An Off-Road Maintenance and Safety Checklist You Can Use

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Your off-road vehicle is a big investment, so keeping it in top shape just makes sense. Some simple maintenance can buy you extra years and miles of outdoor fun. Running down a checklist before you ride will help you spot a problem early, before it leads to a major repair issue. Here’s what to look at:

1. Steering

Handlebars, foot pegs, drive shaft, chains

Lubricate the drive chain as needed and check it for slackness. The owner’s manual will tell you how to make a proper chain adjustment. Check the drive shaft for leaks and refer to the manual for correct lubricant levels. Shake the handlebars and footrests to see if tightening is required.

2. Throttle and brakes

Throttle, ignition switch, brakes, shift mechanism

The throttle should move smoothly and snap closed. The foot shifter should be firmly attached and positioned for safe operation. Wiggle the muffler to be sure that it’s attached securely.

3. Lights and Electronics

Headlights, taillights, brake lights, engine stop switch

Check the ignition switch and engine stop switch to make sure they are working reliably. Turn on the headlights and taillights, and have a partner tell you if the brake lights are illuminating.

4. Tires, Wheels, and Suspension

Tires, axle nuts bearings, spark arrestor, major fasteners

Major fasteners, axle nuts and bearings can work loose from the normal jarring bumps of riding. Tighten them all periodically. Tire pressure will affect how your machine handles, impact gas mileage, and the wrong pressure will cause uneven tire wear. Check for punctures and leaks, and keep tires at the recommended pressure.

5. Gasoline and Oil

Oil and gas levels and leaks, air filter, spark plugs

Other checks are simply a matter of common sense! When checking your air filter, make sure that it’s clean, undamaged, and unblocked. Turn the engine on and wait a few minutes to check the oil level for an accurate reading. Periodically you’ll need to tighten or replace the spark plugs.

You can get a lot of answers if something doesn’t seem right by consulting the owner’s manual. For instance, if your vehicle has a two-stroke engine that uses an oil/fuel mixture, the manual will indicate the proper oil-to-gas ratio you should be using.

Make it a habit to run through the checklist before every ride. The benefit of doing so is a big payback in safety and an ORV that will deliver extra miles of recreational fun.

Vicki Clinebell majored in journalism at the University of Colorado and headed to an advertising agency before beginning a long career in broadcasting, spanning production and copywriting to Sales and Management for an ABC affiliate station.

Her decision to switch gears to pursue a career in writing fulfilled a lifelong ambition. She started as a blogger for a diverse group of businesses, and now writes for a number of digital publications for companies stationed in her hometown in the Rocky Mountains, and provides advertising copy and media buys for national and regional clients. She finds the research as intersting as the writing—she loves learning about subjects as diverse as construction scaffolding, child safety seats, and the newest trends in beauty and fashion.