Replacing your ATV tyres is one of those jobs that is easy to put off - until a worn tyre lets you down in a muddy gateway or fails an inspection at the worst moment. Getting ahead of it is straightforward, and a few quick checks before you order will make sure you end up with the right tyres first time, at the right price, with no wasted orders or returns. This guide walks through exactly what to look at before an ATV tyre replacement.
It is also the start of our September ATV focus, so if your quad is due a fresh set, now is a good time to get it sorted.
First: Do Your Tyres Actually Need Replacing?
Before anything else, confirm the tyres are genuinely due. Look for these signs:
- Worn tread: ATV tyres rely on their tread depth for grip. Once the lugs are low and rounded off, traction drops sharply - especially in mud and on wet grass.
- Uneven or one-sided wear: Wear heavier on one edge or one tyre can point to pressure or alignment issues worth addressing at the same time.
- Cuts, splits, and chunking: Hard ground and stones cut ATV tyres and tear chunks from the lugs. Deep damage means replacement.
- Sidewall cracking or perishing: Age and UV harden the rubber and bring out fine cracks. A cracked sidewall means the tyre is past its best regardless of tread.
- Age: ATVs often cover low mileage but sit for long periods, so tyres frequently age out before they wear out. If they are several years old and hardened, factor that in.
If a tyre is only slightly worn but the machine is heading into a hard season, it is often better to replace ahead of time than to risk a failure mid-job.
Check Your Size - Front and Rear
The single most important detail is the tyre size, printed on the sidewall. On many ATVs the front and rear tyres are different sizes, so check all four - you may need two sizes. For a full walk-through of how to read the markings and exactly what to send us, see our ATV tyre size guide. In short: note the numbers exactly as they appear (for example 25x8-12 front, 25x10-12 rear), or simply take a photo of each sidewall.
Decide How Many to Replace
You do not always have to replace all four, but there are sensible rules of thumb:
- Replace in pairs where you can: Fitting a mismatched pair on the same axle - one worn, one new - gives uneven grip and handling. Replace both fronts or both rears together.
- A full set for even performance: If all four are worn, a complete set keeps grip and wear consistent all round.
- Match the pattern: If you are only replacing one axle, try to match the tread pattern to what is already fitted, so the machine behaves predictably.
Match the Tyre to How You Use the Machine
A replacement is a chance to make sure the tyre actually suits your work, not just to fit like-for-like:
- Mud and soft ground: An aggressive, open pattern that grips and self-cleans is worth having if you spend the wet months in fields and gateways.
- Hard tracks and yards: A closer pattern and harder-wearing compound will last longer if most of your miles are on firm ground.
- Towing and heavy loads: Carcass strength and a higher ply rating matter more than tread here. A 6-ply tyre carries and resists punctures far better than a light 4-ply.
- All-round working use: A robust all-terrain pattern is the sensible year-round choice for most working quads.
If you are not sure, tell us how you use the machine when you get in touch and we will point you to the right option.
Your Pre-Order Checklist
Before you get in touch, have these ready where you can:
- Tyre size(s): front and rear, exactly as shown on the sidewall (or a photo)
- Quantity: how many of each you need
- How you use the machine: mud, hard ground, towing, or a mix
- Ply rating: if visible, especially if you carry loads or tow
With those to hand, we can check availability and confirm the right tyres in one go.
Check ATV Tyre Availability
Redstone supplies a full range of ATV and quad tyres, including premium working options like the Deli Maxi Grip and Redwing Venturer, plus matching inner tubes. Send us your size or tell us your machine, and we will check stock and match you to the right tyre.
Call the team on 01243 558959 or get in touch to check ATV tyre availability. Next-day delivery is available on stocked items.