ATV Tire Pressure: Everything You Need To Know

ATV tire pressure should always be checked before going to ride. And it’s crucial to check ATV tire pressure.

ATV tire pressure depends on ATV tire types and ATV tire size, so you must know them in the first place.

Now, most ATV tire brands mention the correct tire pressure for their tires on the user manual.

So, to get you out of ATV tire pressure confusion, here we share the right ATV tire pressure, how to check ATV tire pressure, how to inflate and lower tire pressure, the importance of ATV tire pressure, and everything you should know.

ATV Tire Pressure

ATV tire manufacturers recommend ATV tire pressure between 4 to 10 pounds per square inch (psi). But, ATV tire pressure also depends on the terrain you’re riding on and the load on the ATV.

So, you must set ATV tire pressure according to your ATV tire, size, and terrain.

The correct tire pressure for ATV is recommended for ATV rider safety and ATV tire lasting.

Recommended Tire Pressure For ATV

Typically, mechanics and ATV tire brands are now recommended between 2 to 7 psi for ATV tire pressure.

The reason behind at least 2 psi is if your ATV tire pressure is below 2 psi, the tire can fall off the ATV.

On the other hand, if your ATV tire pressure is above 10 psi, the tire can cause blowouts anytime and anywhere.

Higher tire pressure is recommended when you ride and use your ATV for hauling, smooth road, towing, carrying, heavy load, highway travel, etc. 

Lower tire pressure is recommended when you are riding your ATV on sand, rock, mountain, off-road, and mud.

Related: How Long Do ATV Tires Last

What To Consider For ATV Tire Pressure

You need to consider several aspects when it comes to ATV tire pressure. So, let’s see what’s that.

• Types of Tire
• Riders Weight
• Types of ATV
• Size of ATV
• Terrain

Types of Tire

We need to choose different types of tires for different terrains, such as for deserts, you must need sand tires, for mud ATVs need mud tires, and so on.

And for different types of tires, you need to set up different tire pressure for ATVs.

Riders Weight

ATV riders weigh another key point that you must consider for ATV tire pressure.

When an ATV rider’s weight is higher, the ATV tire’s psi goes higher.

Types of ATV

From youth ATVs to sports ATVs, there are different tire pressures. Typically, recommended tire pressure for sports ATV is around 8-10 psi.

Youth and utility ATVs need low tire pressure than a sport ATVs. If you are riding a utility ATV, then tire pressure between 5 to 6 psi is enough.

Size of ATV

Not every ATV is the same size, so you must consider your ATV size for ATV tire pressure.

Terrain

Another important factor that affects ATV tire pressure that is the terrain.

Your ATV tire pressure must be suitable for the terrain you ride on.

How To Check ATV Tire Pressure

In order to check ATV tire pressure, you must need an ATV tire pressure gauge, and you must check ATV tire pressure when the tire is completely cooled down.

Step by step guide to checking ATV tire pressure:

Step 1: Determine Recommended PSI and Let the Tire Cool Down

To check your ATV tire pressure, first, you must determine the recommended pound per square inch (psi). Typically for an ATV, 4 to 8 psi is recommended.

Your ATV tire should be cold, not hot. So, you should not check ATV tire pressure before right after your ride.

Let the ATV tire cool down for at least 3 to 4 hours, and then check tire pressure.

Step 2: Remove Valve Cap

When your ATV tire is cool, then it’s ready to give you the right measure of pressure. 

Using your finger unscrew the cap on the tire air valve.

After removing the tire air valve cap, do not throw that away and place it somewhere safe because you are going to need that air valve again.

Step 3: Check  the Tire Pressure

Bring your ATV tire pressure gauge and place the pressure gauge on the tire valve stem.

Now, you need to press the pressure gauge down, and you will be able to hear the hissing sound from the tire.

When you properly set the pressure gauge, then the pressure gauge shows you what your ATV tire pressure is now.

If an ATV tire pressure gauge shows lower tire pressure, then you need to inflate the tire. 

These simple steps show you what your ATV tire pressure is. Make sure to use the right ATV tire pressure gauge to check tire pressure.

The Importance Of ATV Tire Pressure

As we already know, proper ATV tire pressure is important for riders and also for all-terrain vehicles.

So, let’s find more reasons why the right ATV tire pressure is important:

• ATV Rider Safety: First, nobody wants to get injured while driving an ATV. An ATV is an extreme vehicle that is also taught to ride. So, to avoid any bad ATV tire situation, ATV tire pressure is important.

• Make Tires Last Longer: Right ATV tire pressure makes your ATV tire last longer.

• Preventing Tire Punctures: When your ATV tire pressure is not right, the tire can easily get punctures. But, if your ATV tire pressure is right, it will protect the tire from punctures.

How To Inflate ATV Tires

When you check your ATV tire pressure and the pressure gauge shows you too low psi, you need to inflate the tire.

Here is how to inflate ATV tires properly:

1. Remove the valve stem caps from tires. You can remove the valve stem caps from all tires at the same time, but we recommend you remove them one by one.

2. Now, using your ATV tire pressure gauge, check the tires’ air pressure. And determine how much air pressure you need.

3. After finding your ATV tire pressure is too low, now you need to inflate the tire with the air compressor. Press the air-hose onto the ATV tire’s valve stem and start filling with air.

4. Avoid overinflating your ATV tire. Check again to see if the air pressure is correct using the air tire pressure gauge.

5. Replace the tire valve stem caps again.

How To Lower ATV Tire Pressure

You also might need to lower or reduce your ATV tire pressure when it’s too high.

For off-roading tire pressure also should be lower to get better traction and balance.

After removing the cap of the tires, just push down the little rod inside the tire valve.

The little rod helps the tire to let out air quickly. Using an ATV tire pressure gauge, measure and let out the amount of air you want.

Recheck tire pressure and stop when the tire pressure gauge shows the PSI reading that you want.

Replace the tire valve stem caps using your finger.

What Happens If Tire Pressure Is Too Low

You should also be careful about your too low ATV tire pressure.

See what happens if tire pressure is extremely low:

• Affects Handling: When your ATV tire is underinflated or with too low tire pressure, the tire becomes less stable and has less traction, which affects handling.

• Hurts Fuel Economy: If your ATV tire has too low air pressure, it takes more energy to run, increasing fuel use.

• Reduces Tire Life Quickly: You are going to need to change the tire quickly when you run your ATV on low tire pressure.

Tips For ATV Tire Pressure

Maintaining the right tire pressure for your ATV is necessary. We bring some tips that help you maintain ATV tire pressure properly.

Here are some tips for ATV tire pressure:

1. Check Tire Pressure Before Every Trip
2. Avoid Overinflated Tire
3. Avoid Too Low Tire Pressure
4. Follow The Tire Manufacturer’s Recommended Air Pressure

1. Check Tire Pressure Before Every Trip

Make sure to check the tire pressure of your all-terrain vehicles before going on a trip. 

Checking ATV tire pressure before every ride gives you a subtle idea about tire pressure.

And depending on the terrain, you can adjust tire pressure which gives you a better riding experience.

2. Avoid Overinflated Tire

You should not over-inflate your ATV tire in any situation.

Set a required tire pressure and then inflate the tire but avoid overinflated tire.

3. Avoid Too Low Tire Pressure

As we mentioned earlier, too low tire pressure causes a variety of issues.

For better handling of your ATV, you also should not ride on too low tire pressure.

4. Follow The Tire Manufacturer’s Recommended Air Pressure

Often ATV riders do not follow tire manufacturer’s recommendations for tire pressure; that is completely wrong.

You must follow the tire manufacturer’s recommendation for air pressure.

Conclusion

ATV tire pressure measurement can be confusing, but using an ATV tire pressure gauge can give you the right tire pressure.

Terrain, ATV types, tire types, and ATV rider weight affect tire pressure, so you must consider them for ATV tire pressure.

Avoid too low and over-inflate ATV tire pressure for the ATV tire to last.

Set your ATV tire pressure by tire brands recommendation and check tire pressure regularly.