For an ATV, UTV or lawn tractor, bring the old tire or the three size numbers molded on its sidewall: overall diameter, tread width and rim diameter. Indianapolis Tire Shop in Indianapolis can be asked about fitting and availability by phone before you load the machine.
Small-wheel tires fail differently from car tires. The rim is narrow and often rusted at the bead, the sidewall is soft, and the tire is held on by far less pressure, so a wheel that looks fine can leak slowly for months.
That changes what you should ask before you bring anything in.
What size is my ATV or mower tire?
Read the sidewall. The numbers are overall height, tread width and rim diameter, in that order, separated by an x and a dash. A front and rear tire on the same machine are often different sizes, so check each corner.
Do not substitute a taller tire to get more ground clearance without checking the manual. It changes gearing and can rub on a UTV's fender or suspension.
Which tread suits my terrain?
Mud and trail treads bite deep and wear quickly on pavement. A lawn tractor on a turf-friendly tread leaves the grass alone and slips on a wet slope, while a lug tread grips and tears up the yard.
Match the tire to where it spends most of its time, and accept the trade on the rest.
What should I ask the shop before bringing it in?
Ask whether the shop mounts small-diameter and tubed tires, whether it has your size or will order it, and whether the quote includes a new valve stem.
Ask Indianapolis Tire Shop to confirm all three by phone. A rusted rim lip is the usual reason a bead will not seat, so bring the wheel off the machine if you can. If the wheel is still on, the quote may change once the shop sees the rim.
- Bring the old tire, even if it is shredded.
- Mention if the tire holds air with sealant in it, as that has to be cleaned out.
Can I fit car tires on my lawn tractor?
No. Car tires are built for a different rim and load. Use the size the manufacturer lists for the machine and its rim diameter.
Why does my ATV tire keep going flat at the rim?
The most common cause is a corroded bead seat or a failed valve stem. Both are cheaper to fix than a new tire, so have the rim inspected before replacing anything.
Do I need all four ATV tires replaced together?
Replace them in axle pairs at minimum. Mixed tread depth across an axle makes the machine pull toward the grippier side.