We oftentimes hear children argue, "Four eyes are better than two." In the case of recreational vehicles, are four wheels better than two are? While that argument is debatable, it is not questionable whether you should use safety precautions when operating an ATV.Regardless of whether your ATV is new or one of the 4 wheelers for sale, here are some guidelines about riding ATVs, and staying safe in the process:
1. Finding a place to ride your ATV As you might expect, the Internet can provide you with a plethora of information about places to ride your ATV. It is best to narrow your search to particular states, and even areas within those states.
2. Know your abilities and limits It is important to ride your ATV on terrain that you can handle, considering your skill level. In the course of your riding, you will encounter terrain on which you may be unsure about how to operate the 4-wheeler. Furthermore, you might be uncertain about what steps you would take to free yourself from certain situations. In a nutshell, you must determine if you are ready to deal with the results of your actions. Consider various factors such as your ATV riding skill level, whether you are riding alone, and how far away the nearest assistance is.
3. If you are a newbie, ride with a seasoned veteran While riding a 4-wheeler, it is important to know how to recuperate after you have made a technical mistake, and when you should jump ship. Having an experienced rider with you will help in making these decisions, as they have already been in similar situations.
4. Never spin your wheels Never spin your wheels in soft soil, sand, or mud. If you ever observe that your tires are spinning, make sure to stop immediately. Why should you do that? The spinning will literally bury your ATV. Once the substance imbeds your frame, it will be hard as nails to get your ATV out. Whenever you sense that your tires are beginning to spin, keep turning your front tires from side-to-side. That will help your vehicle to get some traction.
5. How to cross a stream You have a few options here. You could move a little bit upstream, or cross the stream at a 90 degree angle, towards the stream's bearing.
6. Climbing obstacles In many cases, approaching obstacles in a slow, straightforward manner is best. For instance, when climbing a steep incline, avoid attacking it at full-throttle or at an angle. You would increase your chances of doing a wheelie or wrecking, respectively. Know the ground clearance of your ATV. Also, once your front tire clears the obstacle, keep moving until your rear tires have also cleared it. Your physics professor would be proud that you were awake when he taught a lesson on momentum. Furthermore, avoid traversing (moving sideways) along a hill, as this could cause your ATV to start rolling.
7. Riding on a steep trail This is one of the most treacherous types of terrain that you will encounter. It is advisable to get off your ATV and examine it carefully, before proceeding. If you fail to climb a steep, narrow trail, then hit the breaks quickly. Furthermore, when riding on a steep and narrow trail, you should avoid attempting to make a U-turn. If the ground is not solid, your 4-wheeler could turn sideways and begin rolling.
8. Maintain your 4-wheeler properly After each riding session, make sure to clean your ATV thoroughly. In the drying process, do the following checks: · ride the ATV for a while so the brake pads can dry completely · examine all of the 4-wheeler's levers and fasteners · add a lubricant to the levers, pivots, and exhaust pipe · check the tire pressure. The pressure should be higher for high-speed riding or rocky areas. Eat meals before working on all terrain vehicles, as you your tolerance and focus levels will be higher.
9. Respecting the environment is protecting your interests It is certainly possible to enjoy the thrills of an ATV, while respecting the environment as well. Remember that the environment itself is providing you with a means to ride your 4-wheeler. Thus, in protecting the environment, you are protecting your own interests as well.