reputable brands and models, are made for the continuous travel at varying surfaces. However, not every model you see offers performance. Some of them wear out quicker than others, while some get punctured, easily.

Tire Websites
People turn to the internet for information, as it holds millions of informative write-ups and features, regarding just about anything. Tires happen to be a popular subject, given the perpetual need for transportation. Tons of sites - motoring blogs, online forums, comparison websites and retail sites - showcase articles and ratings for the popular items on the market. Some of them are very detailed, so you won’t have any trouble determining the best brands and models.

Motoring Magazines
Motoring magazines focus on not only cars, trucks and racing vehicles, they also feature the best car parts around, which include tires. If you purchase several issues or subscribe to a well-known publication, you’ll be served with dozens of tire write-ups and reviews. Some of the writers happen to be motoring experts, so trusting their word is certainly a wise move on your part.

Join Motoring Groups
A remarkable fact about car owners is that they band together to form groups or communities. They meet every so often, so they can discuss or hold events regarding their passion for automobiles.

If you join a motoring group, you’ll get to ...

ATV Tire Chains


by  Butch Nelson 29/1/2010

ATV use and enjoyment has increased tremendously over the last few years. Along with the increase in popularity there has been a natural increase in accessories to use with you ATV. One of those accessories that has proven very useful are ATV tire chains.

If you have ever used chains for anything you know how beneficial they can be for gaining traction in snowy or even muddy terrain. That is, of course where much of your ATV use takes place, in snowy or muddy areas, so properly fitted ATV chains can provide the needed traction for whatever task is at hand. Weather you are just enjoying riding in open country and happen to get your self stuck or you are plowing or blowing snow with your ATV, chains on your tires will help with traction.

One of the nice things about using ATV tire chains as opposed to tire chains on a car or truck is the ease of putting them on. With a truck or a car there are fenders in the way of the installation that sometimes requires some dexterity to accomplish the installation. On an ATV the wheels are open and very easy to install the chains. The one exception to this may be a 6 wheel ATV that might not have a great amount of room between each wheel, but that is still easier to deal with than what you may have to deal with on a car or a truck.

In order the install ATV tire chains is ...

Understanding All-Terrain Tires


by  Greg J Thompson 29/1/2010

Just as the term implies, all terrain tires are like a jack of all trades. It does not specifically target any terrain, but it can handle almost all kinds of road conditions for regular consumer vehicles, of course.

When you buy a consumer vehicle, which is a car, motorcycle, or even bike, the item comes with stock, factory specified tires, or all-season tires. It can handle wet or dry conditions; it does not need to be changed for any other reason but personal preferences. This means that you may want to adjust the look of the car to make it higher, lower, racier, or sportier. This would entail changing the tires to a more customized look.

If you are in this situation, before you decide on a new look for your vehicle, you need to understand that it isn’t as simple as just taking off the old (relatively speaking) and putting in new tires. You have to consider the terrain you will be going on, on the average, the vehicle specs that can be seen from the owner’s manual, and the source of your new tires. It is important that you get quality replacement tires.

With all terrain tires you have the luxury of being able to handle different roads - rough, smooth, asphalted, cemented, sandy, gravel, among others. There are other options aside from an all terrain tire that may peak your interest such as performance tires which are great for flat out racing surfaces, so if driving fast is your thing, ...

How Old Are Your Vehicle’s Tires? Do You Really Know?


by  Gerard Ladalardo 10/18/2009

Here’s a really big tip that could save you, your family or your friends life. Have you ever heard the old saying out there that says "There’s a lot riding on your tires?" Experts strongly recommend that you replace your tires after approximately six (6) years even if you have low miles on them. The rubber will decompose and starts to fall apart. When the tire reaches a specific speed and blows then people’s lives are in grave danger!

The BIG NEWS -- You may think you’re buying brand new tires at Wal-Mart, Sears, Costco, other major retailers, and small gas stations but the real fact is the tires could be as old as 10+ years-old! They even look brand new! You should know what to look for when you are buying your tires and that’s where this report will be very important.

There is a hidden code on tires that tells you exactly how old they are. Look at all your tires and you will see a D.O.T. (Department of Transportation) stamp. The number will say D.O.T. followed by a couple of letters and numbers and then a circle with 4 numbers. The 4 digits in the circle are the date the tires were made in the factory. The first 2 numbers are the week the tires were manufactured. The last 2 digits in the circle are the year the tire was manufactured. For example; if the tire said 0404, that tire was manufactured around January 30th, 2004. That tire would ...

5 Types of Lawn Tractor Tires


by  Reid Martens 10/18/2009

If you’re looking for new tires for your lawn tractor, you have five main types to choose from. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, so let’s look at each one in turn.

Round Shoulder Turf Tire

Round shoulder turf tires are mainly used for front tires on lawn tractors. The tread depth is relatively low to help reduce the potential damage to turf and other surfaces when turning. They do have a bit of tread, however, to offer some traction.

Square Shoulder Turf Tire

Square shoulder tires are usually mounted on the rear wheels. They have a bigger footprint than the round shoulder models, and a bit of an edge for better traction and cornering. Because they have a larger footprint, they’re a good tire to use in wet or soft ground because they won’t sink into it as deeply.

Rib Tread Tire

These tires are used mostly on the front wheels. They have a very low-profile tread pattern, so they won’t dig into the turf and will cause minimal damage to the surface. Small garden carts and hand trucks often use these tires as well because of their smooth ride.

Lug Tread Tire

These tires are used in applications where traction is important, such as loose soil, uphill driving or even for plowing snow. They’re used on the rear wheels only, but even without turning they can still cause some damage to turf because the tread is so aggressive.

Commercial Grade Turf Tire

Commercial grade tires are similar in design to the square shoulder tires, but they are heavier ...

Choosing the Right Snow Tires


by  Richard Crittendon 1/16/2009

"A long drive on a snowy weather" can often gives us the feeling of cruising through milky clouds. However this pleasure has lots to do with the strength of the machine you are steering, as roads full of snow pose all sorts of difficulties to drivers. Snow minimizes friction of the track by making it wet and slippery to drive through. Despite strong engine and transmission systems, a firm grip of the vehicle over the track is indispensable. Thus, if you are planning an excursion to any snowy region, then just have a close look at the tires of your vehicle, as your safety primarily depend on those four wheels during the trip. If you find that the tires are not apt to conquer the damping snow, replace it with suitable set of ’snow tires’. Just be inquisitive and attentive while doing the snow tire purchase.

We often install all-weather tires on to our vehicles, marked with "M+S"- i.e. mud and snow - which are said to be good enough to handle all types of terrains. But when it comes to chilly cold weather and heavy snow down pouring, these tires usually lose its hold on the track. In this situation, specially designed snow tires are essential by all means. Previously designed snow tires were noisy, and were inept for the dry and plain conditions, but modern snow tires are manufactured from special rubber compounds that are appropriate for all weather conditions. However, snow tires are further categorized according to the ...

Winter Tires - Why You Need Them


by  David Demetre 1/16/2009

If you live in the area of North America known as the Snow Belt, then a good set of winter tires are an indispensable weapon in your annual battle with the elements. Drivers living outside the belt who sometimes encounter snow, or are skiers should also consider moving up to winter tires from all-season tires, especially if the all-seasons have more than a couple of years of wear on them. All-season tires are designed to handle acceptably under a large variety of conditions, which is by nature a compromise. In other words, Jack of All Trades, Master of None. A typical Super High Perfomance tire with treads designed to hold the road at 200 degrees F will become hard and brittle at temperatures below freezing, and turn into Super Low Perfomance tires! Only winter tires are designed for optimal perfomance in sub-zero conditions.

Using winter tires will lengthen the life of your summer tires since they’ll be sitting in storage for part of the year. That makes these snow-beaters an economically sensible purchase. Not only that, but having a set of winter wheels will protect your summer wheels finish from the hearsh environment of raod salt, ice, grime and slush existing on winter roads.

For stopping power on icy streets and acceleration in slushy spots, winter tires are a must. That means you won’t get stuck in the snow, slip and slide on an icy hill, or end up in the ditch of some curvy backroad.

Don’t neglect checking the air pressure in ...

All About Winter Tires


by  Brenda Williams 1/16/2009

Winter tires are essential to prepare for the ice, snow and slipper sleet that seem to accumulate on the roads throughout the winter months. Winter tires keep your vehicle from harm as they can create additional traction on the slippery roads. Although winter tires protect the vehicle against the elements of the slippery roads, they are actually built for the cold weather!

When should winter tires be put on the vehicle? In late November, once the temperatures reach a lower number, it is safe for winter tires to be placed on vehicles. When the temperature reaches about seven degrees, winter tires should be placed on the vehicle - to deal with the cold weather temperatures. Many customers wait for the first snowfall, it is important to place tires on the vehicle before the first snowfall falls to the ground!

Although winter tires can wear quickly if they are placed on the vehicle too early, it is important to ensure the tires are placed on the vehicle before the actual snowfall. Many customers are concerned about the wear, as winter tires are often more expensive than all-weather or summer tires. Experts recommend that it is better to have the tires on early, and face the wear than to risk chancing the vehicle in the winter.

Winter tires can provide up to forty percent traction in the snow and ice of the cold days and nights of winter. What provides this traction? Winter tires and the grooves and bumps provided by the tires can be ...

The Things to Look Out for When Buying Winter Tires


by  Tl Kleban 1/16/2009

Are your tires good enough to perform in winter driving conditions? Contrary to what you may have been told, not all tires are the same. This is especially true for winter snow tires and all-season tires most vehicles come equipped with. Winter tires are specially designed to provide you a safe and hassle free driving experience in the snow covered winter days giving your vehicle a better grip on ice and snow.

Winter tires are making a big comeback in sales and popularity with an increase of about 7.5% last year. It has a lot to do with the factory tires that come with all new vehicles. They are made with the summer months in mind but in harsh winter conditions those soft, gummy tires are utterly useless to the driver. Here is a breakdown of you can go about buying a new set of winter snow tires:

* Know that if you plan on buying new winter snow tires, you need to buy all four and not just one or two so you’ll need some money to buy them. Many people looking to save a few bucks try to purchase only winter tires for their front wheels which is not a smart thing to do. Two different sets of tires on your car can be dangerous leading to spin outs and other vehicle control issues. All four winters tires better be all the same brand, size, model, speed-rated, load index, tread pattern and type, as well.
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