Riding Your UTV in the Snow

Here in Riverside County, we don’t really get snow or very cold temperatures like large portions of the rest of the country, so your UTV riding isn’t going to have to stop just because it’s winter. However, if you want to go further north or east into higher elevations, chances are very good that you’ll encounter snow, potentially a lot of it. And maybe you’re planning a trip specifically to get away from the heat and enjoy some snow riding, in which case you’ll want to be thoroughly prepared for the challenges that cold weather and snow bring.

Langston Motorsports, located in Perris, is your southern California UTV dealer. As such, we’ve provided this guide to riding your UTV in the snow in the event you’re planning on heading to the mountains for some recreational riding this winter.

Ready Your UTV For Cold Weather

You’ll need to make sure that your UTV is capable of dealing with cold temperatures. Swap out your standard engine fluids for winter-ready fluids, like a coolant with antifreeze. Any water in your fluids may freeze up, which is bad news for your engine.

You can add some features to your vehicle to make it more snow-ready, like a detachable snow plow in front to clear the path ahead. You might need to use it on the trail or to help dig another vehicle out of a snowbank! You can also upgrade to snow tires or even tracks, depending on what you think is best for the area you plan to ride in.

Adding a roof or full enclosure and/or a windshield for your UTV can help deflect wind and precipitation to keep you warmer and drier as you ride. Talk to our staff about options.

Keeping Yourself Warm

Next, you’ll need to make sure everyone in your riding party is ready to deal with the cold. Thin layers are better than one bulky outer layer, so invest in some thermal underwear to go underneath your typical riding attire. You can wear a thin wool cap under your helmet with a snug scarf for extra warmth, and change out your usual gloves for an insulated pair. Add some wool socks with your boots to keep your feet warm. Snow pants and a snow jacket are ideal outerwear when it’s very cold out.

Ride Responsibly

Finally, you’ll want to follow general good safety practices while you’re riding in the cold, just as you would when riding anywhere else. Ride sober and only when you’re alert; if you’re sick, exhausted or intoxicated, you won’t have the focus and attention you need to be safe on or off the trails. Make sure you have lots of high-calorie snacks and water to keep you fueled up and hydrated, since the cold is likely to drain more of your energy. Only ride during daylight and in reasonably good weather; you could ride while it’s lightly snowing or a little windy, but if the winds pick up significantly or the snow gets blustery, you may want to pack it in and head for safety. Watch for patches of ice and make sure you’re not going so fast that you can’t easily avoid obstacles ahead.

We hope these tips help you to enjoy snow riding with your UTV. Still in search of the perfect vehicle? Talk to our staff about scheduling a maintenance appointment with our service department if your Langston Motorsports is proud to serve all of our southern California customers, including those in the city of Temecula and all throughout Orange County.