UTV Riding Tips

If you’re considering buying a UTV, it’s important that you learn how to drive it. This might seem intimidating for beginners, so we’ve gathered everything you need to know in this UTV riding guide. Read on for some helpful tips. Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors or getting down to business at a job site, you’ll be glad to be ahead of the game when you get started.

Know Your UTV

This might seem obvious, but you want to familiarize yourself with your side-by-side and how it works before you head out for your first adventure. Not all models are identical, so you’ll want to review the owner’s manual and learn how to operate yours before you get started.

If it’s your first time, you’ll want to practice in an open field before you hit the trails. This will give you some time to get comfortable manipulating the controls and learning how it handles.

Choose the Right Safety Gear

You and your passengers will need to invest in the right safety gear to protect yourself from dangerous situations. Everyone will need to have a well-fitting helmet with a high crash test rating. Either a motorcycle helmet or a motocross helmet will do the trick. The latter option is more lightweight and will be comfortable when driving at slower speeds. Keep in mind that you’ll need to wear goggles with this type of helmet to protect your eyes from flying debris. Alternatively, motorcycle helmets provide full-face protection with visors but they can feel hot and heavy when operating a UTV.

Your attire is significant as well. Remember that the open sides of your vehicle leave you vulnerable to injuries, so you should wear protective clothing. Your side-by-side comes with a storage compartment, which is where you can store crucial safety gear. Some important items include an emergency radio, a repair kit with tire patches, a first-aid kit for minor injuries and illnesses, and a flashlight.

Prepare to Get Dirty

UTVs kick up plenty of debris, dust, mud, and rocks as they navigate over challenging terrain. Be cautious when riding over creeks and through mud puddles as you’re likely to get splashed. This is not the time to wear your favorite clothes that you want to keep pristine and clean. Instead, you should wear clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty. You can keep your essentials and equipment while you ride in one of the secure storage compartments so they’re protected from water damage.

You’re now officially ready to get out there and start riding your UTV. We hope that these tips have been helpful. If you’d like more information, contact us at Nielsen Enterprises. We can also help you choose the right model for your needs. You’ll find us in Lake Villa, IL, where we proudly serve all those in Chicago, IL, and Milwaukee, WI.