Safety

1. I will be a good sportsperson. I recognize that many people will judge all ATV owners by my actions. I will use my influence with other ATV owners to promote responsible conduct.
   
   
2. I will maintain clean trails and use areas. I will work to safeguard clean and pure streams and lakes. I will ensure my ATV use has the lowest possible impact on the environment. I will safeguard living trees, shrubs, and other natural features.
   
   
3. I will respect other people’s property and rights.
   
   
4. I will lend a helping hand when I see someone in distress.
   
   
5. I will make my vehicle and myself available to assist in emergency situations.
   
   
6. I will recognize the rights of other user groups.
   
   
7. I will energetically strive to bring other recreation participants to recognize and respect my rights as an ATVer by explaining my needs and, at the same time, listening to their needs.
   
   
8. I will learn and obey all federal, provincial, and municipal rules regulating the operation of ATV’s in areas where I use my vehicle. I will inform public officials, as required, when using public lands.
   
   
9. I will not harass wildlife, and will become aware of protected or sensitive areas.
   
   
10. I will use marked trails, and areas open to ATV’s. I will not travel where prohibited.
    
    
11. I will not ride under the influence of non prescription drugs or alcohol.
    
    
12. I will always wear required safety equipment while operating my ATV.

Size does matter. Younger children are too small to properly control a large ATV and can be seriously injured or even killed in ATV accidents. Adult-sized ATVs are powerful machines that should not be operated by anyone younger than sixteen.  Children should take an approved rider training course and wear the proper clothing & protective gear including helmet, gloves, knee & elbow pads and a chest protector, and only ride while supervised by an adult.  Don’t overload your vehicle with items OR people.

Insurance

You may not realize it but, in most provinces, because an ATV is a motorized vehicle, you must have third-party liability insurance to operate one off your own property.  Not only is it the law, it is also good sense.  This also applies to children size ATV's.  Although many people may believe that their ATV is covered under their homeowner's insurance this is almost always not the case.  If you are unsure, call your insurance company and find out.  It makes sense to be covered in case of an accident. It also makes sense to avoid a possible fine, which can be quite hefty, for operating a motor vehicle without insurance.

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Steve's ATV Tech-Tips

Steve is our resident "expert" in ATV maintenance.  We will be posting tips from Steve that will help you get more enjoyment out of your ATV by keeping it running in top condition on the trails.  All part of being a responsible ATV rider/owner. 

STORAGE PROCEDURE

1. •If you don’t plan on using your ATV for a long time, it will need special servicing requiring appropriate materials, equipment and skill.  For this reason, your dealer may recommend that you visit them for the maintenance work on your ATV. 
2. •If you plan to prepare your ATV for storage yourself, follow these steps:

CLEANING PROCEDURE

1. • A thorough cleaning of your ATV is a necessary part of maintenance and will help keep your ATV looking and performing its best.  Proper cleaning can also extend the life of your ATV.
2. •It is important to clean and inspect your ATV after every ride if it is used in mud, bush, grass, water, salt water or very dusty conditions.
3. •The build up of mud, bush, grass etc., especially on the engine and exhaust system, can reduce engine cooling, conceal damage or increase wear of certain parts.  It is important to remove all debris during cleaning.

PREPARATION OF CLEANING

1. •Wash the ATV before any mud dries on your ATV.
2. • Block or seal the end of the exhaust pipe (muffler) using a piece of plastic wrap, cloth rag or another method to prevent water from entering the engine.

WASHING YOUR ATV

1. • With some care, your ATV can be washed in a similar manner to washing an automobile.

Note:  Avoid spraying or allowing water to flow over the following places:

          - ignition switch

          - spark plug

          - fuel tank cap

          - carburetor

          - brake master cylinder

- snorkel air intake for air filter and carburetor (The snorkel air intake opening is located at the highest point on the ATV, usually in front of the seat).

1. •Use a garden hose at low pressure to remove the majority of dirt or other debris.  Hand wash your ATV with mild soap or detergent and water.  Try to thoroughly remove all dirt and debris without excessive water pressure, even at remote areas such as linkages or mounting brackets.  Cloth rags, washing mitts or cleaning brushes as they may scratch plastic or painted surfaces.  Rinse the ATV thoroughly with clean water.  Dry all areas using a chamois or soft absorbent cloth.

INSPECTION AFTER CLEANING

1. •Remove the rags or wrapping from the exhaust pipe.  Check the drain tubes on the bottom of the air filter box and drain any water that has collected in them.  For extended life of your ATV, lubricate according to maintenance manual.

ATV

1. •Place the vehicle on level ground and wash the entire vehicle. 
2. •It is strongly recommended to change your engine oil, transmission oil and gear oils before storing your ATV for a long period of time.
3. •If your coolant is near the replacement interval, now would be the perfect opportunity if your ATV will be stored outside or unheated storage building or subjected to the cold elements.

Fuel

1. •Over time gasoline will evaporate leaving behind a varnish which will coat and possibly clog the fuel delivery system.
2. •Needle jets, floats and valves in the carburetor will be affected by this varnish and lead to drivability concerns.
3. •You have two options to preventing fuel system varnish build up while your ATV is stored.
4. •Drain the fuel from the fuel tank using a hand pump or siphon.  Drain the fuel from the carburetor using the carburetor drain screw or add a fuel stabilizer to the system.

Engine

1. •Remove the spark plug and pour one tablespoon of motor oil into the spark plug hole.  Reinstall the spark plug and crank the engine a few times to spread the oil in the cylinder.

Battery

1. •Remove the battery from the vehicle.
2. •Clean the outside of the battery with mild soap and remove any corrosion from the terminals and wiring harness.
3. •Store the battery in a dry room above freezing.

Tires

1. •Inflate tires to the normal pressure and if possible keep them out of direct sunlight to prevent drying and cracking.
2. •Raise the tires off the ground if at all possible by using jack stands to prevent flat spots.

External

1. •Spray all vinyl and rubber parts with rubber protection.
2. •Spray unpainted surfaces with rust preventative.
3. •Coat paint surfaces with car wax.

STORAGE COVERS

You will want to place a high quality cover on your machine to protect it from the elements.  Make sure that it is breathable cover with a soft inner lining to prevent scratching of the plastic.  A non-breathable cover will trap condensation promoting corrosion and mould while a breathable cover will allow moisture to evaporate.

Remember have fun and drive responsibly

Steve