Winter Tips
COLD WEATHER PRESENTS SERIOUS CHALLENGES TO ATV USERS HERE'S HOW TO TAME IT
If you're planning to use your ATV frequently this winter, here are some steps you can take to ensure trouble-free operation in cold weather.
MAINTENANCE 1. ADD A CARB HEATHER
Check your owner's manual for any cold-weather instructions specific to your machine. Some models, for example, will work better in the cold if a carburetor heater is installed.
2. SWITCH OILS
Service technicians I know in Wisconsin are recommending that customers switch to a synthetic oil such as Mobil 1 for cold-weather use.
Mineral-based motor oil begins to thicken at 20 degrees above zero, and will not flow at all when temperatures reach minus 30 degrees. The viscosity of synthetic oil, however, is unaffected by temperature which means it will provide instant lubrication when you start your engine, ever after your ATV has been sitting outside your ice shanty all night. This spares the engine a great deal of wear.
3. CHECK BATTERY
Cold weather diminishes the cranking power of your battery, so make sure it's in good condition and the terminal connections are clean and tight.
4. TOP OFF YOUR FUEL TANK
Ice-clogged fuel passages can be a big problem in extreme cold. Using your ATV in damp winter weather, or even moving it from a warm garage to the cold and back again, can cause moisture to condense in the fuel tank (particularly if it's steel). Keep the tank full, and regularly add an isopropyl alcohol additive to the fuel.
5. STOP SALT CORROSION
When you trailer your ATV in the winter, protect it from road-salt corrosion by spraying down the suspension and brakes with a silicone water dispersant. This is why they sell gallon jugs of WD-40.
If you can, rinse the ATV after each trip and let it dry in a warm garage.
6. WATCH OUT FOR ICE-UP
If you ride in the snow, watch for ice that can form on the radiator or fan shroud of liquid-cooled models. Ice will block air-flow through the radiator. As the engine gets hot, the automatic fan may turn off and if it's clogged with ice the fan or its motor could be destroyed. This is very common when an ATV is used for plowing and snow sifts over the blade.
7. MAKE A QUICK SIPHON
An outboard motor fuel line makes a great siphon for draining your fuel tank. Clip the fittings off each end of the line and use the primer bulb in the middle as a pump, either to start a siphon flow or even to move gas uphill when you have to. It's also easy to pack for field use.
8. CHECK THE LINKAGE
Always check the throttle linkage for ice, which can form when a wet ATV is parked in freezing weather.
SNOW TRAVEL 9. WATCH THE WEATHER
Conditions can deteriorate quickly in winter. Always check the local forecast before setting out and keep an eye on the weather. If conditions worsen, turn back or seek shelter.
10. SAY 'NO' TO SOFT SNOW
Riding on soft or unpacked snow can damage the underlying terrain. Stick to packed trails and always seek permission to access private property.
11. PACK A SURVIVAL KIT
In addition to a tool kit, carry a winter survival kit that includes a collapsible snow shovel, a tent, a sleeping bag, firestarters a back-packing stove and food.
12. STAGY LEGAL
ATVs are not always allowed on snowmobile trails. Check with local police to find out which trails are okay for ATV use.
13. DRESS RIGHT
Always make sure you're dressed appropriately for winter conditions. A snow-mobiling suit with warm gloves and a hat should be considered a minimum.
WINCHING OUT 14. INCREASE YOUR POWER
Use a snatch-block pulley to increase your ATV's winching power. Throw a coat or sleeping bag over the winch cable to prevent an accidental and potentially dangerous backlash.
15. DON'T SNAP THE STRAP
Because it's designed to stretch, a nylon recovery strap should never be used to extend the reach of a winch cable. If the recovery strap or cable breaks, the stored energy could cause the cable to rebound violently.
Heated hand grips and a windshield that's tall enough to protect your face are key to keeping warm on your ATV in winter.
CHAINS VS. STUDS
Most ATV tires deliver decent traction on packed snow, but if you're plowing or headed out on bare lake ice, you should consider the additional bite offered by fire chains or studs.
Tire chains deliver optimal traction on ice. You can also take them off when you don't need them. The disadvantage is that chains limit your speed to about 5 mph. The force of a broken chain whipping off a tire at 20 mph will throw it right through a plastic ATV fender and could cause severe injury to the rider. This is why we recommend that you secure the connector link with a piece of high-strength safety wire (available at most motorsports dealers).
Ice studs have hardened steel heads, often with sharp points on each comer. Use a nut driver to screw two or three studs into each tire lug. A bag of 1,000 studs costs about $50. The disadvantage, of course, is that you'll need to either remove the studs in spring or change tires.
STAY WARM THIS WINTER
Here are some quick tips to keep the cold from spoiling your fun while you ride in snow. WINDSHIELD: install a windshield that's tall enough to protect your face, torso and hands. Tile Moose Fairing Windshield ($180; http://mooseutilities.com/) combines a clear windscreen with a thicker, polyethylene lower section that incorporates hand-guards. It attaches easily using quick-release handlebar clamps that fit most ATV models. HOT HANDS: Make winter riding even more comfortable by installing a set of heated handgrips. Kits available from Polaris and Arctic Cat plug right into those models, and aftermarket kits from Kimpex and Moose will work on almost any ATV. Prices range from about $40 to $70. To avoid a dead battery, be sure to wire the grips to a circuit that's powered only when the engine is running.
A COOL KIT TO WINCH WITH
The Warn ATV Accessory Kit ($92, 800-910-1122: http://warn.com/) features winching gear that's scaled down for ATV duty so it's lighter and easier to pack than gear designed for truck winching.
Included is an 8-foot-long 1-inch-wide nylon tree-trunk protector anchor strap, a shackle rated to 4,000 pounds and a snatch block rated to 7,000 pounds. A black Cordura nylon bag holds it all, with room to spare for gloves and perhaps a length of chain.
Warn has also published The Basic Guide to Winching Techniques, available free from Warn customer service (800-543-9276).
By: Plueddeman, Charles, Outdoor Life, Oct2006
If you're planning to use your ATV frequently this winter, here are some steps you can take to ensure trouble-free operation in cold weather.
MAINTENANCE 1. ADD A CARB HEATHER
Check your owner's manual for any cold-weather instructions specific to your machine. Some models, for example, will work better in the cold if a carburetor heater is installed.
2. SWITCH OILS
Service technicians I know in Wisconsin are recommending that customers switch to a synthetic oil such as Mobil 1 for cold-weather use.
Mineral-based motor oil begins to thicken at 20 degrees above zero, and will not flow at all when temperatures reach minus 30 degrees. The viscosity of synthetic oil, however, is unaffected by temperature which means it will provide instant lubrication when you start your engine, ever after your ATV has been sitting outside your ice shanty all night. This spares the engine a great deal of wear.
3. CHECK BATTERY
Cold weather diminishes the cranking power of your battery, so make sure it's in good condition and the terminal connections are clean and tight.
4. TOP OFF YOUR FUEL TANK
Ice-clogged fuel passages can be a big problem in extreme cold. Using your ATV in damp winter weather, or even moving it from a warm garage to the cold and back again, can cause moisture to condense in the fuel tank (particularly if it's steel). Keep the tank full, and regularly add an isopropyl alcohol additive to the fuel.
5. STOP SALT CORROSION
When you trailer your ATV in the winter, protect it from road-salt corrosion by spraying down the suspension and brakes with a silicone water dispersant. This is why they sell gallon jugs of WD-40.
If you can, rinse the ATV after each trip and let it dry in a warm garage.
6. WATCH OUT FOR ICE-UP
If you ride in the snow, watch for ice that can form on the radiator or fan shroud of liquid-cooled models. Ice will block air-flow through the radiator. As the engine gets hot, the automatic fan may turn off and if it's clogged with ice the fan or its motor could be destroyed. This is very common when an ATV is used for plowing and snow sifts over the blade.
7. MAKE A QUICK SIPHON
An outboard motor fuel line makes a great siphon for draining your fuel tank. Clip the fittings off each end of the line and use the primer bulb in the middle as a pump, either to start a siphon flow or even to move gas uphill when you have to. It's also easy to pack for field use.
8. CHECK THE LINKAGE
Always check the throttle linkage for ice, which can form when a wet ATV is parked in freezing weather.
SNOW TRAVEL 9. WATCH THE WEATHER
Conditions can deteriorate quickly in winter. Always check the local forecast before setting out and keep an eye on the weather. If conditions worsen, turn back or seek shelter.
10. SAY 'NO' TO SOFT SNOW
Riding on soft or unpacked snow can damage the underlying terrain. Stick to packed trails and always seek permission to access private property.
11. PACK A SURVIVAL KIT
In addition to a tool kit, carry a winter survival kit that includes a collapsible snow shovel, a tent, a sleeping bag, firestarters a back-packing stove and food.
12. STAGY LEGAL
ATVs are not always allowed on snowmobile trails. Check with local police to find out which trails are okay for ATV use.
13. DRESS RIGHT
Always make sure you're dressed appropriately for winter conditions. A snow-mobiling suit with warm gloves and a hat should be considered a minimum.
WINCHING OUT 14. INCREASE YOUR POWER
Use a snatch-block pulley to increase your ATV's winching power. Throw a coat or sleeping bag over the winch cable to prevent an accidental and potentially dangerous backlash.
15. DON'T SNAP THE STRAP
Because it's designed to stretch, a nylon recovery strap should never be used to extend the reach of a winch cable. If the recovery strap or cable breaks, the stored energy could cause the cable to rebound violently.
Heated hand grips and a windshield that's tall enough to protect your face are key to keeping warm on your ATV in winter.
CHAINS VS. STUDS
Most ATV tires deliver decent traction on packed snow, but if you're plowing or headed out on bare lake ice, you should consider the additional bite offered by fire chains or studs.
Tire chains deliver optimal traction on ice. You can also take them off when you don't need them. The disadvantage is that chains limit your speed to about 5 mph. The force of a broken chain whipping off a tire at 20 mph will throw it right through a plastic ATV fender and could cause severe injury to the rider. This is why we recommend that you secure the connector link with a piece of high-strength safety wire (available at most motorsports dealers).
Ice studs have hardened steel heads, often with sharp points on each comer. Use a nut driver to screw two or three studs into each tire lug. A bag of 1,000 studs costs about $50. The disadvantage, of course, is that you'll need to either remove the studs in spring or change tires.
STAY WARM THIS WINTER
Here are some quick tips to keep the cold from spoiling your fun while you ride in snow. WINDSHIELD: install a windshield that's tall enough to protect your face, torso and hands. Tile Moose Fairing Windshield ($180; http://mooseutilities.com/) combines a clear windscreen with a thicker, polyethylene lower section that incorporates hand-guards. It attaches easily using quick-release handlebar clamps that fit most ATV models. HOT HANDS: Make winter riding even more comfortable by installing a set of heated handgrips. Kits available from Polaris and Arctic Cat plug right into those models, and aftermarket kits from Kimpex and Moose will work on almost any ATV. Prices range from about $40 to $70. To avoid a dead battery, be sure to wire the grips to a circuit that's powered only when the engine is running.
A COOL KIT TO WINCH WITH
The Warn ATV Accessory Kit ($92, 800-910-1122: http://warn.com/) features winching gear that's scaled down for ATV duty so it's lighter and easier to pack than gear designed for truck winching.
Included is an 8-foot-long 1-inch-wide nylon tree-trunk protector anchor strap, a shackle rated to 4,000 pounds and a snatch block rated to 7,000 pounds. A black Cordura nylon bag holds it all, with room to spare for gloves and perhaps a length of chain.
Warn has also published The Basic Guide to Winching Techniques, available free from Warn customer service (800-543-9276).
By: Plueddeman, Charles, Outdoor Life, Oct2006
posted by James at 5:18 PM
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