Riding on Snow Covered Surfaces
When performing the pre-ride inspection, pay special attention to locations on
the vehicle where snow and/or ice accumulations may obstruct visibility of the
taillight and reflectors, clog ventilation openings, block the radiator and fan, and
interfere with the movement of control levers, switches and brake pedal. Before
starting.. with your ATV check the steering, throttle and brake lever and pedal
controls for interference free operation.
Whenever an ATV is ridden on a snow covered drive path the tire grip is
generally reduced causing the vehicle to react differently to control inputs from
the operator. On low grip surfaces, the steering responses are not as crisp and
precise, stopping distances are lengthened and acceleration becomes
sluggish. Slow down and do not 'gun" the throttle. This will only result in
spinning of the tires and possibly in an over steering slide of the vehicle. Avoid
hard braking. This will possibly result in a straight line slide of the vehicle. Again,
the best advice is to safely reduce speed. anticipation of a maneuver so to give
yourself time and distance to regain total vehicle control before it spins out of
your control.
As you drive your ATV over a loose snow covered surface, snow dust will be
picked up in the wake turbulence of the moving vehicle and transported to
contact and accumulate or melt on some exposed components including
rotating parts like brake discs. Water, snow or ice may affect the response time
of the brake system of your ATV. Even when not required to reduce vehicle
speed apply brakes frequently to prevent ice or snow accumulation and to dry
brake pads and discs. While doing so in low risk driving situations you will test
for grip level and keep yourself alerted to how the vehicle reacts to your control
inputs. Always keep brake pedal, footrests, floor boards, brake and throttle
levers free of snow and ice.
Frequently wipe snow off seat, hand grips, headlights, taillights and reflectors.
The depth of the snow cover may hide rocks, tree stumps or other objects and if
is wet may totally impede the drivability as the vehicle becomes bogged down
or completely looses traction in slushy snow. Look far ahead and always be
watchful of any visible clues that might indicate the presence of such
obstacles. In doubt steer clear. Avoid driving on any frozen body of water
before checking that the ice will safely support the ATV. its riders and its load of
cargo. Remember that a given thickness of ice may be sufficient to support a
snowmobile but not an ATV of an identical weight because of the smaller load
bearing surface of the four tire contact patches as compared to that of a
snowmobile track and skis.
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