• Keep on riding when when the earth is covered in snow.black atv image by Dumitrescu Ciprian from Fotolia.com
  
  Your four-wheeler does not have to be put away just because the snows are beginning to fly. There are several tire options and solutions out there designed to keep you and your four-wheeler (also known as an ATV) flying through the snow. Options such as changing the tires to aggressive snow tires, using studded tires, or adding snow chains to your current tires will keep you flying through the snow.
  
  

Snow and Ice Tires

• Changing out your tires for snow tires is a solid option to keep you four-wheeling well into the winter. When selecting a snow tire for your rig, look for a deep-threaded tread. Choose a deep tread designed for deep drifts and loose snow if you ride in deep snow conditions.
  
  If your four-wheeling is done on hardpack snow and ice, consider going with a studded snow tire. These tires have a less aggressive tread design with a series of carbide-tungsten studs. These studs puncture the ice and give purchase on the slippery surface, propelling the four-wheeler safely over the ice.
  
  

Chains

• Adding a set of snow chains to your existing ATV tires is another option. Save money with this method as you continue to use your existing tires. The chains typically cost much less than buying a new set of snow and ice tires.
  
  Disadvantages to using chains versus specialized snow and ice tires are that the chains will stretch and get sloppy over time, and that you must run the four-wheeler at a slower speed when the chains are on. If you don't mind the slower speeds and want to save money, this may be the most viable snow tire option for your four-wheeler.
  
  

Sizing the Four-Wheeler's Tires

• Whether you choose to go with new tires or chains for your existing four-wheeler, you need the tires' sizes. Look at the outer edge of your four-wheeler's tires to get this information. The tire size is in a number form (examples are 22 by 10 by 9--height, width and weight). Write your tire numbers down and have them with you when you go to buy chains or tires. Present them to the dealer to get properly sized for snow and ice options.