Common UTV Mistakes And How To Avoid Them

Your UTV is tough, daring, and nimble, and it’s easy to get carried away by just how resilient this compact vehicle can be. Just because it’s sturdy doesn’t mean it’s invincible, and there are a number of mistakes new owners often make when trying out their new powersports toy. With just a bit of care and foresight, though, avoiding these mistakes can be a cinch!

That’s why we here at Langston Motorsports have put together some tips on avoiding common mistakes new drivers make with their UTVs. If you want to know more, or if you’re looking for a UTV to avoid mistakes with, contact our store in Perris, California. Our friendly and experienced staff will make sure you get what you need at the prices you want.

Remember Gear And Supplies

The first thing you’ll want to do is gather all the safety gear and supplies you need for any trip, especially if you’re off-roading. We recommend a helmet and eye protection in case you tumble or kick up loose debris, as well as long sleeves, gloves with good grip, and boots that cover your ankle. You’ll also want a toolkit and first aid kit in case your vehicle, or you, break down while you’re away. The toolkit should allow you to repair a flat tire, change a CVT belt, or at least get you back to camp or wherever you’re trekking from.

The Right Parts

Your machine has a lot of moving parts that contribute to performance and safety. It’s important that you spend money on getting the right gear for your riding style rather than the gear that looks “coolest.” If you have a loud exhaust, hi-fi stereo, and a cool paint job, but your parts are worn or the wrong setup for where you’re riding, you’ve made a rookie mistake. Always spend money on safety and function before buying aesthetic options.

Correct/Healthy Tires

That goes double for tires. We all love the beefy, massive tires that make your UTV look like a mini-monster truck, but it was built to accommodate a specific tire size. You can upgrade your vehicle with a lift or otherwise add clearance, but again, you should prioritize performance over style. You need body clearance, full-suspension travel, easy steering, and optimal performance, and oversized or heavy tires can interfere with all of that. 

With any wheeled vehicle, you need to be wary of tire pressure and tread levels. The type and amount of tread you need will vary depending on the environment you’re driving in, but the tire’s PSI should always be at the manufacturer’s recommended levels. You can find that number in your owner’s manual, and if you don’t have one, manufacturers often have a digital version on their websites you can download.

Breaking In The CVT Belt

If your UTV has a CVT belt, you should break it in by running your vehicle for at least 30 miles without ever going above half throttle. Breaking the belt in will extend its lifespan, ensuring your vehicle runs smoother for longer, saving you a boatload of cash on maintenance. It can be frustrating to go that slow for that far, but it’ll be well worth it.

Good Behavior

Your machine isn’t the entire equation when it comes to safety and avoiding mistakes. You’ll need to take certain actions and get into certain habits to make sure you’re driving safely.

Follow Trail Etiquette

When riding on a trail, stay on the right side as much as possible. If you’re close to campgrounds, make sure you slow down when driving near them, and never take blind corners quickly. Always stay on marked trails as well. Make sure you’ve got the correct paperwork, flags, exhaust, and stickers for your area.

And whatever you do, please don’t do doughnuts. UTVs are fun and feisty, but they’re tall with a long-travel suspension, meaning it’s top-heavy and unstable in continuous turns. Doughnuts are a great way to end up on your side. Deep-rutted turns should also be taken carefully.

Go For Group Rides

If you’re going off-roading and exploring the countryside, you’re going to want to travel in groups. No matter how well you take care of your UTV, there’s always the chance you missed something or that the environment will cause serious damage to the machine or to you. Without a second vehicle along to help tow yours or just transport you, along with other people to help you when you need it, that trip can get very dangerous very fast. 

Hopefully these tips help you stay safe and keep you driving longer! If you want more advice, or you’d like to browse our selection of UTVs for sale, contact us at Langston Motorsports. We proudly serve the people of Temecula and Orange County, California—let us serve you today!