The right UTV tires can make all the difference when it comes to efficiency, comfort, and your overall enjoyment of the ride. It’s no wonder that so many side-by-side owners often purchase aftermarket models to replace the ones that came on their vehicle. There are a lot of options out there, so it can be challenging trying to pick the right tires. 

At Magnum Power, we want to make your life easier. That’s why we’ve created the following guide to help you choose the right UTV tires! Keep reading to learn more. If you have any questions, reach out to our staff at our location in Lawson, Missouri. We are here to help all those in Clay County, Kansas City, and everywhere in between!

Why You Need Different Tires

The default tires on your side-by-side are fine for standard trail riding. But they aren’t suited for longer rides or tougher terrain. In many instances, these default options were picked because of their low cost to the manufacturer. This makes the overall price of the UTV lower for the customer. If you can afford an aftermarket addition, it’s worth it. You’ll be able to tackle tough terrain safely with ease but still hit those standard trails too.

All-Purpose

All-purpose UTV tires are one step above the standard ones that come with your vehicle. These models will come with improved tread design and better puncture resistance. They are usually heavier than standard options, but not too heavy that they affect performance.

These will provide decent performance in sand, mud, and snow. But they are not built to perform well on any terrain that isn’t compact dirt. Because of this, they are best for riders who mostly use standard trails and occasionally more challenging ground.

Mud 

If you plan on blazing through muddy trails, standard UTV options aren’t going to cut it. Standard models have tread blocks that are too close together for the mud to get cleaned out when they spin. Instead, you should opt for mud models to keep your ride safe.

UTV mud tires are beneficial because:

  • Tread lugs are spaced apart
  • Tread lugs are up to two inches
  • They have aggressive tread patterns
  • They clean out mud with ease when they turn, so there is no loss of traction.

Sand 

If you’re interested in conquering dunes or the desert, you’ll want to avoid standard tires and instead choose some sand-specific models.

UTV sand tires are helpful because:

  • They “float” on the surface of this terrain
  • The front tires are usually bald so they can stay on top of the sand while still being able to handle turns
  • Rear tires use a paddle-like design to help them stay on top of the sand
  • They are lightweight to keep the vehicle moving forward instead of sinking

Rocks

These impressive models look like truck tires. They are built to tackle slippery rocks and hard packed terrain. 

UTV rock tires are great because:

  • Tread lugs are close together
  • Tread design optimizes traction
  • They have boosted puncture resistance to deal with sharp and jagged rocks.

Out of all of the specialty terrain UTV tires, these are the best to use as a general purpose option. They can handle other terrain besides the one they are specifically designed for. Keep in mind that the heavier weight can reduce performance of your side-by-side.

Snow

You may not see a lot of snow here, but when it hits and you need to be out on your UTV, you’re going to want snow tires.

UTV snow tires are useful because:

  • Lugs are widely spaced to help clean out snow
  • They are designs to stay on top of fresh snow
  • Additional siping helps in slippery conditions
  • Specialized rubber compounds helps keep the tires soft in freezing temperatures

It’s important to note that these do not perform well in dry conditions.

We hope you found this guide useful! At Magnum Power, we want you to have the right UTV tires so you have the best possible riding experience. If you want any more information, give us a call at our location in Lawson, Missouri, near Clay County and Kansas City. We can’t wait to help you with all your side-by-side needs!