Whether you’re gearing up for a season in the camper or need to replace your worn lawn mower tires, finding the right tire is essential to your vehicle’s performance and safety. Not only does it ensure you get to where you need to go safely, but it also plays a role in improving vehicle performance and driving comfort. When you need durable, reliable tires to get the job done, turn to our options at Tractor Supply.
Keep Your Vehicles Maintained with the Right Tires
When it comes to buying new tires, you want to invest in quality and safety. This is because tires are essential for keeping vehicles moving and supported. An optimal set of tires will:
- Hold up longer than less expensive tires
- Offer better road grip
- Provide a more comfortable ride
- Improve fuel efficiency
Not everyone drives their recreational vehicles every day, meaning they’ll experience less wear and tear than traditional car tires and won’t require as many replacements. However, you should still replace tires when they become worn or damaged. The best way to tell if your wheels need replacing is by driving your vehicle. Is it a smooth ride? Do you find it challenging to haul other vehicles and items? Are you slipping and sliding on certain terrains? If yes, then it may be time to replace your tires.
The time between tire replacements depends on how much you drive. The more you drive, the more worn tires become in a short period, and the more frequently you’ll have to change them. It’s recommended to replace tires once they reach a 4/32-inch depth, or once they’ve traveled anywhere from 10,000 to 15,000 miles.
Additionally, different manufacturers may have varying requirements as to when you should replace your tires. Because of this, you should make sure to look at your tire’s manufacturer and warranty information before buying a replacement.
Different Types of Tires
To choose the right tire for your vehicle, it’s important to know that the vehicle type you have will determine the type of tire you need. For instance, lawn mowers won’t use the same wheels as trailers or tractors. Luckily, we offer a variety of tire types, each designed for your make and model of vehicle, including:
Trailer Tires
Trailer vehicles require much traction and durability, as they’re mainly used to haul large loads or objects. To accomplish this, our trailer tires are built with higher load ratings, giving you the power to handle anything, from livestock to boats.
Our selection of trailer tires also features thicker and sturdier sidewalls than other wheel types, allowing them to withstand higher tire pressure levels. Their thick, reinforced construction helps keep trailers stable on the road, preventing swaying while driving. Additionally, it helps ward off damage from road hazards, such as potholes, to keep wheels safe and drivable.
Mower Tires
While we may not think of it, lawn mower tires need replacing just as much as regular vehicles do, helping to keep mowing machines performing well. However, different mower types may have varying tire requirements, meaning push mowers won’t use the same wheels as zero-turn riding mowers.
Mower tires also feature different tread types, depending on your lawn’s properties. If you have a dense grass lawn, opt for a tire with deep tread, which adds traction in thick grass areas and prevents mowers from clogging with debris. Shallow tread is ideal for sparse grass areas, allowing for simple maneuvering around your lawn.
Alongside tread type, you also want to consider the tread pattern of your lawn mower tire, such as:
- Lugged tread: Offers excellent traction in rough terrain
- Ribbed tread: Provides smooth driving power on flat surfaces
Our selection of mower tires come in pneumatic or flat-free designs, making it easy to find what you need. We also carry different tire materials, including traditional rubber, as well as polyurethane and foam rubber. Foam rubber materials provide enhanced durability against punctures. However, these wheels may feel heavier to drive – meaning you must consider both driving comfort and durability to find the best fit for your vehicle.
ATV and UTV Tires
Every adventurer already knows the fun and joy of having an ATV or UTV. They also know that these vehicles require special tires to handle different terrains. ATV tires usually include a rim guard, preventing dirt and debris from entering the tire’s interior. They also typically hold a low pressure, as well as aggressive tread patterns and designs for stable traction during off-road adventures. Our ATV and UTV tire options cover many tread types, including those with tread on the sidewalls for additional protection and safety.
The ATV tire you need depends on the type of driving you plan to do. If you want to take on a variety of ground types, we carry all-terrain options made for general off-road use. However, you may need a terrain-specific tire to tackle certain landscapes, as many of them come with special features that make driving easier. For example, mud tires feature large lugs and tread patterns to clear debris and mud naturally, giving them self-cleaning capabilities.
Alongside mud tires, we carry options for rock and sand terrain, as well as racing applications, allowing you to find a perfect solution. All-terrain wheels are the most common tire for ATVs and UTVs, giving users the ability to drive over many different ground types.
Tractor Tires
Tractor tires are designed to give tractors the pulling power they need to haul large loads and complete jobs with ease. Featuring heavy-duty constructions, these wheels come with varying tread patterns to deliver reliable towing in different landscapes.
What makes tractor tires distinct is their grading scale for front and rear tire durability and traction, which ranges from R1 to R4. R1 grades include traditional tractor tires designed for fieldwork, while R4 tires are built more heavy-duty with aggressive traction for use in industrial or commercial applications. You should also keep in mind that front tires use different tread patterns than rear tires.
Our front tires vary in the amount of ribbing they hold, ranging from single-rib to four- and five-rib tires. We also carry rear tires with different tread patterns, depending on the type of terrain you plan to drive over.
For example, lug tires are suitable for general dry land farming, with variants, such as the R-1W, offering more tread depth to handle wet, heavy and thick soils. We also offer a range of turf tires, great for general purpose driving and decreasing turf damage, as well as R4 wheels, which provide a heavy-duty, industrial tread design.
Finding a Tire for Your Vehicle
While no two vehicles use the same tire type and size, the same applies for wheels within specific vehicle types. In other words, different makes and models of the same kind of vehicle may also have different tire requirements and sizes. You must know all the essential information about your vehicle before purchasing a tire. The right choice also depends on how much you drive, the time of year you’re driving in and the amount of weight you need to haul.
Other considerations to make include:
Tire Construction
Our range of tires come in two different constructions – radial and bias. Radial tires are the most common tire type, featuring built-in steel belts that run at a 90-degree angle to the tread center line. These wheels offer enhanced flexibility and movement, giving you a smoother ride with less bounce and sway to trailers. Our options also feature durable designs and a better tread life, plus the ability to run cool for safety. Use radial tires if you drive frequently or drive your vehicle across long distances.
Bias tires are a more durable tire option, made with nylon belts and running at a 30 to 45-degree angle. Although they’re stronger than radial tires, you should only use them to take shorter trips. Our bias wheels give better traction for off-roading use, featuring durable sidewalls and well-balanced plies. Their unique construction makes them especially ideal for carrying heavy loads in trailers, as the sidewall and tread of these tires are designed to support more weight.
Tire Size and Diameter
Find tires in a variety of special sizes and diameters to match your vehicle’s make and model. However, you should know that different wheel types may come with different formulas and standards for sizing.
You may see sizes rated as special trailer tire (ST) or light truck tire (LT). These can be found at the beginning of trailer tire measurements to indicate the type of tire it is. Light truck tires may be better for smaller RVs, such as campers or vans, because of their aggressive tread pattern for enhanced road grip. Trailer wheel sizing starts with these characters and ends with additional information about the tire.
For example, look at the following tire size: ST205/75R14
- First, notice the ST at the beginning of the measurement, indicating that it’s a special trailer tire.
- Next, we see the number 205, which is the tire’s width in millimeters.
- After the dash, the number 75 tells you the tire’s height-to-width ratio.
- Following that, you’ll see the letter R, which stands for radial tire.
- The last number, 14, gives you the diameter of the tire in inches.
Other tire types also use different formulas and measurement scales to tell you information. Tractor wheels use a similar sizing formula but without the ST and LT.
For instance, you may see a tire size look like: 175/80D-13
- The first number, 175, is still the tire width in millimeters.
- The second number, 80, now gives you the aspect ratio of the tires.
- Next, we see the letter D, which tells you these are diagonal tires.
- The last number, 13, is the wheel rim diameter in inches.
Mower tires also use a different measurement scale, so you’ll need to know the axle diameter, outside diameter (including tread) and hub length and diameter to find the right size. Tire sizes should match what’s recommended for your make and model of recreational vehicle, so be sure to have your owner’s manual on-hand for specific size measurements.
Load Range
While lawn mowers won’t likely be pulling anything heavy, other vehicles, such as trailers and tractors, might. Campers carry a variety of items, including furniture, other people and personal belongings, and many people use trailers to haul heavy items. Because of this, you need tires that can safely handle large hauls.
When it comes to towing applications, tires should come in a durable, compatible load range rating. A tire’s load range (also called a ply rating) is the amount of weight it can safely withstand. Load range ratings come in letters, from B to F, with F being the most heavy-duty tire option. Other tire types, such as trailer tires, feature ratings ranging from C to D, with options for H and G-rated tires.
Weather and Road Conditions
Every driver understands the difference a season-specific tire can make. Not only does it give you a smoother ride, but it also ensures safety and stability through slippery weather. Our seasonal tires feature many sizes to accommodate your vehicle type.
If you live in an area that experiences every season, consider getting all-season tires, which are suitable for both summer and winter driving. Designed to drive through any weather, these are the most versatile tire options.
However, if your area experiences harsh winters, you should opt for winter-compatible tires, which give you better traction in slippery, sloshy areas. We also carry summer tire options, featuring unique tread patterns to withstand use in hot weather and prevent heat buildup.
For ATVs and UTVs, you’ll want tires that handle off-roading and many terrain types. We offer a range of all-terrain and off-roading tires, making it more comfortable for adventurers to tackle any terrain that comes their way, from rough, rocky landscapes to thick, dense forests.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tires
How do I extend the life of my tires?
You can extend the life of your tires by regularly maintaining and cleaning them, especially when you’re not using your recreational vehicles. You should park your vehicle on tire-friendly surfaces, being sure to remove debris from the tire tread at the end of your trip. Other basic maintenance tasks include balancing your tires and inspecting for tears, cracks and damage. You should also check tire pressure regularly, as flat tires can wear on materials and cause tire damage early.
Weather, such as snow or intense heat, can wear tires down quicker, as well. That’s why you should consider purchasing additional accessories to keep them protected when not in use. For example, tire covers prevent wheels from wearing down due to dry rot and UV exposure. You can also use leveling blocks or tiered ramps to keep your vehicle level. Clean your tires using a mild soap and water, as harsh products may damage tire materials.
What tools do I need to change a tire?
To change a tire, you’ll need a spare tire, along with the following tools:
- Bottle jack (which must be compatible with the weight of your vehicle)
- Lug or torque wrench
- Impact driver (which must match the size of your wheel lugs)
- Wheel chocks
- Tire gauge
- Tire inflator or air compressor
You should always have a spare tire on-hand in case of emergencies. Keep in mind that spare tires are temporary solutions and shouldn’t be used for long-term driving. After replacing your tire with the spare, you must purchase and install the correct tire as soon as possible to avoid complications.
How much air should I put in my tires if they become flat?
When it comes to inflating tires, you should fill them so they’re inflated, but not overinflated. Many tires have recommended pressures they should be inflated to. You should follow these instructions to ensure the tires have enough air without being too full. Overinflated tires have a greater chance of blowing out, and they can make braking more challenging, decrease traction and lower fuel efficiency.
Stay on the Move with Help from Tractor Supply
Whether you’re getting ready for your next off-roading adventure or need something practical and rugged for the farm, we have the selection you need to live Life Out Here, making it easy to find the tires you need with our automotive parts finder tool. To learn more about our tire options, visit your local Tractor Supply store today or browse online.