Graham FisherBy Graham Fisher

Updated November 2026

ITP 589 ATV tires are a set of all-terrain tires used on a range of utility and sport quads, and choosing them correctly comes down to three things: confirming the size and bead fit for your rim, matching the tread to the ground you actually ride, and setting the right pressure. This guide walks through each step so you can verify fitment, understand what the tread is built for, and avoid the mistakes that cause early wear or unstable handling.

What You Need to Know About ITP 589 ATV Tires

ITP is a long-established aftermarket tire brand that sells a wide catalog of ATV tires in a variety of sizes, tread patterns and ply ratings. Model numbers like 589 are used as product identifiers, and the specific construction and tread details can vary by size and production run, so always check the sidewall and the manufacturer’s spec sheet for your exact tire. Owners generally shop for this type of tire when they want a more aggressive bite than stock tires provide, especially for mud, loose dirt or mixed trail use.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Itp Tires for ATV: 5 Best Picks for Mud and Trail Riding (2026).

Before buying, confirm three things: the tire size printed on the sidewall, the rim diameter and width, and the load and speed ratings. Stock sizes differ between machines, and a tire that looks similar can have a different overall diameter that affects gearing, speedometer accuracy and ground clearance.

Step 1: Read the Sidewall and Confirm Your Size

The sidewall gives you the core dimensions. A typical ATV size reads something like 25×8-12, where 25 is the approximate overall diameter in inches, 8 is the section width in inches, and 12 is the rim diameter in inches. Some sizes use metric or mixed formats, so compare carefully.

  1. Check the size on your current tires or your owner’s manual.
  2. Measure your rim diameter with a tape if the rim is not stamped clearly.
  3. Compare the new tire’s overall diameter with the stock tire. A difference of more than about half an inch can throw off speedometer readings and change final drive ratio feel.
  4. Confirm the rim width range listed by the manufacturer. A tire mounted on a rim that is too narrow or too wide will not seat or wear evenly.

Step 2: Match the Tread to Your Terrain

Tread design is the biggest factor in how these tires perform. Aggressive lug patterns with deep, widely spaced blocks dig into mud and soft soil. Tighter, shallower tread works better on hardpack and gravel, and tends to produce less vibration and quieter running on pavement or packed trails.

Riding Surface Tread Characteristic to Look For Typical Tradeoff
Mud and deep ruts Deep, open lugs with wide spacing More noise and possible vibration on hard surfaces
Mixed trail and hardpack Moderate lugs, balanced tread blocks Less extreme traction in deep mud
Sand Paddle-style or wide, shallow lugs Less bite on hard-packed trails
Rocky terrain Reinforced sidewall and dense tread blocks Heavier tires and possible small gains in fuel use loss

If you ride a mix of terrain, a balanced tread is usually the safer choice. Owners who ride mostly in mud sometimes accept the extra noise and wear of an aggressive pattern, but those who ride mainly on hard trails often find a milder tread more comfortable and longer lasting.

Step 3: Set the Correct Tire Pressure

Pressure has a major effect on traction, ride quality and bead security. Lower pressure widens the contact patch and improves grip in soft conditions, but too low a pressure can allow the bead to unseat or the tire to roll off the rim in hard cornering. Too high and the tire skates on loose surfaces and rides harshly.

  1. Check the pressure range printed on the sidewall or in the manufacturer’s guidance for your model.
  2. Set pressure when tires are cold, ideally in the morning before riding or after the machine has sat for several hours.
  3. Start near the middle of the recommended range and adjust based on how the machine handles.
  4. Recheck after the first few rides, since pressure can drop as tires settle.

For a deeper look at reading gauges and adjusting for conditions, see Tire Pressure for ATV Tires: How to Set the Right PSI for Trail and Mud and Low Pressure Tire Gauge for ATV Tires: How to Check PSI Accurately.

Step 4: Check Load and Speed Ratings

Ply rating and load index tell you how much weight each tire is built to carry. Utility ATVs with racks, cargo boxes or passengers place more stress on tires than a lightly loaded trail machine. Always confirm that the tire’s load rating meets or exceeds the load your machine and gear require, and check the speed rating if you ride at higher speeds on pavement or wide open trails.

Step 5: Plan for Installation and Balance

Mounting and balancing matter more than many riders expect. An unbalanced tire can cause steering vibration, premature bearing wear and fatigue at speed. Have the tires mounted by a shop with tire changing equipment that handles ATV bead profiles, or follow a careful manual process if you do it yourself.

  • Clean the rim bead seat and check for rust or damage.
  • Use proper bead lubricant, not petroleum products that can degrade rubber.
  • Inflate slowly and watch for both beads to seat evenly.
  • Balance each wheel, or confirm the shop has done so.
  • Torque lug nuts or wheel fasteners to the specification in your owner’s manual.

Common Mistakes

  • Ignoring overall diameter. A size that is much larger or smaller than stock affects speedometer accuracy, final drive feel and clearance.
  • Running the same pressure on every terrain. Adjust pressure for mud, sand and hardpack rather than leaving it at one setting.
  • Skipping the post-ride check. Loose lug nuts and slow leaks are easy to miss without a quick inspection after the first few rides.
  • Mixing tread patterns carelessly. Different patterns on the same axle can change handling and should be avoided unless the manufacturer approves.
  • Overlooking wear. Check tread depth regularly and watch for cupping or uneven wear that suggests alignment or pressure problems.

A few supplies make setup and maintenance easier and more accurate.

  • A quality digital or dial tire gauge helps you set pressure precisely at low PSI ranges, where small changes matter. View on Amazon
  • A portable air compressor lets you adjust pressure on the trail and recover from small changes after a ride. View on Amazon
  • A tire bead lubricant made for rubber tires reduces mounting damage and helps the bead seat cleanly. View on Amazon

FAQ

Are ITP 589 ATV tires suitable for mud?

Tread designs in this category are generally built for demanding terrain, but suitability depends on the exact model and size you buy. Check the tread description and the manufacturer’s recommended uses before deciding.

How do I confirm the right size for my ATV?

Compare the sidewall size on your current tires with the new listing, and confirm rim diameter and width. Check your owner’s manual for recommended sizes and any approved alternatives.

Can I run different tire sizes front and rear?

Some machines are designed for staggered sizing, but many are not. Only mix sizes if your manufacturer specifies it, because mismatched diameters can cause driveline stress and handling issues.

What tire pressure should I use?

Start within the range printed on the sidewall or specified by the manufacturer. Lower pressures suit soft terrain, while higher pressures suit hard surfaces and heavy loads. Recheck pressure often.

How often should I check my tires?

Check pressure before every ride and inspect for damage, cuts and loose fasteners after rides. Re-torque wheel fasteners after the first few rides on new tires.

Do I need to rebalance after mounting?

Balancing is recommended after mounting, especially on larger or heavier tires, because imbalance can cause vibration and uneven wear.

How do I know when to replace them?

Replace tires when tread is worn to the point of reduced traction, when sidewalls are cracked or bulging, or when there is damage that compromises the casing. Consult a tire professional if you are unsure.

Conclusion

ITP 589 ATV tires can be a strong upgrade when the size, tread and load rating match how you ride. Confirm your sidewall size and rim fit first, then choose a tread that suits your main terrain. Set and check pressure regularly, and have the tires mounted and balanced properly to get the most traction and life out of the set.

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.