Summer is prime UTV riding season, and a busy few months can put your off-road vehicle through the wringer. All the extra activity and added heat can strain the engine, radiator, brakes and tires. Rain, humidity and crowded trails can also dampen your travel plans. Learn how to keep your crawler ready to ride while the weather lasts.
Gather Your Off-Road Safety Gear
No ride would be complete without a fitting off-road ensemble. Wear a half-face helmet to protect your head from a sudden impact and goggles to shield your eyes if your vehicle doesn’t have a windshield. Staying safe also makes it easy to communicate. Pair your safety gear with UTV headset communication to talk hands-free across long distances as you navigate the terrain. Wear long sleeves and pants when the interior is exposed to the outdoors to protect yourself from bug bites and prolonged sun exposure. Gloves help you maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel amid flying mud and dirt.
Clean the UTV Inside and Out
Wash the exterior with warm water and soap to remove stuck-on debris. Wax the body and lubricate exposed parts. Scrub the tires with a steel brush and remove any objects stuck in the tread. Clean the engine, radiator and other dirty areas underneath the hood. Wipe down the interior with antibacterial wipes. Leave clean surfaces to help your passengers keep a firm grip on the handlebars.
Check the Battery
Test the battery before peak season heats up to ensure it has sufficient charge to start the engine and power the electrical inputs. If the battery drops below 80 percent of its maximum output, replace it with a new one. Clean around the terminal and replace fraying connections.
Adjust Tire Pressure
Maintaining the ideal pressure for the terrain is your best defense against flats. Firm, rigid terrain demands higher PSI levels, while softer areas, such as sand and mud, require lower PSI levels. Replace the tires if the tread is worn or uneven, they are more than five years old or have weak spots. Check them after each ride to ensure they’re ready for the next day.
Pad Your Brakes
Check your brakes to ensure the vehicle comes to a complete stop and visually inspect the lines, rotors, gears and pads for damage. Rock crawling can be especially hard on the systems. Heat can also cause the braking fluid to boil, slowly increasing your stopping distance. Replace the brakes if they are more than 50 percent worn compared to the original specs.
Level Your Fluids
Temperature fluctuations make your fluids less effective. Heat increases the risk of coolant boiling, which makes it harder for the engine to cool. Consider upgrading the coolant system with a recovery tank that will collect any fluid that boils over. Heat can also burn off the oil, increasing friction between metal parts. Check your levels often and flush the systems as they fill with debris.
Prepare to Get Wet
Hurricane season, combined with increased humidity, can transform low-lying areas into swamps. Driving through several feet of water might sound like a no-brainer, but submerging your exhaust or air intake valve in water can cause the engine to backfire. The muddy water also leads to oxidation, reducing your UTV’s lifespan. Steer clear of flooded areas that put your equipment at risk, or use upgrades to relocate the exhaust and air intake above the waterline.
UTV Summer Riding Tips
Once your vehicle is ready to ride, use these tips to keep it on the trail all season long.
Make Maintenance a Habit
Start and end every day with a full UTV inspection, including the issues above. Avoid letting mud and stains sit overnight to prevent rust from forming. A long day of riding can drastically change the condition, especially if the vehicle is more than a few years old.
Watch for Overgrowth
Heavy rains and sunshine will cover the ground in greenery. Trails that aren’t regularly maintained can become overgrown with brush, as weeds and invasive species obscure signage.
Prepare for Traffic
Summer is the busiest time for UTV lovers, so don’t be surprised if your favorite trail gets backed up. Some parks may even restrict access once they reach capacity. Newer riders may stop in the middle of the trail, which can lead to collisions. Reduce your speed on busy days to account for the unexpected and utilize a wireless UTV communication system to alert your group when hazards appear.
Don’t Overdo It
Long trips in the heat without air conditioning will stress the body and may lead to heat stroke. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and stop every couple of hours to rest. Driving off-road requires constant attention and engages various muscles, which can leave you exhausted — even if it doesn’t feel like exercise. Watch for symptoms of heat stroke, including dizziness, nausea, fatigue and impaired mental function, as well as delayed reactions. That’s your cue to seek a cool, indoor environment.
Temperatures are gradually rising, and some days may be too hot to ride. Stay indoors when the heat index, which measures the combined effect of temperature and humidity, is 103°F (39°C) or higher.
It’s Time for a Hot UTV Summer
Make the most of peak riding season by taking care of your equipment and using the proper safety gear. Summer can present additional challenges that affect your overall safety and comfort. Keep these tips in mind to prepare for anything that comes your way.
