Things to Check on an ATV Before Riding
Your ATV, or all-terrain vehicle, is a fun and useful recreational vehicle when kept in good working order. Most people probably don't do a full vehicle inspection every time they take their cars out on the road. However, it's important to do so with ATVs and other recreational vehicles because you don't usually use them as often. While it may be an inconvenience if you get a flat tire on your car, it can be a genuinely dangerous situation on an ATV.
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Throttle and Levers
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The throttle on your ATV performs the same function as the gas pedal in your car or truck. To make sure you can move properly, fully engage your throttle while turning the handlebars or steering wheel to full lock. Watch to see that the throttle snaps back into position when you let go of it, no matter how far you've got the front wheels turned. If it sticks, check for obstructions and remove them. Sometimes it's as simple as some debris or grime physically blocking the path the throttle travels in order to move. Depending on the model of your ATV, you may also have brake and clutch hand levers. Sit on your ATV and fully engage both levers to make sure they work smoothly and do not have anything impeding their movement. Your owner's manual has more information specific to your model.
Pedals
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Depending on the model, your ATV may have one or more foot pedals, just like your car. Sit in the driver's seat and make sure you can comfortably and safely press each one all the way down. Adjust the seat or the pedals if necessary. You should not need to come to a standing position in order to floor your pedals. If you find this to be the case, do not use your ATV until you can properly adjust either your pedals or your seat.
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Chain/Driveshaft
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ATV engines operate using either chains or driveshafts. Your ATV owner's manual has information on which type of drive your particular model has. Check for any obvious signs of wear or oil leaks on the visible parts of both chains and driveshafts. Also check that the tension seems good on your chain; not too tight and not too loose. The ATV owner's manual should have exact specifications listed.
Tire Inflation
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Your ATV should have a plaque or sticker, usually up in the cockpit, that lists vehicle weight ratings and tire inflation information. These values are assigned by the manufacturer, and are the ones you should heed. Tires for all vehicles, including ATVs, come with maximum air pressure ratings attached, rated in pounds per square inch (PSI). This is not the recommended PSI for those tires; it is merely the maximum PSI they can handle. Overinflated tires can be dangerous, just as underinflated tires can. Use a tire gauge and check all four tires before you go out on your ATV for best safety practices.
Other Items
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Hold onto the grips on the handlebars, then pull. The grips should remain firmly in place. If they are loose, do not go out on the ATV before replacing them. Also, check wheel lugs and all other nuts and bolts on your ATV periodically. Remember, the vehicle vibrates continuously when the engine is on, so it's not surprising that nuts, bolts, and screws may loosen over time. If you examine these things regularly, they won't catch you by surprise and cause an accident.
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References
- Photo Credit atv airborne image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
