The great thing about UTVs is they can function as a recreational vehicle or a utility vehicle. They’re built to handle tough terrain, unpredictable weather, and off-road areas. If you’re planning to use a UTV as an off-road vehicle, there are a few things to keep in mind.
1. Plan Ahead
Whenever you’re preparing for an off-road excursion, it’s especially important to make a plan in advance. You should know where you’re going, how you’re getting there, and what the rules are. Off-roading can be spontaneous, but there are advantages to knowing the plan ahead of time!
Gather research about the trails you want to ride and UTV guidelines in that specific area.
2. Stay Safe
Along with planning your trip, you should plan to stay safe on the trail. There are many different ways to safely enjoy a UTV outing, including having the right safety gear. Communicate with other members of your party and pay attention to posted signs. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times and don’t push your limits.
UTV safety isn’t only important for you, it’s important for all individuals enjoying the trail.
3. Inspect Your Vehicle
Another critical part of taking your UTV off-roading is to prepare the vehicle. Before every ride, take a quick look at your vehicle. Watch for signs of damage, leaks or problems. It’s never a bad idea to test the controls and brakes before you get going.
Along with pre-ride inspections, you should do a thorough inspection before you take your UTV anywhere to hit the trails. Complete any required maintenance, like oil changes and tire care, well before you’re headed to the trailhead. It’s much better to catch any issues when you’re still at home.
4. Double Check the Rules
We’ve already mentioned checking the posted signs and gathering information before your trip, but rules and regulations are so important we are going to mention them again. Each state, county, and sometimes specific trail has strict rules that must be followed by all UTV operators. If you are uncertain of any rules, check with local authorities prior to your ride.
5. Have Fun
It’s evident that there are a lot of precautions to take in order to have a successful ride, but really the best part about getting off-road is having fun! Being able to take your vehicle through rugged terrain and explore the outdoors is an awesome experience. When you’re able to make the right preparations, you can put your focus on the fun part when you ride.
If you’re planning your next UTV off-roading adventure, we encourage you to find your local Mahindra® dealer to schedule a service visit or stock up on the OEM parts you need.
