UTV Summer Riding Tips
Utility task/terrain vehicles or UTVs have become indispensable in many industries, and they also make excellent recreational off-roading vehicles. Their rugged tires make it possible to ride UTVs over all sorts of types of terrain in many different riding conditions, including extreme heat.
However, you’ll want to take care to avoid heatstroke, dehydration or severe sunburn while you’re riding your UTV in the heat. You won’t have the benefit of air conditioning to keep you cool and some UTVs don’t even have roofs to shield you from the hot sun. So what are you supposed to do in that oppressive summer heat and humidity when you still want or need to ride your UTV?
Altus Motorsports is your southwestern Oklahoma UTV dealer. Here are our best tips for beating that Oklahoma heat this summer while you ride your UTV, whether for work or for play.
1. Dress Appropriately
While you might want to ride in shorts, flip-flops and a T-shirt, this really won’t fly on a UTV. You don’t want to be vulnerable in the event of a crash or other issue. Wear clothes that protect your skin from the sun without trapping heat. Breathable fabrics that can wick away moisture will help you to stay cool; wear the lightest colors possible to deflect sunlight. The bonus of wearing long sleeves and pants in summer is that you expose less of your bare skin to the sun, reducing your risk of sunburn and keeping you cooler.
Your most important piece of safety gear, a helmet, remains a necessity, no matter how hot it is outside. You may want to swap out your heavy motorcycle helmet for a lighter motocross helmet with goggles for hot-weather riding. Breathable gloves and sturdy boots will keep your hands and feet protected.
2. Avoid Direct Sunlight
While this may not be possible if you’re riding over a prairie, it’s a good idea to stick to the shade as much as you can while riding your UTV in the summer. Try to find nature paths that are in wooded areas with lots of shade that will keep you cool. Remember to apply sunscreen liberally to exposed skin and touch it up every few hours, because you can get a burn from even a few minutes in the sun.
3. Keep Yourself Hydrated
This is a standard tip for hot weather, regardless of what you’re doing. Dehydration can set in quickly, and even a mild case can be disorienting and fatiguing, which is especially dangerous when you’re operating heavy machinery like a UTV. Your body will lose a lot of water and electrolytes through sweat, and you need to replenish those lost fluids and salts to keep yourself hydrated and healthy. Bring bottles of water to sip on breaks or wear a hydration pack you can sip from as you ride. Carry a salty snack or sports drink with you for those electrolytes.
4. Take Frequent Breaks
Finally, don’t be afraid to take breaks while riding your UTV or even to cut your ride short if you become exhausted from the heat. Taking breaks in the shade will let you cool down and give you an opportunity to reapply sunscreen, stretch your legs, drink water and have a snack before you hop back in the driver’s seat. Ten to fifteen minutes every few hours will do, but take as long as you need to recover your strength and lower your body temperature.
Still in the market for a UTV? Browse our website to check out the fine selection of new and used UTVs for sale at our dealership in Altus, OK. Altus Motorsports proudly serves the city of Amarillo, TX.