Last week on the UTV Windshield & Accessories blog we talked about a few tips to prepare for riding your UTV in the mud. This week, we want to focus on a few more tips, specifically driving technique as well as some tire recommendations so you can have the most enjoyable rides this spring. Mud riding, or snow and sand riding for that matter, can present different challenges to riders. Getting stuck is common, but there are a few things you can do to avoid halting your journey before you’re ready to. Ruts are common in mud driving and you can be forced to drive in them whether you like it or not. If you are being forced into a rut, it is best to keep your tires pointed into the rut to avoid damaging you UTV. At the same token, be careful not to follow the rut somewhere you don’t want to go. Listen and feel your UTV to make your best judgment call. Momentum is also important to keep from getting stuck in the mud. Drive at a steady pace without spinning your times. If you are worried about getting stuck or bogged down in a deep area, try to pick up the pace a little bit. If your tires to start to spin, try to turn your wheel slightly and slow down enough for your tires to regain traction. Tires play an important role in the quality of your UTV ride, especially in the mud. If you’re serious about riding in mud, snow or sand you may want to consider a seasonal tire to increase your riding experience. First, decide exactly what use you will have for your tires. Typically for a mud tire, you want something aggressive with a wide and deep tread pattern. This gives you better traction. It should be a heavy duty tire. You’ll also want to consider whether you want a bias construction or radial. Bias tires work well for steep inclines and rough terrain. Radial tires give you a smooth ride on paved or flat roads. When choosing the ply of your tire, think about how much puncture protection and load-carrying capacity you want. For example, if you’ll be up in the mountains going over thorns, sticks or other rough terrain, the standard four-ply might not cut it. The higher the ply, the tougher your tire will be. Always know the maximum load-carrying capacity of your UTV by consulting your manual. This will also help you choose the correct tire. Bigger isn’t always better with mud tires. The bigger the tire the more power you need to keep them moving. You can find mud tire options for hard-core mud riders, or for the average rider that enjoys the occasional mud puddle. The AMS Swamp Fox for example, is a great mud tire option that will also work for normal trail riding. If you’re looking for a hard-core tire, the Gorilla Axle Silverback, which their website describes as “simply the most aggressive ATV tire on the marker.” Don’t forget to visit UTV Windshield & Accessories for any of your UTV accessory needs, and to get more tips from professionals!