Interpretation of load and inflation ratings of ATV tires

Comprehending the operational mechanism of your tire is a imperative component of safely owning and operating an ATV. Its no secret that off-roading with an ATV can be dangerous. The general reports of ATV suggest that more than 300 reported ATV-related deaths and more than 100,000 ATV related injuries that required a trip to the emergency room in the year 2011. The deeper the knowledge about the machine you are operating, the safer you would be and the most imperative part of the ATV is its tires. Here we elaborate the things you need to know perfectly understand your ATV tires.

The fundamentals of ATV tires

When you glance an ATV tire, there is line of numbers on the edge of it. For example the standard size of the tyre might be 25x10-12 for back tires. The first part of the sequence represents the height of the tire in inches when it is properly mounted and inflated to the manufacturer’s suggested air pressure. The second number represents the width of the tyre when it is inflated. The third digit is the diameter of the inner part of the tire in inches when it is properly mounted and inflated to the manufacturer's suggested pressure.

Inflation and Load

The load and inflation information are intended to provide assistance when replacing tires with optional tire sizes including “plus sizes” that may not be listed on the vehicle’s tire information placard (T.I.P) or in the owner's manual. Before altering anything, first refer the owner's manual for your ATV and checkout the apt inflation. 

There are various dimensions of ATV tires and it comes with a variety of suggested PSI ratings based on the nature of the tire’s intended for usage. The maximum pressure limit recommended by the manufacturer should not be exceeded. Whereas many off-roaders claim that if the pressure level is below the suggested pressure lets the tire better grip even on rough terrain and issues a softer ride.

If the ATV is loaded down with camping gear or second rider should use a higher PSI tire than one that is headed out on a hard-packed speed trail, since that higher PSI means better load-bearing capabilities.