4 Tips for Getting Your ATV Ready to Ride

Has your ATV been sitting in the garage all winter or out in the driveway? Chances are it will need some TLC before you take it out on the road. Obtaining Santa Fe Toys Insurance is the first step to protect yourself and your assets.

Next, here are some tips on how you can get your ATV roadworthy in time for spring:

1. Do a thorough visual inspection

A thorough visual inspection will quickly let you know if something needs fixing with your ATV. Although you will need to conduct a more in-depth analysis later on, a quick once-over can be quite revealing.

Start by checking out every nook and cranny of your vehicle’s exterior. Some of the areas that you will want to inspect closely are the tires and the chains. You are looking for worn threads, flats, underinflated tires, and broken or rusted chains.

Afterward, move on to the lights and exhaust system. Look for anything out of the ordinary that could impair the safe driving condition of your ATV.

You might also want to check if insects or rodents have taken up residence in your fenders, bumpers, body panels, and external storage areas. This is especially important if you left your ATV outdoors with only a ca cover for protection.

2. Check your fluids

After several weeks left unused in the cold, your ATV’s fluids will probably need topping up or replacement. In particular, the engine and transmission fluids will have to be replenished to ensure the proper lubrication of your vehicle’s crucial components.

It is especially important to check for leaks in your breaks and cooling system. These components are crucial for the health and longevity of your ATV, so check them thoroughly to find out if any leaks need to be repaired before you take your vehicle out on the road.

How do you know if your ATV has any leaks? Spots of fluid on the ground underneath and areas of moisture where there shouldn’t be any are always good indicators. You should also check for leakage on the drivetrain mechanism, particularly around the plugs and seals.

3. Check the battery

If you left your battery charging throughout most of the winter, chances are, you can get it up and running almost immediately. At worst, it might need a few attempts before the engine starts up, and you might have to leave it running for a while to make sure that the battery is good.

However, if you didn’t leave it charging, you may have to replace the battery if it doesn’t start even after charging. If a replacement is in order, make sure that you buy the correct replacement for your ATV. Your operation manual should include details on the particular type of battery you need.

Even if your battery does start up, it will be necessary to monitor it for several minutes to ensure that it is in proper working order. You may also want to check for leaks or signs of corrosion on the terminals and adjacent components.

If you need to replenish the battery fluid–and you probably do–remember to wear safety goggles and gloves to prevent chemical burns. After filling it up with the right amount of distilled water, you can charge the battery as usual.

4. Check all the other essential components

Finally, check all the other essential components of your vehicle. Among the most important of these are:

• Filters
• Electrical system
• Spark plugs
• Controls
• Tires
• Brake pads

Clean filters are a must for the proper operation of your ATV. It is a good idea to clean out and dry the filter before starting it for the first time after winter. While you’re at it, make sure that insects or birds haven’t built nests on the filter screen.

Some of your controls may have become stuck after being left in the cold for weeks at a time. Make sure that the throttle and other controls work as they should to ensure the safe operation of your vehicle.

Now would also be a good time to give your brake pads a good once-over. If the indicator marks aren’t readily visible, replacing the pads will be necessary. If you notice that a particular pad is more worn out than the rest, you may have to take your ATV to the shop for realignment in addition to replacement.

Conclusion

All this is meant to ensure that your ATV is safe to operate and runs at its best. A thorough check-up at home and by a professional will be necessary to ensure your enjoyment and the safety of everyone concerned. Take the time to address any issues, and you can look forward to an enjoyable time outdoors with your ATV.

About Daniels Insurance, Inc.

At Daniels Insurance, Inc., we have a unique understanding of the risks that businesses like yours face on a regular basis. With the backing of our comprehensive coverages and our dedication to customer service and quick claims resolution, your business will be fully protected. For more information, contact us today at (855) 565-7616.