The Best ATV Winter Gear and Accessories for the Cold
So whether you’re looking to have a blast in the snow or actually put your machine to work, here are a few of the best winter accessories and gear for your ATV or SXS.
PREPPING YOUR VEHICLE BEFORE YOU GO
Before we get into the winter ATV riding gear, your machine needs to be prepared to handle the winter conditions first. The last thing you want is for it to break down in the middle of a trail run.
So here’s a few things to do to prepare your quad for winter:
- Add a fuel stabilizer to your gas tank: This will help prevent moisture build up in the tank, which can lead to your ride not starting.
- Check the engine oil: Oil is what keeps your ATV running smoothly so make sure it doesn’t get too low!
- Clean out the air filter: Sometimes, it’s best to replace it altogether, especially if it got dusty during the warm months
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get into the SXS and ATV winter gear.
GET TRACKS FOR BETTER TRACTION
So you still want to use your ATV this winter, but the snow is getting a little deep and your tires aren’t cutting it like you hoped. Fear not, for there is another option for getting around on your ATV or SXS in the winter–tracks.
Tracks look similar to what’s on a snowmobile, except an ATV or SXS would have four individual tracks instead of a snowmobile’s single track. Tracks are wider than tires, allowing for more surface area contact with the snow, which makes the ride more stable, with better traction, and maybe most importantly, you’re less likely to sink in the snow and get stuck.
You’ll be able to control your ATV or SXS more like you’d be able to in the warmer months, only now you’ll actually make it through the snow a lot easier.
A HEATED CAB FOR YOUR SXS
Side-by-sides are great for a lot of reasons:
- An SXS can fit more than one person
- SXSs feel more like a car or truck in how they’re driven, which makes a lot of riders more comfortable
- In an SXS you can be enclosed in a cab unlike ATVs where you’re exposed to the elements
So why not make the best of your SXS cab by getting a heater installed? You can still go ripping through the woods and snow, but at least you and your passengers can stay nice and toasty while doing it.
HEATED GRIPS FOR YOUR HANDS
The difference between holding onto warm ATV handles and cold handles is night and day. If the handles are too cold, they’ll be hard to hold onto even with gloves on, which is not what you want when you’re out riding. You don’t want to lose control and get in an accident.
Heated grips will make steering so much easier and much more comfortable while you’re ripping through the snow.
CLEAR THE WAY WITH AN ATV SNOW PLOW
We all hate shoveling snow, and when it piles up, it can be backbreaking labor–sometimes literally! So why not let your ATV do the work and save your back from a trip to the chiropractor?
Attaching a plow blade to your ATV means you can clear your driveway in a fraction of the time with a fraction of the effort. It’s not only easy, it’s also a lot of fun! It’s also a nice good deed to help your neighbours that are stuck with their shovels.
For more info, check out our article on snow plowing with your ATV.
BATTERIES: SAVE POWER, OR RESTORE IT
Batteries don’t like the cold. They can drain a lot quicker in the winter months, which is why it’s recommended you remove the battery if you don’t plan to ride in the cold.
However, if you’re going to brave the snow, you’ll want a battery charger or maintainer. It will give it a boost and defend it from the draining cold.
ARE YOU READY FOR WINTER?
Want to get out into the snow on your ATV? We can help get you and your ride ready for the winter season. Visit us at our Kingston, Almonte, or Cornwall locations, or call us at 1-877-789-4359.