Graham FisherBy Graham Fisher

Updated November 2026

Replacing ATV tires is a job most owners can handle with basic hand tools and a little patience. By the end of this guide, you will know how to remove the old tire, mount the new one on the rim, seat the beads, inflate it safely and check your work before you ride. Read the full process once before you start, since a few steps, especially bead seating, carry real risk if rushed.

Gather Your Tools and Check the Fit

Before you lift the machine, confirm the new tire matches your rim diameter and width. The size is printed on the sidewall, usually as something like 25×8-12, where the last number is the rim diameter in inches. Check the manufacturer’s specified tire size in your owner’s manual, because a tire that looks right may not match your wheel.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 7 Best Atv Quad Tires for Sale: Our Picks for Every Trail.

You will need:

  • A floor jack and jack stands rated for the machine’s weight
  • Tire irons or a tire changer, plus a bead breaker for stubborn beads
  • Valve core tool and a tire pressure gauge
  • Soapy water or tire lube for the bead area
  • An air compressor or inflation source capable of seating the bead
  • A wire brush and sandpaper for cleaning rim surfaces

Remove the Old Tire From the Rim

Raise the ATV with the jack and set it securely on jack stands, then remove the wheel nuts and pull the wheel off. Deflate the tire completely by removing the valve core. Press the bead away from the rim on both sides, then use a bead breaker or tire irons to work the tire off, taking care not to scratch or bend the rim edge.

Once the tire is off, clean the rim thoroughly. Remove rust, dirt and old rubber residue, since any debris can prevent the new tire from sealing. Inspect the rim for cracks, dents or bends. A damaged rim should be replaced, not patched.

Mount the New Tire and Seat the Beads

Apply soapy water or tire lube to both bead edges of the new tire. Work one bead over the rim, then the second bead, using tire irons with care. Keep the valve stem aligned with the hole in the rim. Once both beads sit on the rim, insert the valve core and add a small amount of air to hold the tire in place.

Seating the Beads Safely

Beads must snap firmly against the rim edges before the tire can hold full pressure. Inflate in short bursts, watching the bead line for even seating. Never stand over the tire while inflating, and stop immediately if a bead pops or the rim bulges. Many owners find a bead seater or ratchet strap helps here. If a bead refuses to seat at normal pressure, deflate, re-lube and try again rather than raising the pressure well beyond the sidewall maximum.

Inflate, Balance and Reinstall

Once the beads are seated, set the tire to the pressure recommended by the manufacturer, which is usually printed on the sidewall or in the owner’s manual. Trail pressures are often lower than road pressures, but the exact number depends on tire type and load. For a full breakdown of pressure selection, see Tire Pressure for ATV Tires: How to Set the Right PSI for Trail and Mud.

Check the wheel is balanced if you have a balancing setup or a shop can do it. An unbalanced wheel causes vibration at speed and wears wheel bearings faster. Reinstall the wheel, torque the lug nuts to the specification in your manual and lower the machine. Recheck the nut torque after the first short ride, since nuts can settle.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using a tire of the wrong diameter or width for the rim
  • Skipping lube and forcing beads, which can tear the bead or the rim
  • Overinflating to seat a bead instead of re-lubing and retrying
  • Failing to recheck pressure and lug nut torque after the first ride
  • Reusing a rim with cracks or heavy corrosion

A bead seater is useful when standard inflation struggles to seat the beads on wide tires. View on Amazon

A good tire pressure gauge helps confirm the pressure after mounting and during regular checks. View on Amazon

A tire lube or bead lubricant makes the beads slide over the rim edge with less force. View on Amazon

FAQ

Can I replace ATV tires without a tire changer?

Yes, most owners do it with tire irons, a bead breaker and a jack. A tire changer makes the job faster and reduces rim damage, but it is not required for a careful DIY job.

How do I know which tire size to buy?

Match the sizing on your current tire or the size listed in your owner’s manual. Check the width, aspect and rim diameter, since a tire that fits the rim diameter but not the width can still cause problems.

Do I need to balance new ATV tires?

Balancing is recommended, especially for larger tires, because an unbalanced wheel causes vibration and uneven wear. If you have no balancer, have a tire shop check it before heavy use.

Conclusion

Replacing ATV tires comes down to matching the right size, cleaning the rim, seating the beads safely and checking pressure and torque afterward. Take your time with bead seating, since that is where most mistakes happen. If anything about the job feels beyond your experience, a qualified tire shop can finish it for you.

Ready to choose one?

Graham Fisher

About Graham Fisher

Graham Fisher is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our ATV, UTV/side-by-side & dirt bikes guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.