Riding your ATV in the Winter
The temperatures may be dropping, and sure it can get particularly cold near Denver, but that doesn’t mean your ATV fun has to end. While some people may store their ATV away for the season, there are still others who keep theirs running all winter long. The trick is to know how to prepare for winter riding so you’re safe and warm. Here at Peak Honda World, we want you to have the opportunity to experience ATVtrails during some of the most beautiful times of the year, so we’ve provided some pro-tips for winter riding. Take a look, and if your ATV needs repairs or maintenance, stop by our location in Littleton, Colorado.
Safety First
As always, you’ll want to prioritize safety. This means making sure you’re wearing all the standard protective gear, including helmets, clothing made of durable material, and riding boots. Nothing else you wear should compromise on safety. Don’t expect the snow to cushion your fall should you get thrown from the vehicle.
Stay Warm
When you’re sure you’ve got everything you need for safety, the next priority is staying warm. Colorado winters can get really cold and you’ll probably be out in temperatures that are below freezing. The key to staying warm is layers. This will provide proper insulation while also allowing you to cool off if you start to overheat. After you’ve put on a few layers, if you know it’s going to be wet or snowy out, make sure your outermost layer is waterproof so you won’t be miserable by the end of the day. If you expect to spend a great deal of time in particularly cold temperatures, you might want to invest in clothes with built-in heaters. It can be a little much for some days, but it may be helpful for below-freezing days. You can get heated jackets and gloves.
Check your Ride
Before you head out for the winter, you’ll want to make sure your ATV can handle winter weather. Start with winter upgrades. If you know you’re going to be riding in snow a lot, you’ll need wider tires to increase the support base and make it hard to turn over. You’ll also want to make sure your fluids are equipped to handle the cold weather. You might need to invest in oil better suited for freezing temperatures and you might want to add antifreeze to keep condensation from freezing in your gas tank and causing a rupture. If it gets really cold, your carburetor could be at risk, so if you know this might affect you, look for a carb heater.
Whether you check before, during, or after your ride, look for ice and snow dams. This is just a collection of material, snow or ice depending on temperature and location, and can cause your ATV to slow down and can even damage it. Washing your ATV regularly can protect you from this, as well as any corrosive road salt you might encounter.
Get the Right Gear
If you know you’re going to be out in the snow, there is some extra equipment you can invest in to make your life easier. There are snow plows that attach to the front of your quad to clear away the snow directly in front of your vehicle. You can also invest in snow tires or snow tracks to help you power through the powder. But even with snow gear, your ATV can still get stuck. Make sure you have a winch so you can get yourself out of a rut. You can also get a tow strap if you know someone else will be there to bail you out.
Rules of the Trail
If you’re just looking for a trail to have some ATV fun on, make sure you do your homework ahead of time. Not all trails allow ATVs if there’s snow on the ground so make sure you’re complying with all trail rules.
Some other good rules to follow include allowing snowmobiles to pass you. Snowmobiles tend to be faster, so if you hear one coming up behind you, pull off and allow them to go ahead. You should always ride in a group so as to minimize the possibility of getting stranded. Watch out for debris hidden under the snow that could damage your ride or hurt you, and be especially careful around ice. Hopefully, your trail avoids ice altogether but only travel over ice if you know it’s completely safe.
When you’re being smart and safe, riding your ATV in the winter can be incredibly fun. If you want some tips on the best snow trails for ATVs, or if your ride needs some maintenance before heading out, stop by Peak Honda World in Littleton, Colorado, just outside of Denver.
