Glossary of Terms
If you're new to the game, ATV and off roading terms can be a little overwhelming. Read through the following glossary of terms to help get you started.
3 Wheeler ATV - An ATV vehicle with three wheels. They are also commonly referred to as "three wheeled" or "ATCs" which stands for All-Terrain Cycles.
4 Wheeler ATV - An ATV vehicle with four wheels instead of the standard three. They are also commonly referred to as "quads" or "four wheeled" ATVs. Countries other than the U.S. or Canada might have different names. For example, Australia typically refers to them as "forbys" and Israel uses "Polarises" named after a company.
4x4 - A vehicle with 4 wheels and 4 wheel drive.
All Terrain (AT) Tires - As the name suggests, these tires are an attempt offer good driving conditions on all terrains - city roads to off roads. Their tread is designed with the lugs pushed closer together resulting in a less noisy on road ride and some control off road. These tires are not recommended for serious off roading, especially in the mud.
All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) - A vehicle with low tire pressure, handlebars to steering, and a seat for the operator to straddle and sit on. Currently, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) defines an ATV for a single operator, however a tandem double seater is being considered.
Amphibious All-Terrain Vehicles - A floating ATV designed for six to eight passengers. Accurate steering can be achieve with this slower design. The ATV can crawl through water thanks to the spinning action of the tires. It was one of the original ATVs manufactured in the 1960s. Argo and MAX are brands you can find on the market today.
Cubic Centimeters (CC) - The unit of measure for an ATV's engine sized. For ATVs manufactured in the U.S. the cc's can range from 49cc to 1000cc.
Grooves - the portion of the tread pattern that pushes water away from the tire and they run circumferentially.
Lugs - the main part of the tread pattern that contacts the road and can be be nonsymmetrical in size to minimize the noise they create.
Mud Terrain (MT) Tires - As the name suggests, these tires are designed to perform in the mud, as well as on rocks, snow, gravel, dirt trails. The voids, or the gaps, between the lugs are much wider allowing mud to enter and exit the tire easier. Mud tires are not recommended to on road use as they can be very noisy, wear down fast, and dangerous.
Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) - Another name for ATV.
Off Road Vehicles (ORV) - Another name for ATV.
Ply or Plies Rating - A rating based on the number of layers of rubber around the tire. A thicker ply will result in a heavier tire that is less likely to puncture.
Sipes - similar to grooves but they run perpendicular pushing water away from the sides of the tire and can help prevent hydroplaning.
Tread - the thick rubber part of the tire that comes in contact with the road.
Tread Patter - the lugs, voids, grooves, and sipes that make up the tire pattern.
Voids - the small spaces between the lugs that allow the lug to expand, forcing water away.
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