A Guide to Buying Side-by-Side Tires

Your utility terrain vehicle (UTV), also known as a side-by-side, is a versatile and powerful vehicle that allows you to complete laborious tasks and go on recreational off-roading rides. Every UTV comes with a set of four tires that are designed for general-purpose usage, but what if the terrain you want to traverse presents more unique challenges? You’ll need to invest in more than one set of tires to properly outfit your side-by-side for different riding conditions so you don’t get stuck.

Crossroad Powersports in Upper Darby is your Pennsylvania side-by-side dealer, serving the Philly metro. Below, you’ll find our top tips for purchasing the right type of tires for how you intend to ride your UTV.

All-Terrain Tires

Typically, your UTV will come with a set of knobby all-terrain tires that are made for riding on rough terrain, including hard-pack dirt trails, which also leads these tires to be referred to as “trail tires.” These tires maintain good traction in dry conditions and on roads or pavement, so they’re ideal for a lot of your off-roading needs. You can use them while driving around your farm or going to a special recreational riding area.

Mud Tires

If you plan to ride in boggy and muddy conditions that include lots of puddles and poorer traction, then you’ll need to invest in a set of mud tires that are specifically designed for this type of riding. Mud tires offer you better traction when conditions are wet and slippery, so you don’t skid out or flip over when coasting through a puddle or across a muddy track. 

Some models of mud tire have lugs on the shoulders to better clear mud from your path. Mud tires tend to be heavier and you may need to lift your UTV in order to give the vehicle enough ground clearance to have these tires mounted on it. Also, it’s important to not ride on mud tires over hard-pack trails or hard pavement, as this will wear down those useful knobs and render your mud tires useless for their intended purpose.

Sand Tires

Those who wish to go dune-riding or coast along a sandy beach need yet another type of tire, called sand or “paddle” tires. Instead of knobs or lugs, sand tires are constructed with special paddle protrusions that scoop sand away from your tire and allow your side-by-side to gain purchase in shifting sandy riding conditions. Just like mud tires, you don’t want to use these tires on hard, dry land or pavement.

Seeking a UTV for sale near Philadelphia? Come on down to our Upper Darby, PA, dealership location today to take a look at our fine selection of new and used UTVs for sale. We also carry a great variety of parts for your side-by-side to help you fix it up. Crossroad Powersports proudly serves the cities of Philadelphia, PA, and Wilmington, DE.