Getting Familiar With Your ATV Chapter 3 Performing a Pre-ride Inspection Tool Kit Emergency situations can arise with any motor vehicle; running out of fuel, a burned out headlight at night, or unknown hazards on the trail. These situations are not only inconvenient, but can result in unsafe con- ditions for ATV riders. An easy way to remember what to check before riding is the acronym T-CLOC. Tyres and wheels 1. Air pressure - Always have the recom- mended tyre pressure. Be sure front tyres and both rear tyres are inflated to equal pres- sure. If the tyre pressure on one side is high- er than the other side, the vehicle may pull to one side. 2.
Condition - Check for cuts or gouges that could cause air leakage. 3. To avoid loss of control or injury, make sure axle nuts are tightened and secured by cotter pins. Check these before every ride. T Riding off-road is not like being on a freeway with your car - a tow truck is not just a phone call away. Since ATVs are for off-road use only, riders must be prepared by taking the right safety precautions. Fortunately, most ATV problems can be fixed on the trail if you carry a minimum assortment of tools and spare parts and know how to use them. Each ATV comes with a basic set of tools. Along with tools you should carry an extra spark plug (or two).
On extended rides or long trips, more than the basic tools should be carried to help make repairs, such as: electrical tape, spare bulbs, mechanic wire, duct tape, knife, a flashlight if your ride after dark, and a tow strap or length of rope that can be used if repairs are not possible. These items should be carried in an addition to a well-stocked survival kit (page 21). Controls and Cables 1. Controls - Check the location of all the controls by sitting on the ATV. Make sure they work properly, and are comfortable to use. 2. Throttle and other cables - Make sure the throttle moves smoothly and snaps closed with the handlebars in any position. An off- road environment is hard on cables. 3.
Brakes - Do the controls operate smoothly and are the controls adjusted according to the owner’s manual? Are they positioned for easy reach? Your brakes are a crucial part of riding and must always be in tip-top condition. 4. Foot shifter - Is it firmly attached and positioned for safe operation? 5. Are the controls comfortable to use? Make adjustments as required. C Following your owner’s manual maintenance sched- ule will help prevent most breakdowns, but once in a while your ATV may fail. If you are riding kilo- metres from help, carrying the above items could save you a long walk. Remember you will not have your walking shoes on! Lights and Electrics 1.
Ignition switch (if equipped) - Check the condition of the switch and make sure it works properly by switching it off and on during your warm-up period 2. Engine stop switch - Does it turn off the engine? 3. Headlight, stop and taillight (if equipped) - Are they working? You could be caught out after dark. L Chapter 3 - Quiz 1. To learn the location of the ATV’s controls, read the owner’s manual. True False 2. A rider should know the location and function of all the controls on an ATV before riding. True False Oil and Fuel 1. Do not get stranded because you are out of oil or fuel. Know your ATV’s cruising range. 2. Check oil level with dipstick or sight glass while the engine is off.
Check your owner’s manual for procedure. 3. Always start your ride with a full fuel tank. 4. Check for fuel or oil leaks. 5. Take off the filter cover and check the condition of the air filter element. Be sure it is oiled and clean and not torn or blocked. O 3. Looking at the controls while riding is a safe action. True False 4. You should keep your feet on the footrests at all times. True False 5. You should engage the parking brake after safely dismounting your ATV. True False 6. If you do not inspect your ATV before riding, you decrease your chances of an accident. True False Chain and 1. Chain - Inspect, adjust and lubricate the chain regularly.
Your chain is the vital link from the engine to the wheels. Check for chain slack or free play so that it is within specifications as described in your owner’s manual. 2. Drive shaft - If our ATV is equipped with a drive shaft rather than a drive chain, check for oil leaks. Maintain its oil supply as out- lined in your owner’s manual. 3. Nuts’n’Bolts - Riding in rough terrain will loosen parts. Look and feel for loose parts while the engine is off. Shake handlebars, footrests etc., before each ride and periodi- cally check fasteners. 4. Check shock absorbers and mounting bolts. drive shaft chassis C 7. Improper tyre pressures may affect the operation of an ATV. True False 8.
To remember the pre-ride inspection procedure, use the acronym T- CLOC. True False 9. The basic ATV tool kit is enough to carry when going on extended rides. True False 10.It is best to use genuine replacement parts for your ATV. True False 9