Prevention Tools Water Identification Safety Jacket Warning Triangle Registration Paper Cellular Phone Maps Emergency Kit with Flashlight and First Aid Kit Tools Routine maintenance will generally elim- inate the need for emergency repairs. Riding on rough terrain could cause loos- ening of nuts, bolts, and fasteners. Espe- cially on long rides, carrying the right tools can prevent an inconvenience from becoming a crisis. Check: 1. Hi-beam 2. Lo-beam 3. Taillight/brakelight 4. Status/warning indicators 5. Hydraulic/mechanical parking and emergency w/brake lever lock 6. Ignition switch Oil and Fuel Start with a full tank of gas before every ride, and while you’re at it, top off the oil.
Don’t forget to check for fluid leaks around the ATV. Check: 1. Gas 2. Oil 3. Fluid leaks Chassis and Suspension Excessive road dirt and dust can gum-up your suspension and shocks. Clear and clean the suspension arms, shock springs, and fenders. Check smoothness by turn- ing the handlebar full-left and full-right. Check that there is no binding, restric- tions, free-play, or looseness in steering components. Carry these items on your ATV: 1. Bulbs 2. Duct tape 3. Rope 4. Spark plugs 5. Spare parts 6. Tool Kit Water Water is so important that you need to carry it regardless of the duration of your ride. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can creep up suddenly and can take you out of commission.
If you become dehy- drated, you could find yourself physi- cally unable to safely operate your ATV. Identification If something does happen to you, the emergency personnel will want to know who you are and whom to contact. It’s possible you may be in no condition to give them that information. Put your I.D. in your pocket before you ride. Without it, you’re anonymous. Safety Jacket If you have an accident or your ATV has a break-down on the highway or freeway and you climb down from your ATV, you must wear a safety jacket. First Aid and Survival Check: 1. Suspension arms 2. Shock springs 3. Fenders 4. Steering Miscellaneous Items Inspect your air filter.
Look for debris or damage that may indicate you need to replace it. A clogged filter can stop an engine. Check your battery terminals for corrosion. Also, be sure to tighten any loose parts, nuts, or bolts. Check: 1. Air filter 2. Battery 3. Tighten parts, nuts, and bolts You need to prepare for the unexpected. Emergencies and accidents are traumatic enough, but they’re even worse when you’re not prepared for them. At the min- imum during every ATV ride, you should have the following items on board: ! WARNING Indicates a potential hazard that could result in a severe injury or death. 16