Keeping Your ATV Tires in Good Condition

A flat ATV tire on the trial is probably something you'll run into whether you're a professional or novice rider. Although having a flat tire is not a scheduled event, you need to prepare yourself as to when it will hit you.

Flat tires are not an event unique to all terrain vehicles. Luckily, a flat tire is easy to fix, so there's no need for panicking. This problem can be handled without great difficulty.

One of the most common problems of flat ATV tires is air leaks. You can repair most types of flats on the trails. Nevertheless, there are some types of severe flats that a professional should deal with.

Fixing a flat usually means you can continue riding on it for the remainder of your ride. It is important, however, to properly fix it later on to completely get rid of the underlying problem. You will need a couple of items to fix you ATV tire. To be prepared for tire problems, you should store these equipments in a safe place where you can use it any time and anywhere.

Repair glue, a reamer, tire plugs, a plug insertion tool and a pump are the most important tools that you'll need. The air gauge is the most important tool you should always have on hand.

The task of finding the holes where there air is leaking is not always simple. The first thing you should do is put air in the tire. Look for object that stuck into the tire, such as nails, screws, glass, or other sharp objects.

If there are no sharp objects in the tire, then look for small cuts and listen for leaks. It is recommended to place some water or puddle in the tires to allow you to see possible damages. You should also check if your valve stem or seal is broken.

When you've located the leak, roughen the edges of the hole with the reamer so that the plug will grip more effectively. You should then thread the plug by applying a little amount of glue to the plug. Check to see if the plug would stay in place.

There are different kinds of plugs for different types of holes, and it takes some experience to pick the right one. Wait until the glue has completely dried and set before continuing with your ride. It's a simple process, and it allows you to finish your ride and then get the leak properly fixed when you're back home.

by Rusty Benoit.