How To Test Drive an ATV

Whether you’re buying a new or used ATV it’s extremely important that you take it for a test drive to see how it handles. However, not everyone knows what to look for when test driving their new ATV. To help, we’ve written up some helpful tips for our customers at Langston Motorsports. When you’re ready stop by our dealership in Perris, California to view our inventory or make an appointment for a test drive! 

Getting Ready for Your Test Drive

As we’ve mentioned, you can’t just show up at a dealership ready to ride—you’ll need to make an appointment. However, before you set a date you’ll need to have some important information on hand. Firstly, your salesperson will need to know what model you’d like to test, so it’s important that you’ve gone shopping beforehand. We also advise making a list of questions you’d like to ask your dealer about the ATV. The more knowledge you have about your purchase the better off you’ll be. If you’re buying a new model you’ll want to ask your salesperson about included warranties. If you’re purchasing a used model you’ll want to ask for the vehicle’s history report.

Engine

The engine is an extremely important part of your machine for several reasons. If you’re an inexperienced ATV driver and end up with an overpowered model you could end up losing control of your vehicle and getting into an accident. When you arrive at the dealership remember to ask your salesperson about engine specs. If your vehicle is not already started when you arrive, pay close attention as you place the key in the ignition. If the ATV takes too many tries to start, this may not be the best model. As you drive, keep an ear out for suspicious sounds from your engine-especially when it’s idling. 

Steering

Test drives are so important for getting a good feel of a model before you buy it. It’s important that you pay close attention to how the vehicle handles and operates as you drive it. You may discover that the engine is overpowered or even too weak for your liking. Or you might find that steering features and included components are more of a hindrance than a help. Remember that if you’re buying a new model the vehicle you are riding is only a display, not the one you’ll be purchasing. While you don’t want to damage this vehicle you do want to fully explore the model’s capabilities. 

Brakes and Suspension

Brakes are an extremely important safety feature and you’ll want to test them thoroughly as you ride. Make regular stops throughout your test drive at different speeds. Keep an ear out for grinding, sliding, or squeaking from your vehicle. These may be signs that there is a mechanical issue with the vehicle. Before you finish your ride try to go over at least one large bump. Remember ATVs are off-road vehicles and should be equipped to handle bumpy terrain. If you go over this bump and find that your ATV bounces more than once, it’s likely that the suspension needs to be recalibrated. 

Now that you know what to look for on your ATV test drive, we’re sure you’re looking forward to setting one up with us here at Langston Motorsports. We proudly serve the city of Temecula, California as well as Orange County, and offer great inventory at great prices. We look forward to helping you with all of your ATV needs!