One of the many cool things about ATV riding is that the sport is insistent upon mutual rider respect and consideration.  In many ways, it’s like surfing: there are no referees or officials out in the water regulating traffic, calling fouls or sending people to a proverbial penalty box.

ATV riding is self-regulated, which is exciting, but can also be problematic for riders who fail to follow the unwritten rules of off-roading - particularly in the winter.  Failure to abide by these rules can lead to widespread chaos and, of course, injury.

Much like surfing, a cardinal rule of ATV riding is to never ride alone, for the obvious reasons.  But this is even more important in the winter, where a stranded solo rider could have a difficult time finding help.  It is also important to watch out for snowmobiles on winter trails, as they are faster and can come suddenly barreling around blind corners. 

As always, stay on trails, respect signs, and beware of fallen trees or other obstacles lurking beneath the snow.  Which brings us to the biggest risk: ice.  Make sure you have the proper ATV tires to handle the slick conditions, as frozen ponds and lakes can be extremely hazardous at high speeds. And if the weather has been unseasonably warm, avoid the ice altogether. Too many people break through the ice each year on their ATV’s, and the risk of death is far too great.

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The great thing about an ATV is that it can tackle just about any surface or type of terrain.  Different terrains often require different ATV tires, but for the most part, your vehicle can handle just about anything (provided the driver knows how to handle the conditions).  Driving on mud is one condition that has proven to be quite an obstacle for many riders.  Like driving on water or on ice, mud driving requires some adjustments.

If you know that you are going to be driving in deep mud, be sure to seal your airbox and use an air filter. It is wise to make sure your radiator is clean so the engine doesn’t overheat from the extra stress of mud driving. If possible, use an O-ring chain (mud and water will rust and wear out regular chains more quickly), and invest in some protectants.  Use marine grease on bearings and pivot points, electrolyte grease to protect your electrical connections and spray WD-40 on the body of the ATV (do not apply to your polycarbonate windshield, if you have one).  Using these protectants makes cleaning the mud off a lot easier later. 

When you hit the mud, watch the riders ahead of you.  See whose path was the most efficient, and follow them.  Try not to freak out and “choke-hold” your ATV.  It will move around a lot, so stay loose with it.  Try to stay at a steady speed, preferably one that allows you control, but doesn’t leave you stuck in the mud.  Like everything else, it takes some practice, and good tires like ITP Mud Lite ATV tires, will make a noticeable difference.  So, keep these tips in mind, and give it a go.

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Sand and water share many similarities.  You can pour both of them.  They can both put out fire.  Under the right circumstances, a person can drown in both.  One area where water and sand are total opposites, though, is the style of ATV tire tread necessary to navigate them.

If you regularly find yourself driving on land in wet areas, it is vital to change your tires when the tread starts to disappear.  If you don’t, you are liable to skid off the road at some point. It is the job of the tread on your ATV tires to send water away from the tread area, so that you can have a smooth, stable ride without worrying about sliding.  Try the Super Grip Mud Bitch for extra muddy conditions or Super Light ATV Tires for sloppy trails.

On sand, however, the less tread, the better.  Rather than sending the sand away from the tire, the distinct tread pattern pulls the sand in.  You will end up digging your way across the sand dunes or desert, as opposed to cruising along on top of the terrain.  The GBC Sand Shark and Maxxis Razr Blade are solid examples of sand-friendly tires. 

So make sure you know what you are getting into the next time you head out, and outfit your ATV accordingly.

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While ATVs and ATV tires were originally designed to go from land to water easily, the design of what is considered an ATV has changed over the years.  The amphibious ATV is now a separate entity from what has become widely recognized as the standard ATV, and its bulbous tires (like the Goodyear Rawhide III) are designed for churning along the surface of a body of water and up onto dry land. 

Standard ATV tires, though, are designed for all-terrain vehicles that will be used for traveling across land. What we now consider an ATV can function appropriately in multiple weather conditions (like snow or rain), and on multiple styles of terrain (from sand to rocks and mud to grass). But driving onto a body of water will only result in shortening your ride considerably, and water-logging your vehicle.  Before you head out, be certain of the path you plan to take and the conditions you will encounter.  If you think you will encounter water deep enough to reach your engine, consider installing an ATV snorkel kit.

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When you climb onto your ATV, you are most likely thinking about the journey ahead, the type of terrain you might encounter, what dangers to avoid, and how many hours of good light you have left.  Though you most likely check your tires and keep them in good condition, or change them when necessary, your ATV tires’ component parts are probably not first and foremost in your mind.  However, your tires are actually quite fascinating.

The design that goes into great tires like Carlisle ATV tires or Dunlop ATV tires, is a combination of the right materials and engineering.  The tread pattern exists to move water away from the tire, so that the tire itself remains in contact with the road.  The type of rubber-mix used in the tire determines what conditions it handles best.  The actual tire tread (the portion of the tire that is in contact with the ground) is composed of a different rubber combination than the sidewalls.  If you were to cut your tire open and look at a cross-section of it, you would notice differences within the profile that determine how well the wheel handles turning or how stable it is on tough terrain.  All of these parts influence how your ATV will handle, so do some research, and make sure that the ATV tires you are buying, will provide you with the optimum ride.   

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Ask ten people sitting a restaurant to name their favorite musician, and you will most likely get ten different answers.  This trend will continue if you ask for a favorite book, sports team, or food.  The same is true of narrowing down the best ATV trails.  Ask a group of ten ATV enthusiasts where the best rides are, and twenty-five minutes later, they will still not have reached a consensus.  What makes a trail “the best” varies from person to person, and consequently, everyone has a different favorite based on their own criteria. 

Various ATV magazines all point to different parts of the United States when asked to narrow down their favorite trails, or to single out the regions that guarantee the best rides.  However, there are a few places that seem to make an appearance on everyone’s list.  In the Pacific, the Mojave Desert receives high marks.  In the mountain regions and the upper Midwest, the Paiute Trail in Utah is a wide favorite.  Coal Creek on the edge of the Appalachians in Tennessee guarantees a great ride in the mid-southern part of the country.  Finally, the Jackman-Moose River region in Maine is considered by many to be a premier spot in the northeast.  The next time you are looking for a great ride, grab some new ATV tires, and head for one of the favorite trails upon which everyone can agree.

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When anything becomes popular globally, it is often renamed, or given a title that differs from country to country or region to region.  ATVs are no different.  Though the vehicles have the same ATV tires and the rules of competition are the same, how a rider or enthusiast refers to an ATV, varies wildly.

When traveling, it is helpful to be familiar with the local terms, so that you can be certain you are getting the vehicle you expect.  In the US and Canada, the terms “quad,” “ATV,” and “four wheeler” are most commonly used.  Head to the UK and you will want to ask for a “quad cycle” or “quad bike.”  If you are in Australia, you’ll want a “forby,” and in Israel, ask for a “Polaris.”  Keep up with the local lingo, and you’ll be certain to have a great time driving the local trails.

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If you are an ATV enthusiast, and regularly take your vehicle out in all kinds of weather and terrains, it is important to pay attention to the condition of your ATV tires.  The amount of air in the tires, the temperature, the number of hours you spend on your ATV, and whether you are driving on rocks, dirt, water or sand can all have a sizeable impact on the safety and longevity of your tires.  Just as it is important to know how to remove the wheels on your car, knowing how to properly take care of a damaged wheel on your ATV will ensure that you are always operating under the best circumstances.

Whether you have Titan ATV tires, ITP ATV tires, or Kenda ATV tires, the steps for removing a tire are the same. 

• Use a socket wrench with the appropriate socket to remove the lug nuts. 
• Remember to deflate the tire and break the seal with a bead breaker tool. 
• Use soapy water to make it easier to slide the tire off the rim. 
• Use tire irons to pull the tire away from the rim and then slide rim protectors into place to hold the tire away from the rim. 
• Use the tire iron and protector combination to pull the tire away from the rim.  Continue to spray soapy water around the rim to help with removal.  The tire should come off easily. 
• You are now ready to replace the old tire with a new one that will ensure many more safe rides. 

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Since the early 2000s, more and more women are hopping onto ATVs and taking off into the woods each year.  In areas where regular snowfall occurs, especially in the Northeast, the Northern Midwest and Canada; heading out for an ATV drive with the entire family is relatively commonplace.  As more women begin to use ATVs, female-only riding clubs are forming, and more and more companies are developing and selling gear that is specifically tailored to females. 

For riders that are new to ATVing, female or otherwise, there are some basic things to keep in mind: 

• Always ride with a buddy. 
• Make sure your safety gear is of high quality and fits you appropriately. 
• Be certain that your ATV tires are pressurized correctly.
• Do an equipment check before starting out on any ride. 

Follow these basic tips, and you can safely join the ranks of the many other women who are discovering the joys of a day spent on an ATV.

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During the 1970s, Honda dominated the world of ATVs.  Following on the success of amphibious ATVs, developed in the 60s, Honda developed the US90, a three-wheeled ATV with bubble or balloon-type ATV tires.  The vehicle became the epitome of cool, thanks to appearances in the James Bond film, “Diamonds Are Forever” and network television shows like “Magnum P.I.” 

Originally intended for recreational use only, Honda lowered the profile and adjusted the suspension in the early 80s, to make off-roading easier and more comfortable.  The new design, called the Honda ATC200E Big Red, quickly became a hit with outdoor sports enthusiasts and hunters.  As is the way with popular items, other manufacturers followed suit immediately. 

The three-wheeled ATV eventually went the way of the Dodo in the late 80s, when it proved to be easier to flip over than its four-wheeled counterparts.  Yamaha and Suzuki challenged Honda’s hold on the ATV industry by getting their four-wheelers to market first.  However, Honda reemerged with their FourTrax ATV utility vehicle, which has remained popular to this day.  ATV innovation occurs very quickly, because competition for the ATV community’s attention (and dollars) is high.  With this level of competition, it will be very interesting to see what the next decade brings.

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