When the temperatures start to drop, some UTV owners might decide to put their machine in storage. If you’re not quite done riding, then prep your side-by-side for winter riding. The right upgrades will help you enjoy off-roading all year long, so check out the tips we here at Bright Power Sports in Lincoln Park, Michigan, have provided. We’ll help you get ready for a safe and exciting day on the trails. We also serve Detroit and all of Wayne County, so visit us today!
First things first: let’s turn our attention to your UTV. There are a few upgrades you can make to get it ready for the cold and the snow. For areas that regularly see temperatures below 0°F, you might want to look into specialized engine fluids that are better designed for this kind of cold. It might not be necessary for all parts of the country, as engine fluids are capable of accommodating freezing temperatures, but it can’t hurt to check and make sure things like coolant won’t create a problem for you.
There are also aftermarket parts that can make navigating the snow and biting cold a little easier. For example, you might want to upgrade to snow tires, or even tracks, to give you better traction during the winter. If you need to use your UTV for plowing, ask about snow plow attachments you can invest in to make clearing sidewalks and driveways faster and easier.
To provide a little more protection from the cold and the wind, consider pulling out the cover that you might not have used during the warmer months. This can give you protection from the wind and precipitation. Snowflakes are fun, but sludgy water can quickly make riders miserable. If you don’t have a cover, we suggest at the very least investing in a windshield to deflect some of the wind.
Next, we’ll make sure you’re ready for the cold. Remember that once the side-by-side gets going, the wind is going to make the ride much colder than it already is. Because of this, you’ll want to prioritize keeping in body heat. The best way to do this is to wear layers. Layers provide the best form of insulation, plus it makes it easy to cool off when you start to get too hot. We recommend three to four layers with a waterproof outermost layer.
Of course, your safety gear is still a must, but you might want to switch out your warm-weather gear for items that are more likely to keep the heat in. A more enclosed helmet and goggles with anti-fogging technology can help keep your face warm. We also highly recommend winter gloves with a couple of hand warmers in your pocket.
Once it’s time to start riding, you’ll want to practice diligence. Even with the right upgrades, riding in the snow is going to be a little trickier and it’s easy to lose traction. That’s why you’ll still want to slow down and take turns more carefully to avoid sliding. You’ll also want to try to avoid ice as much as possible, especially if it’s over a larger body of water. If it’s unavoidable, stick to the edges where the ice is thickest. And, as always, follow basic good riding practices, including staying sober, hydrated, and rested.
When you plan properly, you can continue to enjoy riding all year long, no matter how cold or snowy it is outside. Your UTV will be ready for the challenge. If you’d like to chat more about upgrades that might be useful, or if you’d like to look at our side-by-sides for sale, then stop by Bright Power Sports in Lincoln Park, Michigan, serving the city of Detroit and Wayne County.
