Tips for Riding Your UTV in the Snow
With winter covering everything around you in snow, you may be looking for a more efficient way of getting around rather than driving your commuter vehicle. Whether for work or pleasure, a UTV can help you go where you need to because it's built to handle difficult off-road conditions. Using your side by side during winter can be better than buying a new vehicle entirely!
As the leading Bobcat® UTV dealer in Pennsylvania and Maryland, Bobcat of York, Frederick, Hagerstown, and Adams County wants to help you get the most out of your vehicle. That’s why we’ve compiled some helpful tips about snow riding for you! For more information or if you’re looking for UTVs for sale near Lancaster, PA or Baltimore, MD, contact us and one of our helpful sales staff will gladly assist you!
Prepare Your UTV
Your side by side needs to be prepped for all the cold weather it’ll encounter. This means switching out some of the standard engine fluids for winter-specific products. Make sure there’s no excess water in your coolant that could freeze, and replace it with a product that’s safe for below-freezing temperatures. Many of your other engine fluids won’t freeze until well below 0℉, but it can’t hurt to check them before you ride.
To make sure your UTV performs well on the snow, there are some add-on features you can equip it with. You can use a snowplow attachment to clear paths for your UTV, other people, and even other vehicles. You’ll also want to upgrade to snow tires for more traction, or maybe even talk to our service staff about opting for tracks.
One reason that makes UTVs good for the cold weather rather than other powersports vehicles is their ability to provide full cover. Throw one of these on and you’ll be completely enclosed and protected from winter winds and snowfall. If you’re not into the full cover, you can also look into windshields to at least block some of the chill.
Stay Warm
The snow might make things chilly to begin with, but throw in the winds that’ll whistle past you when you’re traveling at top speeds and you’re probably going to get really cold even if you have that full cover. Inspect all your standard safety gear, including your helmet and goggles (if you have them). If you find your summer helmet is letting too much cold air in, consider getting a full-face motorcycle helmet for added insulation.
Riding around can make your hands get colder than the rest of your body so wear insulated gloves and even bring along hand warmers in your pockets. While layering will always be the best choice when it comes to the clothes you wear, you’ll probably want your outermost layers to be snow pants and a snow jacket. These are better suited for this kind of cold weather.
Some Snow Safety Practices
No matter how well-prepped your UTV is for the snow, you still have to be a responsible driver to ensure successful rides. There’s an increased risk that you skid off the trail or lose traction at a bad time. As tempting as it is to go full speed, keep things slow and steady, especially when going into a turn. Be wary of ice, especially if temperatures have been warming up. Follow all other standard safety practices, like staying sober and staying hydrated and rested.
We hope this information helps you get the most out of your side by side this winter! For more help or if you’re looking for Bobcat UTVs for sale in Pennsylvania or Maryland, get in touch with us at Bobcat of York, Frederick, Hagerstown, and Adams County. We’re very proud to be the leading UTV dealer in Lancaster, PA or Baltimore, MD!