Preparing for an Off-Road Adventure
Hitting the open trail on your ATV is exciting! You're about to enjoy gorgeous scenery, adrenaline rushes, and a thrilling ride. But before you head out, you'll want to take some steps to ensure you'll enjoy a safe trip.
We've gathered up the key steps in preparing for an off-road adventure below. If you have any questions or want to look at four wheelers for sale, visit Altus Motorsports. We are located in Altus, Oklahoma, and also proudly serve those in Amarillo, Texas.
Know Your ATV
Your first step is to ensure you know how your four-by-four handles. Spend time driving it around in a low- or no-traffic area. Get comfortable turning, accelerating, and braking. A beginner's quad class can be a valuable resource in helping you learn the correct techniques and how to make the most of your vehicle.
It's also important to know the dimensions of your four-wheeler. Make sure you know its height, width, approach angle, and departure angle. This will help you know whether you can squeeze through tight areas or whether the attempt would cause damage. You'll also want to know where the air intake and engine computer are located. That'll help you know the depth of water you can handle.
Get Your Quad Ready
It's helpful to conduct a pre-ride inspection. This involves looking through your four-wheeler for any potential problems that could cause a performance or safety issue on the trail. If you catch any, you'll be able to take your ATV to a service department to get it fixed. It's a much safer strategy than encountering an issue on the trail! Plus, it's a shame to have to derail an exciting trail ride due to a performance issue that could have been caught and fixed beforehand.
Start by inspecting your quad's tires. These tend to be the most commonly damaged part of a vehicle, so look for any signs of damage. Check that they have the right air pressure and enough tread. Next, check your fluid levels and top off any that are low. A good practice is to always fuel up your four-by-four with more gas than you think you'll need. If you end up taking a detour or your ride goes longer than expected, you'll have plenty of wiggle room. Go for a quick test ride to ensure your four-wheeler can accelerate, turn, and brake without issue.
Get Your Supplies Ready
ATV riding requires some essentials. You'll want to be prepared for a range of situations, so pack a mini toolkit, a first-aid kid, waterproof outerwear, a gallon of water, snacks, a flashlight, a knife, a fire starter, an extra gas can, a flat tire kit, and a map.
As you pack your supplies, make sure everything is securely fastened. You don't want loose items bouncing around during your ride and becoming a safety hazard. You also want to be sure you don't exceed the vehicle's gross weight capacity. Finally, be sure you distribute the weight evenly. Too much weight behind the rear axle can hurt your departure angle and clearance. Too much weight on the roof rack makes your quad less stable. Even weight distribution gives you optimized performance!
We hope you found these tips helpful! If you are looking to buy an ATV, visit Altus Motorsports. We offer a wide range of quads for sale. Our expert staff can help you find the perfect four-wheeler for your budget, riding level, and lifestyle. We are located in Altus, Oklahoma. We also proudly serve those in Amarillio, Texas.