If you haven't had a flat yet, don't worry; you will. We all have the pleasure of changing a UTV tire in the wild at some point, some in more precarious situations than others; yet, rest assured, your day will inevitably come.
Here are the most common questions we get asked regarding flat tires:
- What are the first steps to take?
- What should I bring with me on my UTV in case of a flat tire?
- Can't I drive with a flat tire back to the trailhead?
- Plugs? Spare Tire?
- Winch or Jack? Or both?
Read the signs
Regardless of how prepared you are to handle a flat or punctured tire while off-roading, the early signs of tire failure can determine the severity of vehicle and trail damage.
- What does it feel like? Your vehicle will feel pulled to the side by the flat tire, and acceleration could feel sluggish. Any abnormal vibration immediately detected on the steering wheel is a gold-standard indicator for UTV tire failure.
- Visual Clues: You may notice abnormal wear patterns on your tread. Before any ride, look for bulging or blistering, as well as noticeable sagging or flatness. While in motion, you may detect a faint burning rubber smell, accompanied by no visible smoke.
Flat Tire Kit Essentials?
- Tire plug kit
- Jack (Compressed air, hydraulic or balloon)
- Tire pressure gauge
- Optional: Pair of gloves
- Compressor or CO2 cartridges (pack extra for 35"+ tires)
Step-by-step instructions on how to fix a flat on a UTV:
- Get all passengers out of the vehicle and try to roll or winch your way to a flat area. If you try to jack your UTV up on a slant, gravity will win 100% of the time, and you'll end up with more damage than you started with, as well as the potential to hurt or harm anyone involved.
- If no flat ground is accessible, determine the best approach to your unique situation (e.g., winch from the side, roll until you reach flat ground, and safely level the vehicle using available terrain).
- Grab your tire plug kit, locate the puncture, and clean the surrounding area.
- Clear debris and clear the hole's edges by inserting the jagged tool through the puncture.
- Scrape up the area around the puncture and apply cement to the surrounding area.
- Thread a plug through the eye of the insert tool and insert the plug into the puncture.
- Remove the insert tool and cut off the protruding ends of the plug.
- Use a compressor to inflate to the preferred PSI
- Check for leaks often
Can't I drive with a flat back to the trailhead?
Unless you've exhausted all other options and this is your absolute LAST option to get your party home safe, the answer is No. Riding without proper tire pressure can damage your wheel, hub, and suspension, resulting in thousands of dollars in repairs. It could even delay your recovery if you further destroy the moving parts of the vehicle.
Tire plugs or bring a spare?
If you can bring both, do it. Carrying a spare is always a great idea for you or anyone else in your party who may experience a flat tire. Valor Offroad has the industry's first dual-drill UTV wheel, specifically designed for recovery situations where your spare has both 4x137 and 4x156 bolt patterns, to fit nearly all make and model UTVs and ATVs on the trail. Click to learn more about our Dual Drill UTV wheels.
Tire plugs are essential, and it's always a good idea to carry a complete tire plug repair kit with you when riding. Most kits are under $40 and are one of the cheapest solutions for simple puncture flats, so you can finish the ride instead of limping back to the trailhead.
Winch or Jack? Or Both?
This is a very personal decision; however, each has its positives and negatives. We typically see about 1/2 of the riders on the trail use a winch, while the other 1/2 carry a jack. This depends on your specific riding terrain; however, in the Rocky Mountains, you will need one or the other.
- Winch Negatives: Heavy. Expensive. Adds additional weight to something you may never use. Requires maintenance to ensure proper functionality and user safety, as it relies on several other bulky components.
- Winch Pros: Can get you out of almost any situation as long as you have a way to anchor your winch. No matter the slope angle or approach, winches are by far the most useful recovery tool on the market.
- Jack Negatives: Must be on flat ground for safe use. Can be bulky and require a mount depending on the style. Moderately expensive, depending on the brand and type.
- Jack Pros: Quick to set up and use. Compact versions that use compressed air are lightweight and require minimal storage space. Don't require an anchor point and bulky straps.
Recovery Kit Essentials:
Every rider should have a recovery kit or system in their storage. These systems come in every shape, size, and price tag; however, find one that meets the basic needs of getting you safely home in the event of a bad situation. We recommend, at the very minimum, the following items:
- 1x Heavy duty snatch strap (preferably with stretch or kinetic) at 15'+ and at least a 4500# or higher load rating.
- 2x Soft shackles (Won't scratch your UTV)
- 1x Tree saver strap
Note: Always bring an extra belt. For the money and weight, it may be the difference between walking and driving.
Here is a great video on how to recover your UTV using your winch:
