Like any road vehicle, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) need to have appropriately balanced tire pressure to maintain proper handling for their driver. Unbalanced or incorrect tire pressure can lead to many complications, including blowing a tire while you’re driving. Since some ATV models are for off-road use, this can put the driver at risk of extreme injuries much worse than getting into an accident on asphalt roads.
Getting a flat tire is just one of the many issues you should worry about. This is because there are many ways to get into an accident with incorrect tire pressure. It can lead to less control in driving your ATV, causing you to crash at high speeds or failure to land properly after high jumps. Even without leading to an accident, improper tire pressure causes your tires to wear out more quickly due to imbalanced driving. This forces you to replace your tires much sooner than intended.
Understanding your quad’s and tire’s recommended tire pressures
Tires and ATVs have specifically recommended tire pressures. You can determine the intended pressure of your tire by checking its wall. If the tire's label is difficult to read, you can check its brand and look for a product listing online to see its specifications. For your ATV’s pressure, you can check its owner’s manual or check the manufacturer’s website to look for your model’s specific needs.
If your tires and ATV have conflicting recommended tire pressures, it’s best to follow your ATV’s over your tire’s. This is because your ATV is designed to operate under its manufacturer’s specifications. In contrast, tires have a greater allowance for running in manageable conditions. One way to bridge the gap between the two requirements is to find the middle ground of the tire and quad’s recommended pressure.
Getting your ATV’s tire pressure
It’s vital to get the precise measurement for your tires’ pressure, especially if they’re off-road tires with big treads. Although it’s a costly expense to purchase a gauge, it’s a worthy investment because it will save you from the much more expensive hospital bills you could end up with after an accident. Buy a good low-pressure tire gauge to get a proper reading of your tires.
Remember to do your pressure reading during temperate weather so that you get an accurate measurement. Checking its pressure during hot or cold temperatures can lead to inaccurate readings, so you should measure it in the right environment.
To read your tire’s pressure, simply remove the cap on its air valve and press the gauge against the valve. After this step, you should hear some air escaping from the tire. If you’re doing it right, the whistling sound from your tires should stop if you press your gauge down. The standard tire pressure range you should expect are readings between 4 to 8 pounds per square inch (PSI). Keep in mind that digital gauges are generally more accurate since analog ones may require you to perform several checks.
Conclusion
Knowing more about your ATV’s different parts lessens your risk of experiencing unexplainable performance issues. Additionally, it prevents you from getting into accidents while you’re cruising on or off the road. For this reason, you must be aware of all the components before you buy an ATV. A good vendor will provide you with all the necessary specs and maintenance details you’ll need to keep your ATV in top condition.
Before you buy an ATV, remember that different models will have varying maintenance needs. At Tribal Motorsports, we ensure our clients receive the right product for their riding needs, including technical support, assembly support, and over 12-month warranty options. Secure your first ATV purchase with us today!