How Much Do ATV Tires Cost – Comparing Different Types

Getting a set of better tires is the most common upgrade people do to their ATVs. But how much are they?

In this post, we’ll look at how much you should expect to pay for different types of ATV tires and which factors drive the price up or down.

Related: How Much Do ATVs Cost – Comparing Different Types

So How Much Do ATV Tires Cost?

This table will give you a general idea of how much you should expect to pay for various types of ATV tires:

ATV Tire Cost Variables

As you can see from the table above, the price varies quite a lot within each tire category. A range of factors determines where a given type of tire ends up on the price scale.

Tire Size Matters – Bigger Tires Cost More

Stock ATV tires are typically 25 to 26 inches in diameter and 6-10 inches wide. When people upgrade their tires for better off-road performance, they usually choose a bigger tire.

It’s generally considered safe to go up one or two inches in size from stock tires without the risk of causing suspension and driveline issues. 

Some riders even take it to the extreme and get 32-inch tires for better traction and ground clearance when mudding. 

But when tire size goes up, so does the price. A bigger tire’s manufacturing process is generally more complicated and requires more raw materials for each tire. 

For example, if we look at the popular ITP Mud Lite II, we find that a size 28×11-14 costs about 75% more than a size 25×8-12.

When stepping up to beefy 30 to 32-inch mud tires, the price is more than double that of a standard-size all-terrain tire. 

Related: Putting Bigger Tires on an ATV: All You Need to Know

Style and Type of Tire Drive the Price

Different ATV tire types offer different features depending on the tire’s intended purpose. Extra or improved features require extra steps to be added to the manufacturing process. Each additional step adds to the total cost of the tire.  

All-Terrain tires are what most ATVs come with stock. They are designed to offer decent overall performance and not extreme use. This is usually reflected in a moderate sales price. 

Mud Tires have large tire lugs for optimal traction in wet conditions. A more aggressive tread pattern usually equals a more expensive tire. 

Rock Crawling Tires, on the other hand, do not have that aggressive tread pattern. Instead, they need to be more robust and puncture-resistant. They usually have a higher ply rating (more layers of rubber) than an all-terrain tire and feature reinforced tire cords.

Sand Tires feature huge rubber paddles for better grip in the sand. Each paddle has to withstand immense forces, and the awkward shape makes manufacturing a bit more tricky. 

Brand Quality and Reputation – You Usually Get What You Pay For

The market is flooded with cheap knockoffs at a seemingly affordable price. While a cheaper tire may look almost identical to one from a more reputable brand, it is usually not as good.

The rubber quality used in cheaper tires is often not as good, resulting in a tire that offers less traction and less mileage before wearing. Balancing issues is also more common in the cheapest tires on the market. 

The Most Common Tire Types and Sizes Are Usually Cheaper

Tires that sell in vast quantities are usually cheaper than less common styles and sizes of tires that do not sell in such large numbers.

All-terrain style tires are the most common and usually offer the most bang for the buck. 

With larger production quantities, manufacturers can produce more tires without modifying the production line, helping to keep the overall costs down.

Best-selling tires also have a lower risk of remaining unsold. The cost of each tire that goes unsold must be distributed among the sold tires. For more popular tires, this expected loss is relatively low.

How to Get the Best Deal

Buy a Complete Set of Four to Bring the Cost per Tire Down

ATV tires can be bought individually, as pairs, or as a complete set of four. When choosing a complete set over a single tire, you usually get a much better deal. Not only do you get a quantum discount, you likely save on shipping and handling as well. 

Shop Around – Do Your Due Diligence

ATV tires on sale can deviate from the MRSP price by as much as 50 – 100%. Therefore, shopping around is often well worth your time to find the best deal.

You can usually find the best deal online, but due to high shipping costs, the total price you can get at your local dealer may not be that bad. 

Look out for discount codes and other promotions. A few percent off can make for a welcome saving on such an expensive purchase as ATV tires. 

Make Sure You Compare Apples With Apples

When comparing tire prices, you need to make sure the prices are comparable. Because the price of a tire is not only product cost. You also need to keep track of additional costs, such as:

• Installation cost
• Shipping cost
• Taxes and fees such as federal or state disposal fees
• Balancing fees (Do you need to balance an ATV tire?)

Retailers that provide an “all-in price” or “out-the-door cost” usually include all of the above costs in their sales price. Be aware that some retailers only display the product cost plus shipping.

State Tire Disposal Fees May Vary

Most states charge $1 – $2 per tire in disposal fees. Be aware that some states cost less, while others may charge quite a bit more. 

Don’t Wait Until You Need New Tires

Tire prices fluctuate quite a bit throughout the year and between seasons. You have a better chance of finding a good deal if you start searching some time before the old ones are entirely shot. 

Learn what signs to look for, and you can see when a tire is due to be replaced months in advance. 

Save on Installation – Change the Tires Yourself

Most dealers charge a fee for installing the tires to your rims—some are more affordable than others. 

Installing an ATV tire at home is not as complicated as you might think. You will only need a few essential tools. This step-by-step guide shows you how to do it. 

Read User Reviews Before You Make Your Final Decision

The sales price only tells half of the story. If you’re not looking for extreme traction, you are likely better off with a tire that is not that soft. Softer tires generally wear faster and therefore offer less value.

You will often find that two tires that look almost identical on paper may wear quite differently by reading reviews. 

FAQ

Wrapping Up

The cost of ATV tires hinges on factors such as size, style, brand quality, and market demand.

While bigger or specialty tires might be pricier due to their manufacturing complexities and raw material requirements, shopping wisely and buying in larger quantities can offset these costs.

Remember, it’s not just about upfront cost; considering the tire’s performance, lifespan, and additional expenses like installation can help ensure you get the most value from your purchase.