Riding Your UTV In The Snow

When snow covers the ground around you, you start to look for more efficient ways of getting around. Or you may not want to give up on your favorite outdoor pastimes and be stuck indoors all day. Whatever the case is, you can use a powersports vehicle, like your side by side, to navigate across the snow if you take the time to make some special preparations for it. Yes, you can make use of your trusty UTV year-round instead of only in the summer.

We at The Sports Center like to ensure that powersports enthusiasts stay safe when they’re out on their off-road vehicles. To help you with that, we’ve compiled this guide about using your UTV in the snow. For additional help or to check out some top-notch UTVs for sale in Perry, GA, visit our dealership and we’ll show you what we have in stock. We’re here for all the powersports needs of our friends from Macon and Columbus.

Prep Your UTV for the Cold

You have to begin by ensuring that your UTV is ready for the cold weather. This involves you switching out some of your standard engine fluids with ones made more specifically for winter. 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 help your UTV perform better in the snow, you can get some add-on features installed that boost performance. You can use a snowplow attachment to clear paths for your side by side, 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.

A big advantage of using a UTV for snow riding is you’ll have access to a 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

There’s no point in prepping your UTV for the cold if you yourself are unable to handle the weather. 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 your teeth will probably start to chatter, even if you have that full coverage. This will need to include 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.

You want to keep your hands warm because you’re going to be relying on them, so wear insulated gloves and even carry hand warmers along with you. 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.

Snow Safety Practices

Now that both you and your UTV have everything to help you tackle the snow, make sure you know how to modify your habits and practices when you’re behind the wheel. There’s still 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. And, as always, follow all other standard safety practices, like staying sober and staying hydrated and rested.

We hope you’ll find these tips helpful whenever you decide to take your side by side out in the snow. If you’re still looking for the reliable and sturdy UTV to call your own, visit The Sports Center at our location in Perry, GA and we’ll help you select the right machine for you. If you’re looking for UTVs for sale in Macon or Columbus, get in touch with our sales department today!