ATVs can be a great way to get friends and family together outdoors. The best way to ensure that your ATV fun never stops is to keep on top of care, maintenance, and safety issues. Keep reading to learn more about staying safe and caring for your ATV.
What You Should Know About ATV Safety
The first thing you should keep in mind is that ATVs are not generally intended to be driven on public roads. In most cities, it will be illegal to drive your ATV on the road at all. You should always drive the ATV in an area that has been previously determined to be safe for ATVs. It is not a good idea to go riding in areas you are not familiar with. You might get lost or you could have a wreck as a result of driving in terrain which you are not familiar with.
Helmets are a must. Regardless of how far you are driving or how long you have been using ATVs, helmets are the best way to prevent serious head injuries. It is best to make a rule for yourself and anyone else who will be riding to always use a helmet.
Kids under 16 should be accompanied by an adult or highly supervised by an adult. Although young people can learn to handle an ATV, there should always be adult supervision when kids are riding.
What You Should Know About ATV Care
To keep your ATV in good working order for a long time, you will want to pay attention to its care and maintenance. ATVs are easily maintained and can provide years of entertainment for you and your family and friends.
Remember that most ATVs need a break-in period. This means that a new ATV will need to run under mild conditions a few times before it is ready for heavy-duty mud running or cutting doughnuts. Follow your owner’s manual concerning breaking in your ATV.
An ATV will need regular oil changes just like any other vehicle. Your owner’s manual will advise you on how often this needs to be done.
It is also important to keep your ATV clean. Because your ATV will most likely wind up in some pretty dirty situations, you will want to make it a point to clean the ATV up afterward. If dirt, mud, and other debris are allowed to sit on the vehicle it can cause damage later on.
Keeping the ATV protected with ATV covers will also pay off in the long run. This ensures that the ATV is not damaged by the elements or animals.
