Taking the Quad Out This Winter? We Suggest These 5 Safety Tips
It's winter, and for many of us that means mud, snow, and cold when we’re out there off-roading. Your quad can handle all three conditions. But let’s focus on you and your safety for a bit.
Preventive maintenance, common sense, and the right cold weather gear are essential to keep you safe out there.
Here are five safety tips that will keep you where you want to be - on your quad even during the cold months.
No. 1: Never Ride Alone and Other Trail Rules
During the winter, there are less people on the trails than during the summer months. That combined with shorter days and longer nights can make it more dangerous to undergo a mechanical breakdown and longer exposure to the elements. Riding with others can make the job go faster, and in extreme examples allow an evacuation or rescue.
Trail etiquette is another way to assure safety in the winter months. Here are some bullet points that will make the ride safer for you and others:
If a snowmobile trail is open to ATV use, respect all posted trail signs, stop signs, follow speed limits, and yield to snowmobiles
Be aware of your surroundings, especially in blind corners and long straightaways
Stay on known trailways, as snow can hide what’s beneath the surface (hidden boulders, fallen trees, drop-offs, water).
No. 2: Dress in the Right Layers
The best way to be prepared for cold, wind, and wet is to dress in layers, but not just any layers - plan your winter layers with some logic behind them.
Typically, a three-layer system is optimal:
- Layer 1 or base layer: Thermal underwear or under layer with wicking to control moisture (which is a major contributor to decreasing body temp)
- Layer 2 or insulating layer: A pullover or fleece to retain body heat and protect from cold, preferably one that is closer to the skin and tighter to the body, which is preferable vs. layers that are too loose and open to airflow
- Layer 3 or outer layer: An outer shell that can shield you from wind and rain, such as a weatherproof jacket or coat. Consider those with an inner lining made with technical material meant to retain body heat without causing extra moisture.
No. 3: Know the Terrain
Knowing the conditions of the trail or terrain you are headed out on is vital to your safety when winter riding.
Here are some safety rules to follow depending on terrain:
- A frozen lake must have at least six inches of solid ice to ride on
- For snow covered trails stay in low gear for consistent momentum and high torque
- For ice and snow, especially on hills, think about adding traction to tires
No. 4: Have an Emergency Plan and Charge Your Phone
A fully charged mobile phone is essential safety gear for every ATV rider, especially in winter months when the cold can drain your battery fast. Bringing an external charger is also a wise choice.
Before you head out, make sure to tell at least one person your destination and time you plan to return. Have emergency numbers on hand or a plan for getting help if you need it.
No. 5: Have the Right Tools
It's essential to carry a tool kit for the conditions of your ride during all seasons.
When riding in the winter, think about adding a collapsible shovel for digging out of a snowbank or muddy rut, and portable traction pads for slick surfaces like ice.
You should also have a winch cable on hand, but make sure it is free of ice by adding a coat of spray-on oil to keep it functioning when you need to rely on it.
Besides a winch cable and collapsable shovel, consider these accessories to combat harsh winters conditions and keep you going:
- Tire chains or traction gear
- Engine block heater
- Handlebar muffs
- Adjustable windshield
With a little preparation and consideration to what elements you will encounter, time spent riding in the snow and ice can not only be safer, but put your mind at ease to really dig into the terrain and enjoy the experience.
POWER UP with VITO’S
Since 1998, Vito’s Performance has been supplying the world with top-quality and hard-to-find ATV parts for builders and enthusiasts alike. We specialize in the Yamaha Banshee and the Yamaha Blaster, and carry parts for all Yamaha Raptors, the Yamaha Warrior, Honda 300ex and 400ex, and the Honda TRX450r. For assistance with all performance products, contact Vito’s Performance online or call (248) 969-9168.