12 Tips for Safe Winter Riding
Snow, ice, wind, and freezing temperatures—facing these winter weather conditions on your ATV or UTV is as adventurous as it gets. If you plan to face the elements for work or play, you need to make preparations to keep safe. To make sure you’re out of harm’s way, we’ve assembled a list of safe winter riding tips.
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1. Charge Your Battery:
Charge your vehicle’s battery or plug it into a tender and keep it out of the cold so it is more likely to work properly. Batteries don’t hold a charge as well when exposed to extreme cold.
2. Check Your Coolant
Coolant that’s frozen can damage your vehicle. Before your session, replace it with fresh coolant and antifreeze.
3. Check Your Tire Pressure
When the temperatures drop, your tire pressure can drastically change. Check your tire pressure with a gauge and inflate if necessary. Take a look at your owner’s manual for the correct tire pressure levels.
4. Have Your Winch Ready
When you need a winch to get you through tough terrain, you’ll want to make sure it’s in working order. Check to make sure the cable is free of ice and moving parts are lubricated.
5. Consider Vehicle Modifications
You can substitute wheels for tracks to get extra traction in heavy snow. A windshield can protect you from the wind as you ride. Hand guards, gauntlets, and seat warmers can help you stay out for longer rides. Plows can be attached to your off-road vehicle to clear snow. A full cab UTV with heating equipment and doors will help keep you warm in even the coldest conditions.
6. Gear Up
Protect yourself and stay warm with layers of clothing. This includes wearing fleece and thermal clothing as well as a waterproof jacket and pants. You will need gloves, boots, thick socks, fog resistant dual-pane goggles or a full-face helmet. Heated gear, either battery-powered or plugged into the machine, is a revelation.
7. Pack a Back-Up Kit
Bring tools for on-the-go ATV/UTV maintenance. Have a shovel ready. Portable traction pads may help your vehicle get through rugged conditions. Bring extra gear to stay dry and keep warm with layers. Take heating pads, blankets, and lights. Just like your vehicle’s battery, charge your cell phone battery and keep it warm. A satellite phone is a good idea for areas without cell service.
8. Let Your Vehicle Heat Up
Let the vehicle’s engine oil heat up so your engine doesn’t stop. Let it run for several minutes before you take it out. Avoid hitting high speeds or accelerating too quickly right away.
9. Ride Together
There’s safety in numbers. Ride with someone else that’s experienced. Have an emergency phone contact you can call. Share your riding plans with a friend or family member and keep track of time; it can get dark quickly and nighttime makes riding difficult with low visibility.
10. Stick to the Trails
Be respectful of other riders by following speed limits and stop signs. Check blindspots, corners, and drive slowly along ditches. Off-roading can be dangerous, as snowfall can cover obstacles such as boulders, fallen trees, ditches, or holes.
11. Avoid Ice
Be careful of icy conditions and drive cautiously. While some riders may be using their ATV/UTV for ice fishing, riding on lakes or rivers that are frozen-over can be risky with the weight of you and your equipment on your vehicle. Be sure to consult the local experts to ensure the proper ice thickness.
12. Ride in a Low Gear
Lower gears can give you greater control while powering through rough wintry terrain. While you’ll be moving at a slower speed, your vehicle will have the strength to go through mud, hills, and snow.
Safety comes first with winter riding. By making preparations, you and your vehicle will be ready to take on the toughest of conditions for a thrilling winter ride.
Ryan Miller
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