Whether it’s a forest trail or a tricky mountain path, you might be tempted to take your newly bought UTV straight into the dirt.
Read this article first and then plan your journey. You’d be amazed at how things many beginner UTV drivers overlook. Take notes if needed and enjoy!
Pre-Ride Safety
Strap in and take the necessary precautions before even getting into your UTV.
1. Off-Road Gear
No matter your age, you should wear a helmet when undertaking this type of vehicle. Even if you’re strapped in tight, getting your UTV rolled over will almost always result in a head injury without a helmet.
Secondly, a face shield or a pair of goggles offer the necessary eye protection. You don’t want sand getting into your eyes if you’re driving, even if it’s for just a second. Next on our list are over-the-ankle boots for the best grip on the footrests. Long, waterproof pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and a riding jacket are also necessary.
2. Do a Quick Checkup
No matter if it’s your first or 99th ride, always perform a quick maintenance check on your UTV before going off-road. Check for all the necessary Auto parts made for your vehicle; for example, a large segment of UTV drivers look for Polaris Ranger offroad accessories.
Don’t forget to check the tire pressure, look for possible leaks and cracks, tighten the axle nuts, and make sure every light and switch works properly.
3. Understand Your UTV
Look over the user manual if necessary, or some Youtube tutorials if you don’t understand your machine’s basic functions. Memorize where every important switch is located so that you’ll be able to control your UTV at all times.
Take your time to practice everything you’ve learned in a safe environment. Only once you feel confident enough to undertake the off-road should you do so.
Rookie Riding Tips
So you’ve got all of that prepping under control. Good. Now we can get to the really neat stuff.
4. Sit Right
There’s no set-in-stone correct position. However, the best practice is to sit in such a way that you’re comfortable and able to reach all the controls without a hitch. UTV seats should be adjusted to allow for comfortable distance to the pedals, and a relaxed driving position with the elbows bent.
You’ll avoid placing stress on your joints, elbows, muscles, and other parts of your body. Practice until you’re comfortable to start your UTV.
5. Understand the Terrain
Always look for tires and other pieces of equipment that match the terrain you will be riding on. Similarly, from a pure driving perspective, different landscapes call for different kinds of riding. You’ll want to get used to easy terrain before moving onto rockier or muddier stuff.
6. Bring Backup Gear
Who knows how long you’ll be driving? Make sure to bring plenty of water, some spare spark plugs, tools to repair your UTV, and other items you deem essential for how long you’re planning to ride.
Caution!
The subtitle says it all.
7. Don’t Drive Fast
You might be used to 60 mph on the highway, but trails are a completely different story. Take it slow and resist any urge to drive fast.
8. Research the Laws and Regulations
Finally, it’s important to always be up to date with the latest legislation so that you won’t get into trouble down the line. Remember to respect police officers and obey all the rules of the off-road as much s you obey the rules of the road.
Final Thoughts
If you follow these tips, we can almost guarantee that you’ll have a safe journey throughout all of the off-road areas you want to explore. We would also appreciate it if you could share this article with your friends if you’ve found any of this information useful.
Also, feel free to leave us a comment down below and start a discussion with the rest of our community. We’re always looking forward to reading new takes and ideas.
