An all-terrain vehicle is ideal for enjoying outdoor riding. Yet, it can be dangerous if operated recklessly. To ensure safer quad rides, follow the ATV safety tips listed below by Schell Distributing Inc. in Idaho Falls.

Want to learn how to drive an ATV? Although quads were initially intended for farm work, many people chose to ride them as a recreational off-road activity. If that's your case, you may be eager to get one of these vehicles to enjoy the countryside and its landscapes with family and friends. While ATVs are fun to ride, it's vital to recognize that they are not easy to handle. Since they are heavy and unstable, they run the risk of overturning or crashing if handled carelessly. Thus, riding a quad requires caution and skill. For ATV safety tips, keep reading this post from Schell Distributing Inc.

Keep your ATV in peak condition by giving it the most effective synthetic oil in Idaho Falls. For advice on what formulas to use during your ATV/UTV routine maintenance, reach out to the oil pros at Schell Distributing Inc. at (208) 524-0322. Don't forget to browse AMSOIL's online shop to place your order on the best products for your all-terrain engine.

Top 5 ATV Safety Tips for New Riders

Get Hands-On Training

As mentioned above, ATVs are not easy to ride. Hence, we recommend you take riding lessons before purchasing one. To follow this advice, start by looking for riding courses online. At training, you will receive theoretical insights into the operation of an ATV. Likewise, you will learn about the controls' function and the vehicle's operational limits. Then, you'll be asked to go to a test area to perform riding exercises accompanied by an instructor. Once you have completed the course, you will be ready to tackle the trails safely.

Wear Protective Equipment from Head to Toe

ATV riding involves high exposure to the elements. On the one hand, many people enjoy this close contact with the environment because of the feeling of freedom it brings. At the same time, such riding conditions increase the rider's vulnerability in the event of an incident. To improve your riding safety, wear the following protective gear:

• Helmet: This is the most critical piece of safety equipment, so much so that it can save your life. So be sure to wear a tight-fitting, DOT-stamped helmet every time you operate your ATV.
• Riding goggles: Eye protection improves riding comfort and safety, especially when passing through dusty trails.
• Gloves: These act as a protective barrier to minimize hand scrapes or injuries in the event of a fall.
• Jersey and pants: Covering your back, torso, arms, and legs is crucial to stay warm and comfortable. Also, protecting your skin prevents scrapes or injuries in the event of a fall.
• Riding boots: Wearing them supports your ankles and feet. You should wear boots with non-slip soles to minimize the risk of slipping on wet or muddy surfaces.

Keep Up with Your ATV's Preventive Maintenance

Your ATV needs special care to operate safely and reliably. That's why staying on top of its maintenance requirements is essential. To that end, check your quad's service intervals described in the owner's manual. In that regard, you'll need to find a reliable professional to whom you can entrust the care and repair of your quad. As for your involvement in the ATV's maintenance, thoroughly clean it from time to time. Likewise, don't forget to always perform a routine pre-ride inspection.

The continued use of AMSOIL's 5W-50 Synthetic ATV/UTV Motor Oil keeps your quad in reliable shape so you can enjoy safer off-road rides. Call Schell Distributing Inc. at (208) 524-0322 or visit AMSOIL's online store to place an order for the most effective synthetic oil in Idaho Falls.

Stay Off Paved Roads

Our next tip is to avoid riding your quad over paved surfaces. ATV tires are built to operate off-road. Thus, they have low pressure and a tread pattern designed to face rocky, muddy, or gravel roads. While such capabilities allow for a smooth ride through rough terrains, they can be troublesome on paved roads. So much so that you could hinder the machine's performance and lose control of it over the asphalt. In the face of such a risk, choose to limit your ATV's use to off-road surfaces.

Lastly, Don't Drink and Ride

Finally, avoid drinking alcohol before riding your ATV. Such advice may seem obvious, but some people think drinking a bit doesn't affect their riding performance. The truth is alcohol consumption impairs vision, concentration, reaction times, and other essential skills for safe riding. That being said, choose to operate your ATV sober at all times.

We hope you found our ATV safety tips helpful in becoming a safer rider. Contact Schell Distributing Inc. at (208) 524-0322 and talk to their oil experts about the benefits of getting the top synthetic oil change in Idaho Falls. Don't forget you can order high-quality products for ATV maintenance through AMSOIL's website.