Performing a Pre-Ride Inspection of a Powersports Vehicle

Whether you own a motorcycle, an ATV, or a UTV, each and every powersports vehicle ride should begin with a pre-ride inspection. Take a few minutes to check your vehicle and make sure that everything is in working order. There’s always a chance that you could discover an issue during your inspection. Perhaps your brakes aren’t functioning properly or your essential fluids are low.

It can be difficult to remember every single step of a pre-ride inspection, so Sky Powersports Sanford is here to make it a little easier for you. We have put together a pre-ride checklist so you won’t forget anything. For more information, visit our dealership in Sanford, FL, near Daytona Beach today!

Tires

The tire inspection you’ll do on your powersports vehicle is important because you can catch problems before they become a huge issue while you’re riding, such as a blowout or losing traction. Proper inflation plays a huge role in preventative care for your tires because it helps better distribute forces placed on your tread, acceleration, and braking due to your vehicle’s weight. The best way to handle this is with a tire pressure gauge. Refer to your owner’s manual so you know what standard to aim for. The ideal time for checking tire pressure is in the morning because the tires will be cold and will be the most accurate reading.

Fluids

Fluids are essential to get your powersports vehicle up and running. There needs to be the right amount of fluid, it needs to be the right color, and the consistency needs to be correct for your machine to run well. You can check your engine oil using a dipstick. You slide it in, wipe it clean, slide it in once more, then check it. The oil should fall at the right spot on the dipstick to indicate there’s enough liquid. It should appear golden in color, not dark brown or black. When it comes to brake fluids, always check that you have enough. Another good practice you should get in the habit of doing is topping off your fuel before each ride. You’ll always want to add more fuel than you think you’ll need because you might need to alter your route if you hit unexpected obstacles along the way.

Brakes

You’ll need to be riding your powersports vehicle to check the brakes. There could still be a potential issue that needs attention. When you test your brakes, be on high alert for any squealing, grinding, or vibrations.  These unusual sounds and sensations could indicate a deeper problem that needs to be addressed.

If you uncover any worrisome issues when you conduct your pre-ride inspection, bring your powersports vehicle into Sky Powersports Sanford for service! We are located in Sanford, Florida, where we serve all those from Deltona.