How to Perform a Pre-Ride Inspection for Your ATV in 7 Easy Steps
When you’re getting ready for a full day of trail riding with your ATV, it can be easy to get overly excited and try to rush through some of the prep. But there are many steps involved in this process, each of which requires careful consideration. One of the most important pre-ride steps is to form a thorough inspection of your quad. The last thing you want is to be out on the trail and realize one of your tires isn’t properly inflated or you’ve run out of gas. That’s why Big St. Charles Motorsports has provided a complete guide to all the things you need to check before heading out on the trailer or even before loading it onto your trailer. Check them out for yourself, and contact our service department if you realize your four-wheeler is in some need of professional maintenance. We’re in St. Charles, Missouri, serving St. Louis and St. Peters.
1. Review Your Owner’s Manual
As with any maintenance check, the first thing you’ll want to do is review your owner’s manual. We can give you general tips, but the manual is where you’ll find specific recommendations pertaining to your particular ATV make and model. If you don’t have your manual, visit the manufacturer’s website and look for owner resources, where a copy may be available.
2. Fluid Check
Your quad runs on a slew of engine fluids to keep all the moving parts lubricated and the machine functioning properly. You’ll want to make sure these fluids are filled enough that they won’t create a problem and that they’re still in good condition. This includes:
- Engine oil
- Coolant
- Brake fluid
- Fuel
3. Other Performance Checks
Fluids aren’t the only aspects of your engine and overall quad that need to be checked to ensure top performance. This includes checking the air filter and even testing the suspension. The air filter should still be relatively clean and the parts of the suspension should be free from excessive wear and tear.
4. Tire Pressure and Condition
Your tires are the foundation of your four-wheeler, so make sure they’re ready to tackle the tough terrain you’ll be riding on. Use a tire pressure gauge to measure the psi levels in the tire. Compare that with recommendations from your owner’s manual to decide if they’re properly inflated, or if you’ll need to adjust these levels.
Also inspect the tire itself for signs of damage or wear and tear. Never ride on a compromised tire, especially if jagged debris could make the situation worse.
5. Electrical Connections and Lights
Even if you don’t think you’ll need your lights, check to make sure they’re working. You never know when the right combination of clouds and shade will make it difficult to see some of the debris on the ground. On top of this, there are other electrical connections you’ll want to test before heading out, including the ignition switch and the kill switch.
6. Test Out the Controls
When you’re in a safe place to do so, either around your property or near the trailhead, take your ATV for a quick test run. Try out the accelerator, the brakes, and the throttle to see how they feel and how the quad sounds. Remember that unusual sounds can be a sign that something’s malfunctioning that you can’t see or feel.
7. Perform a Last-Minute Inspection
Before completely clearing your four-wheeler to ride, simply take a moment to look it over for any general signs of problematic wear and tear or damage. It’s your last chance to avoid a preventable breakdown, so take a good, long look into every nook and cranny in the machine.
And at this point you’re ready to hit the trails! Assuming everything clears inspection. But if you realize you’ve got a maintenance problem that requires professional intervention, then contact Big St. Charles Motorsports in St. Charles, Missouri, right away. We’ll get you in with our experienced technicians as soon as possible so you can get back to doing what you love! We’re happy to help all those from St. Louis and St. Peters.