Changing or mounting tires onto your ATV can be frustrating, but it is not impossible. Although there are a few tools you can use to make the job easier, you can do it yourself with the help of a few tricks.

Follow our step-by-step tutorial to learn how to mount ATV tires like a pro. Then, take advantage of the tips and tricks we’ll offer at the end of the tutorial.

Step-by-Step Guide

Remove the wheel and deflate the tire. Loosen the lugs in a crisscross pattern before you jack the quad up. Once the wheel is off the ATV, you can begin to deflate the tire for removal. Remove the cap and release the air using a punch tool or screwdriver.
Break the bead. The bead is typically set in the rim with a sealant – this part can be difficult. Purchase a tire changer tool if you think you’ll do this often. You can also place a jack near the bead, then jack up into something heavy.
Remove the tire from the rim. After you’ve removed the bead from the rim, you can peel it off from the short side of the unit. You can use tire-changing tools for this step. Push the tire down into the open area near the rim before prying the tire over it.
Clean the rim lip and apply a new sealer. Once the tire is off, you must clean the rim lip before you sit the new tire bead on it. A new sealer is optional, but we recommend it if you suspect the tire bead won’t fit onto the rim easily.
Lube the new bead. There are several options for lube for this step, but soapy water works fine. If you’re interested, many auto shops sell products specifically for ATVs. Lube both sides of the tire, so you can get it on the rim quickly and easily.
Mount the new tire on the rim. Getting the tire on the rim can take a lot of physical strength. The easiest way to do it is to kneel on one tire section and use a pry bar to seat it into place.
Inflate the new tire to set the bead. A regular small, portable air compressor may not be strong enough to do the job. You may need a high-powered air compressor to ensure the beads are completely seated.

Don’t forget to balance your tires once you’ve mounted them all.

Tips for Mounting ATV Tires

As said before, mounting ATV tires is a pretty straightforward process. If you’ve done it once, you can do it again multiple times with very few issues.

However, if this is your first time, you may not understand some terminology or steps. Here are some tips and tricks you can use when mounting ATV tires.

Know the Terminology

Some terminology in this tutorial may be confusing for novices. Here are clarifications for some words in this tutorial:

Bead — The edge of a tire that sits on the wheel.
Tire — The rubber part of a wheel that grips the road.
Wheel — The hub to which the tire is attached.

Check if Tires are Directional

Some tires are directional, and you can check this by inspecting the sidewall for an arrow. If there is an arrow, you must mount the tire in a specific orientation.

The treads of directional tires often differ from non-directional tires, so keep an eye out for any indications.

Always check before mounting the tires to avoid problems in the future. If you mount incorrectly, you may need to redo the entire process.

Get the Right Tools

You typically cannot mount ATV tires only with the tools you have around your garage. However, the following tools are easy to get a hold of.

A pry bar will help you remove the old tire off the rim before you mount the new one. You can also find them labeled as mounting or dismounting tools.
A bead breaker tool can pry the bead down and away from the rim. You can remove the tire without one, but it makes the job significantly easier.
A bead holder will hold the bead down below the rim as you work your way around.
Manual tire changers will give you everything you need in one package. It typically comes with pry bars, a bead breaker, and an anchor point.

Final Thoughts

We hope this guide has helped you learn how to mount ATV tires on your own.

Mounting tires can be frustrating, especially if it’s your first time. Your first tire may take some time to get on. However, with proper patience and tools, anyone can do it. If you can, get a friend to help you with your first tire.

By following our step-by-step tutorial, you’ll mount ATV tires at home in no time.

Did you find this tutorial helpful? Then consider checking others:

How To Put A Tire On The Rim
How To Use Tire Machine
How To Stretch A Tire
How Much Does It Cost To Get Tires Mounted
How To Take A Tire Off A Rim Without A Machine