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Any water that enters the brakes
while you ride may freeze after you
park your ATV. The frozen water can
prevent the wheels from turning or the
brakes from working. After riding
through water, mud, snow, or slush, it
is important to dry the brakes before
parking the ATV. To dry the brakes,
apply them several times while riding
slowly. Before your next ride, be sure
to do a pre-ride inspection as
described earlier in this section.
Dressing for Cold Weather Riding
Riding in cold weather can be hazard-
ous. At a temperature of 10°F (–
12°C), the wind chill created by going
just 10 mph (16 km/h) makes you as
cold as if you were standing still at a
temperature of –9°F (–23°C). At this
temperature, exposed flesh will freeze
in just a few minutes.
Continued exposure to cold tempera-
tures can also lead to hypothermia.
Hypothermia occurs when your
body’s inner temperature drops.
Symptoms include numbness in the
extremities (hands, feet, arms, and
legs), and shivering. Damp clothing
contributes to hypothermia because
cold water on your skin will drain heat
from your body’s core.
WARNING
Operating the ATV without a prop-
erly functioning brake system can
be hazardous.
Wet or frozen brakes will increase
stopping distance. This will
increase your chance of having an
accident.
Be sure to inspect the brakes
before each use of the vehicle in
cold weather as described above.
WARNING
Operating your ATV in cold
weather without proper clothing
can be hazardous.
Continued exposure to cold tem-
peratures can lead to hypother-
mia. Hypothermia is a condition
where your body’s inner tempera-
ture drops low enough to cause
injury or death.
Always dress for the worst
weather conditions you might
encounter. Be prepared for bad
weather and ATV breakdowns.
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