April 24, 2009

How to Check ATV Tires


"On behalf of Expert Village my name is Tom Roland and we're at Cottonwood Motor Sports and I'm here to tell you about doing a service on a Polaris Quad and this is fairly representative of many of them.

Another thing that's often over looked is the tires and when you're checking the tires you want to jack the wheel off the ground and you want to look it all over for thorn holes you want to look for any nails or things.

On tubeless tires, commonly something can go in the tire and if it stays in the tire it'll stay up, that's one of the advantages of tubeless tires. The other thing is air pressure. Air pressure on a locked rear end vehicle is very, very important. People commonly say my vehicle pulls, my unit pulls to the right or pulls to the left when I drive it and I don't know what's wrong.

Well, on a vehicle that doesn't have a differential in the back or say when this one is in 2x4 vs. turf mode, the problem is, if the tires aren't exactly the right, same circumference, which usually is a function of tire pressure, then the larger tire is gonna be the more forceful tire and it's gonna try to make it veer. Say the left tire is slightly larger in diameter due to having more pressure in it it's gonna make it pull to the right. If the left tire is larger in diameter, it's gonna make it pull to the left.

Sometimes if both tires have the exact pressure on these kind of tires they won't be exactly the same diameter and in the past the only true way to know is to run a tape measure around the outside. If a person is not having a problem with it, they both have nine pounds in it, it drives OK, you're not really having an issue then ordinarily it wouldn't be a deal. But if you are having problems like that and you suspect that that could be the issue then the only way to really tell is put a tape measure around the entire outside of the wheel and compare both wheels together because sometimes these tires will, one will swell up a little more than the other.

Also, the other thing with alignment is checking the front end. On a Polaris when the handlebars are sitting straight, most Polaris' front end, the handlebars would be, the front wheels would be towed out a half an inch which is 1/4 of an inch each way from straight. The camber and the caster on the front end isn't adjustable, if it changes it's usually because somethings bent. But, the tie rod adjustments or wear or a wheel being bent or something like that those are all things you have to look for.

These are utility vehicles, they're not a Lexus car, okay, they don't go down the road, they don't go down the road perfectly, they're a utility vehicle, but they still, they should drive good and they shouldn't have problems and you should be able to take your hand off the bar and it shouldn't shoot of the side of the road. So, those are all, those are all things that have to be looked at. Different units have different tire pressures. Rangers, 9 to 12 pounds say, a unit like this might be 6 to 8 pounds, it just depends on the unit. Smaller units usually take less tire pressure, bigger. Heavier units usually have more tire pressure."

Why Get ATV Sand Tires?

"On behalf of Expert Village, my name is David and I am here to tell you about ATV's and accessories that go with them. As we were talking about sports quads before, I decided I might want to bring up tires.

Sports quads of course usually come with a knobby tire but if you are going to the sand, you are going to want a set of paddles. So this is the set of sand paddles. Sand paddles, the description fits their name. They are just big paddles. They are designed to scoop up the sand and throw it behind you at a high rate of speed.

That gives you your forward thrust. That is the way to go in the sand. Now if you want to steer in the sand and you've got to get your front sand tires. They look pretty basic. They don't have any tread, they don't need it. What they do have is this center ridge. That catches the sand as you are going into a turn.

It forces the front end the direction you want to go. It gives you maximum steering in the same. On a relate subject, tires anyway, here is another shot at a custom tire. An 8 spoke wheel with radials with a radial tire on it; aggressive knobbie. This particular one is for side by side ATV known as the Ranger RZR. "

April 23, 2009

A Look At The Faultless Design Of The Atv Tires

ATV tires include ATV mud tires, ATV sand ties, big foot tires, discount ATV tires, ITP ATV tires and much more.

The self-cleaning tread pattern in the ATV mud tires helps you in riding in muddy roads. The extra deep two stage lug supports in smooth riding even in extremely harder surfaces. ATV mud late tires are high quality tires. They are the extreme radial tires and thus they can ride smoothly and in all traction. They are tough as well as lightweight. Therefore, they offer great comfort for the driver. They can offer better flexibility in muddy roads.

Dirt Devil 2 ATV tires are designed to bite the mud terrain. You can ride smoothly on muddy roads. The tread design promotes self-cleaning in all circumstances. Mudbug ATV tires provide supreme traction in mud terrain and they offer high performance and rider comfort.

Vampire ATV tires are heavier than normal tires. The lugs have proper space in between and thus they can be cleaned easily. These tires are suitable for hard terrains. The lugs are deep enough to provide long lasting life. Sure foot ATV tires are uniquely designed for heavy vehicles. They are suitable for off road performance even in mud, rock or snow. The lugs are designed to run smoothly in all terrains.

Bear claw ATV tires provide maximum grip and better control. It has built in rim guards to protect the wheel. It has special tread design that will offer maximum traction. The 6-ply tread design offers outstanding puncture resistance. The snag resistant material prevents puncture even when you run in sharp objects.

Bear claw EX ATV tires have magnificent tread design that allows running on all terrain regions. These tires are specially designed to run even at low air pressure. The tire has great puncture resistance capacity since it is made up of 6 ply tough material.

The Gator ATV tires have 6 ply heavy-duty constructions and thus they are the most wonderful Mud tires. It is made up of natural rubber and synthetic. The natural rubber prevents over heating and thus saves fuel. The tread lugs are designed to provide self-cleaning in all circumstances. It can run smoothly on muddy areas.

Trail Wolf ATV tires have separate rim guard design to provide maximum puncture resistance capacity. The special tread design provides smooth ride and offers maximum comfort to the driver. It is made up of hard rubber and thus it reduces frequent wear and tear. The price is also relatively cheap when compared to other tires. The 4 ply thick wall prevents slipping on muddy roads.

ATV sand tires:

ATV sand star tire is a lightweight and flexible tire. It has 8 paddles. They can be used to run on beaches, deserts etc. ATV sand shark tires have unique V blades that will remove the sand and thus help in smooth running. Sand devil tire has straight blade design that provides great floatation. ATV dune tracker tires have better steering control. The wide body helps in easy floatation.

April 22, 2009

ATV Mud Tires - Valuable Tips On Picking the Right Tire To Make Your All Terrain Vehicle More Capable

Many reasons can come to mind as to why you have or want an ATV. There are many all terrain vehicle owners who simply want to have a recreational off road vehicle for adventurous weekends with their friends. Then there are those who are interested in a work horse vehicle to move around a big farm or ran, hauling loads and possibly move snow.

Then there is the other breed of owner; competitors. ATV riders have several kinds of races they can participate in. This begs the question; when do you need to go out and get those ATV mud tires? There is a vast assortment of ATV tire types. Each individual kind satisfies the requirement of both the terrain and the rider.

Uses for ATV's

If it is your intent to utilize your ATV on similar terrain for the majority of the time, and there is not that much of a climate change in the area of use, it is possible for you to continue the use of your stock ATV tires.

Nevertheless, if you intent to utilize your all terrain vehicle on various other types of terrains - hilly terrain as well flat terrain - and in various types of climates, you can benefit from the numerous kinds of tires that are available so your ATV will be more flexible to your needs.

Locating the proper type of tires for your all terrain vehicle can increase both the safety and comfort of your riding experiences. What is the best way to determine when you need to purchase ATV mud tires? Well, you will certainly require them if you intend to use your ATV in the mud. Figuring out what ATV mud tires also means determining the right kind or tread.

ATV mud tires typically have deeper treads that are constructed to hold and adhere to the ground surface. If you are thinking of traveling along a mainly hard, flat type of surface, the treads of ATV mud tires will usually be more of a hindrance. When looking to purchase brand new tires for your all terrain vehicle, be certain that you get the width down right for your particular rims. If the tires are too wide for the rims, they will fly off at some point.

You have the option to pick from a flat type of tire to a round one. There will be more contact with the surface of the road. If the tire you are looking at is a round one it has the ability to cause the ATV to roll when you are in hard cornering. You also have the option to pick from a short type of tire and a tall one. You will have to evaluate your personal driving style and your likely terrain you plan to drive on to determine this choice.

You will get a softer type of ride as well as additional ground clearance with a taller tire. You will get additional stability for hard cornering and at higher speeds with a shorter tire. Lastly, comes the determination in regards to the tread itself. If you looking to stay with a single set of tires, pick a tread that the main purpose is for general conditions.

If you wish to drive in numerous, very different kinds of terrains, and if you have the money to indulge, then an assortment of tires may be your choice. Available types of tires include trail tires, sand tires and, of course, the ATV mud tires.

April 21, 2009

How to check the ATV tire pressure

By regularly checking the pressure in your atv tires, you're assuring the atv will always drive & brake in a straight line. Check the atv tire pressure regulary!

Use a tire-pressure gauge. You can also use the pressurized-air machines at many gas stations and garages, although they might not always be accurate or functioning.

STEP 1: You can't tell whether a tire has the correct air pressure just by looking at it. Always use a tire-pressure gauge.

STEP 2: Look for the air-pressure specifications for your atv's tires on your atv warning labels or in the owners manual. Don't look at the tire's sidewall for the air-pressure specifications, as it lists the maximum pressure for the tire.

TIP: Make sure the rear tires always have 50grams more pressure then the front tires.

STEP 3: Unscrew the plastic cap on the air valve. Put it in your pocket so you don't lose it.

STEP 4: Press the tire-pressure gauge against the valve and hold it down firmly. If you hear a hissing noise, you are letting air out. Press down harder.

STEP 5: Read the measurement on the gauge.

STEP 6: Add air as needed, but don't overfill the tire. Let some air out of the tires if you accidentally overfill them. Press down on the small needle in the center of the valve to let air out. Most tire-pressure gauges have a small knob for this purpose, but a fingernail or a pen will do the trick.

April 20, 2009

Atv Tires, Your Questions Answered

There are different kinds of ATV Tires. They are ATV mud tires, ATV sand ties, big foot tires, discount ATV tires, ITP ATV tires and much more. ATV mud tires have self-cleaning tread pattern that helps you in riding in muddy roads.In extremely harder surfaces the extra deep two stage lug supports smooth riding. ATV mud late tires are high quality tires. They are the extreme radial tires and thus they can ride smoothly and in all traction. The best qualities are they are tough and lightweight. Therefore, they offer great comfort for the driver. They can offer better flexibility in muddy roads.

Dirt Devil 2 ATV tires are designed to ride smoothly on muddy roads and bite the mud terrain.The tread design promotes self-cleaning in all circumstances. Mudbug ATV tires provide extreme traction in mud terrain and they offer high durability and smooth ride.

Vampire ATV tires are heavier than regular tires.They can be cleaned easily because the lugs have proper space in between and thus these tires are suitable for hard terrains. The deep enough lugs give a long lasting life to them.Sure foot ATV tires are the best choice for heavy vehicles. The unique design is suitable for off road performance even in mud, rock or snow. The lugs are designed to run smoothly in all terrains.

Bear claw ATV tires are wellknown for their maximum grip and better control. The built in rim guards to protect the wheel. The special tread design that will offer maximum traction. The 6-ply tread design offers outstanding puncture resistance. The snag resistant material avoid puncture even when you run in sharp objects.

Bear claw EX ATV tires have excellent tread design that allows running on all terrain regions. These tires are especially designed to run even at low tire pressure. 6 ply tough material provides great puncture resistance capacity.

The Gator ATV tires are made with 6 ply heavy-duty material and thus they are the most wonderful Mud tires. It is made up of natural rubber and synthetic. The natural rubber prevents over heating and thus increase fuel economy. The tread lugs are designed to provide self-cleaning in all circumstances. It can run smoothly on muddy areas.

Trail Wolf ATV tires have particular rim guard design to provide maximum puncture prevention capacity. The typical tread design provides smooth ride and offers extreme comfort to the driver. It is made up of hard rubber and thus it reduces frequent worn out. The price is also relatively reasonable when compared to other tires. The 4 ply thick wall provides extra grip from slipping on muddy roads.

ATV sand tire is light weight and flexible. It has 8 paddles that can be used to run on beaches, deserts etc. ATV sand shark tires have unique V blades that provide smooth running in sand. Sand devil tire has straight blade design that provides great floatation. The best feature of ATV dune tracker tires is that they provide better steering control. The wide body helps in easy floatation.

April 19, 2009

Discount ATV Tires - How To Go About Finding Them

In order to find discount ATV tires, you have to know where they are. In addition to that, you'll need to find out how much they are going to cost you. You can initially start your search online. Just do search online for them.

Online, you should be able to find reputable dealers that sell these kinds of wheels. There are a lot of dealers and stores that have a great reputation for selling these types of products for your vehicle. You would have to check with each individual entity to find out their prices. There are some that go as far as to offer free shipping if you purchase from them.

Auctions

You can also check on eBay, the online auction company. Before you purchase, check their prices against the others. Also, there may be some days where you can actually find a good deal on eBay. You just have to keep checking constantly and be consistent about it.

On auction sites, there may be some sellers who, in addition to selling the wheels, will also throw in accessories as a package deal. They make the deal attractive to the prospective buyer in hopes of getting sales. Some of the accessories they made include are shock covers, grab bars, cams, etc. Some even offer computers with the wheels. Check to see if the seller has received good feedback from customers who have purchased in the past.

Consumer Reviews

To find out more, you should check out some reviews from consumers. Check to see how the dealers and retailers are rated. This way, you can study and compare pricing and other things associated with it. See what they have available in your price range. This includes checking for other tire brands and treads.

Some of the online sites that have consumer ratings will provide names of the places where you can get discount ATV tires. There are different styles that include ATV Race Tires, Sand Tires and Trail Tires, to name a few.

One of the important things to remember is comparison shopping. Look at the pictures, read the information about the products and further your search for more comparisons. This will give you a better edge on what you want.

No Middleman

One of the best things about getting discount ATV tires is that you can purchase them from the dealer or retailer directly. You save by not having a middleman in the process. Online dealers and retailers don't have to deal with extra overhead and employee expenses.

If you want to continue your search online, you may want to enhance your inquiries with different search words. You might be able to find better bargains instead of the same listings from your initial search. Those initial listings may or may not have deals for what you're looking for. Sometimes they're just listed to be on the top tier, but may not have the relevant information you need.

You should switch up with the search words or phrases that you're using. Try substituting key words with another synonym. Or you can conduct a search using quotes at the beginning and end of the phrase.

This will advise the search engines to only look for those sites that have the phrase as you typed it. It may take you several tries before the right combination comes up.

Just because you are getting discount ATV tires doesn't mean that they will be cheap looking. These tires can be just as good if not better than the ones selling elsewhere.

April 18, 2009

Motorcycle/ATV Tire Repair Instructions


1. Inspect and remove the source of the
puncture. NOTE: Some items may require
the use of pliers or similar tool to
remove. (see image A)

2. Insert reaming tool into hole in tire.
Using in/out motion clean out
puncture to prepare for repair. Make
sure to remove all debris.
(see image B)

3. Remove one of the repair plugs from
the package and install it onto the
installation tool.
(see image C)

4. Apply a liberal amount of glue onto the
plug prior to installation. The glue will act
as a lubricant for the plug during insertion
and as a bonding agent once it cures.
(see image D)

5. Using the installation tool, insert the plug
into the puncture making sure to leave at
least 1/2” remaining above the tire.
(see image E) Remove the installation tool
while carefully making sure that the plug
stays completely inside the puncture.

6. Although the plug will remain in place while
the tire is ridden slowly and safely back
to a location where it can be repaired, it
is recommended to clip the plug down to
approximately 1/4” from the tires outer most
surface. Note: Use of wire cutters or some
other sharp cutting device recommended.
(see image F)

7. Infl ate tire to recommended pressure
and check to see if the repair is holding
by applying soapy water solution to the
puncture area. Check puncture area and
tire pressure periodically to insure that the
repair is holding.


WARNING: It is not recommended that sidewall punctures be repaired.
Plugged repairs should not be considered permanent. Get tire
professionally repaired or replace as soon as possible. Ride slowly
after repair is made until professional repair can be performed as a
blowout, at high speed can result in injury or death.

Your ATV Tire Choices

There are lots and lots of choices out there when it comes to your ATV tires. Your choice will depend on how you plan to use your ATV. Whether you plan on taking your ATV in the mud, taking on some trails, or cruising around a field, there is a tire for you.

We are all after a good deal, and while deals can be found on ATV tires, you will want to avoid buying used tires if you can. Used tires should not be used for everyday use, because once the tread is worn down or the rubber starts to wear down the tires are no longer safe. It is hard to find good quality used tires, although if you do find some, it wouldn't hurt to have them around for emergencies.

How do you know when it is time to replace your ATV tires? How often you need to replace your tires will depend on how often you use your ATV and how well you care for your tires. In general, you will need to replace the tires when you can no longer see the pattern on the tires, in other words, the tread is gone. You will want to replace the tires also if you can see the rubber on the tires starting to wear from age.

Proper care of your ATV tires can increase their useable life. Make sure that the tires are inflated properly - according to the manufacturer's standards. If the tires are under-inflated, the ATVs turns will be sluggish. Some adventurers will over-inflate their tires to try and get better performance on trails. This can lead to faster tire wear and an increased chance that the tires will rupture.

You can purchase ATV tires at a local dealer or on the Internet. If you are new to ATVs your best bet is to let a local dealer change the tires for you. When choosing new tires there are some things you should consider. Know what tire was made for your ATV.

The tire that the manufacturer chose was chosen for a reason. That is the tire that is probably going to give you the best performance. However, if you typically use your ATV in extreme conditions like mud, then mudding tires may serve you better. You can also choose different tire sizes, treads, and shapes. ATV tires come in round or flat. Your choice will depend on whether you use your ATV for sport (flat tires) or utility (round tires).

After you have your new tires, you need to dispose of your ATVs old tires responsibly. They should not be thrown out. The tires have to be recycled or disposed of properly. You can find a local recycling company to dispose of them for you, or you can let the ATV dealer handle the disposal of the old tires for you.

Now that you have a basic idea of how to choose and care for your tires you are one step closer to enjoying your ATV. With a lot of care and routine maintenance, your ATV tires will serve you well!

April 16, 2009

Buying A Used ATV - What To Look For

Buying a used atv can be a fun thing. However, beware of the owner who is trying to unload a lemon or an atv that is needing major repairs.

These easy to follow tips below will help you weed through the lemons and abused atvs. The last thing you want to do after buying a used atv is to start searching for used atv parts!

Check out the tires. Are they worn out? Have the been patched or plugged numerous times?These could be indications of rough use or abuse.

Always take a friend with you when going to look at an used atv. Raise the ATV up if possible to check the underside. Make sure to look at all the shock points and check for any rust or damaged areas. This includes cracks in the frame. Look for signs of fresh paint.This may mean a recent repair.

If you're buying a used 4x4 atv, check out the cv joint boots. If they are cracked, this can allow water to get inside. This will cause rust and lead to major damage, which leads to major repair cost!

While you down there, check the oil in both differentials. Does it look milky or chocolate colored? This is a sign of water. You can also use this rule of thumb for the engine oil.

Be sure to look at the sprocket or sprockets. If the sprockets are worn on one side or bent, it's likely time for a new chain and sprocket.

Support the front end with jack stands. Then try to move each front wheel in and out from top to bottom and side to side to check for worn wheel bearings and ball joints. Do the same for the rear.

To check for worn tie rod ends, try and move the handle bars back and forth. There should be little to no play.

Don't forget to remove the seat and check the air box for dirt and water. This is often overlooked and can be a sign of abuse or lack of maintenance on a used atv.

Use a flashlight to inspect the inside of the gas tank. If there is rust, it could indicate costly engine repairs. And yes, gas tanks rust. By the way, don't be stupid and use an open flame to try and see into the gas tank. I heard of one story where this happened with bad results!

Turn the lights on/off and make sure all work.

Take the atv for a spin. Does the atv start right up or is it sluggish? Try a few hard stops. Do the brakes function properly? Does it handle well? Look and listen for anything out of place.

Does the exhaust have the spark arrestor in place? Many owners remove these. However, National Forest and other public trails require spark arrestor's to be in place. Owners without them can be fined and prevented from riding in these places.

Is the body damaged or cracked? Rough bodies normally indicate rough use. Be on the lookout for this.

By following these simple tips, you'll go a long ways in ensuring that the used atv you purchase will give you trouble free performance for a long time.