What should I check before every ride?
Use a quick checklist. Tires and wheels, controls and cables, brakes, lights, chain or drive shaft, oil and coolant, fuel and any loose parts. Look under the machine for leaks and check that nothing is tangled in the wheels or axles.
Make this a habit, no matter how short the ride. A loose wheel nut or a brake that has gone soft is much easier to find in the yard than on a hillside.
Test the brakes at walking speed in a clear area before heading out. Check that the throttle snaps back when released, and that the kill switch works every time you start.
- Tire pressure and condition
- Brake feel and fluid level
- Throttle, steering and cables
- Lights, fluids and loose fasteners
How do I care for tires and brakes?
ATV tires run at low pressure, so small differences matter. Use a low-pressure gauge, and set pressure as the manual or the sticker on the machine says. Unequal pressure side to side affects steering and stability.
Brakes should feel firm. Spongy or very low pedals or levers, grinding noises and pulling to one side mean service is needed. Brake work is a safety job, so use a qualified technician if you are not sure of the procedure.
Check wheel nuts for tightness and look at wheel bearings by trying to rock each wheel. Play in the wheel means a bearing or a joint needs service, and the machine should not be ridden until it is fixed.
What about oil, filters and the drive system?
Follow the manual for oil type and change intervals, and change oil more often if you work in dust, mud or hard conditions. Clean or replace the air filter regularly, since ATVs breathe a lot of dust in field work.
Chain-driven machines need chain cleaning, lubrication and tension checks. Shaft-driven machines need fluid checks in the drive housings. Water crossings can contaminate fluids, so ask your dealer what to check after deep water.
Look at rubber boots on the axles and joints. A torn boot lets in dirt and water and wears out the joint inside it quickly, but a new boot costs far less than a new axle.
How do I clean and store it?
Wash off mud, manure and crop residue, which hold moisture and cause rust and wear. Avoid pointing a high-pressure stream at bearings, electrical parts and the air intake, and let the machine dry before storing it.
For longer storage, follow the manual on fuel treatment and battery care. Store it covered, off damp ground, with tires inflated and the key out of the ignition.
Keep the battery terminals clean and the battery charged, and check that the machine is stored with the fuel valve and key in the correct positions for the manual's storage instructions.
What riding safety rules apply on a farm?
Wear a helmet that fits and meets current standards, eye protection, gloves, boots and sturdy clothing. Never carry passengers on a single-rider machine, and keep children off adult-size machines. Ride at a speed you can control, and avoid paved roads when the machine is not made for them.
Use caution on slopes and with loads or sprayers, since weight changes how the machine handles. Take a hands-on rider course if one is offered by a dealer, extension office or a recognized safety organization.
Check your load and weight limits in the manual before towing or carrying. Racks and hitches are rated for specific weights, and overloading hurts stability and brakes.
What rules might apply to ATV use?
Rules about age limits, helmets, public roads and registration vary by state, county and town. Ask your state department that handles motor vehicles or natural resources what applies to farm use and to riders under a certain age.
Check your insurance policy too. Some policies exclude or limit coverage for recreational vehicles and for passengers, and a short call to your agent avoids surprises.
Ask your extension office or a local safety organization whether rider training courses are required or recommended where you live.
When should I use a technician?
Steering, brake and suspension repairs, electrical faults and anything involving the engine's internal parts are best done by a trained technician. A shop can also check recalls for your model.
Keep a log of service, and note any odd sounds, smells or handling changes. A short written note helps the mechanic find the cause faster and saves you money.
Keep spare items in a small kit on the machine: a tire plug kit sized for your tires, a tow strap, a basic tool roll and a first aid kit.
Key takeaways
- Run the same short pre-ride checklist every time.
- Keep tire pressure even and brakes firm.
- Wear a helmet and eye protection and follow the machine's rider limits.
- Check state and local ATV rules and your insurance policy.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Homestead & Small Farm Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.