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ATV Basics: Inspecting Your ATV Before You Ride

Nothing spoils an outing faster than mechanical problems. In some cases, malfunctioning equipment also can cause injuries.

  • Set the parking brake.
  • Consult your owner’s manual for items that may need to be lubricated, tightened, adjusted, aligned, or checked for wear.

Tires

ATV tires take a lot of punishment, so maintaining the correct tire pressure is critical.

  • Consult your owner’s manual for the recommended pressure.
  • Check the tire pressure before each trip. Over- or underinflated tires:
    • Can result in tire or wheel damage.
    • May change the handling characteristics of your ATV.

Key items include:

  • Wheels and lugnuts
  • Throttle
  • Foot shifter
  • Brakes
  • Air Filter
  • Drive chain or drive shaft
  • Steering system
  • Spark plugs
  • Lights
  • Engine stop switch
  • Spark arrestor/muffler
Always Make a Pre-Ride Inspection
  • Use a low-pressure gauge because ATV tire pressure is too low for standard auto tire gauges to read accurately.
  • Be sure all tires have the same pressure. Otherwise, vehicles may pull left or right.
  • Check for damage that could cause an air leak.

Routine Maintenance

Off-road riding puts a strain on your ATV, so it’s important to perform the scheduled maintenance recommended in your owner’s manual. You can avoid a breakdown and possible injury.

Indiana Department
of Natural Resources
Introduction
It's the Law!
ATV Basics
Snowmobile Basics
Off-Road Basics
Other Resources

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