UTV Riding Tips in the Rain

If you’re headed out on the UTV for the day, but notice that it’s raining, is the day a bust? No! Depending on the severity of the rainstorm, you can still take your ride with certain precautions. From inspecting your UTV to bringing additional supplies, there are a few things you can do to make your ride safer and more comfortable for yourself or your group. Use these tips before every rainy ride to keep yourself and other riders in your group safe from worst case scenarios.

1. Weather Condition Assessment: The first tip is to check the weather. No, this doesn’t mean a quick glance at your weather app. Spend a few minutes on a trusted source looking at your riding area’s weather conditions throughout the day. Will there be thunder and lightning? If so, the trip is a no-go and needs to be rescheduled. Will it begin as a light rain and turn into a downpour? Will the temperature take a steep drop? These are things you need to be prepared for so you can pack accordingly.

2. UTV Pre-Inspection: Before driving off, take a few minutes to inspect your UTV. Because you’ll be riding in wet conditions, this part matters even more than it normally does. How is the tread on your tires? If they’re showing signs of wear like balding or cracking, it may not be a great idea to ride in the rain. If they’re relatively new with a good amount of tread, you should be fine. Make sure each tire is full as well.

   Then, check your brakes, the gas pedal, and other important areas for issues, as you can’t afford for your UTV to malfunction while on slick terrain. Are your headlights bright? For other riders to see your properly, you’ll need to make sure your lights are functioning perfectly. Finally, check your engine oil and brake fluid to see if they need to be topped off.

3. The Right Riding Gear: You’ll need to change up the type of apparel you’d normally wear on a nice day. For instance, if you typically wear leather or cotton, you’ll need to tag team in some other gear. Wear a waterproof jacket overtop your clothes and, if you have them, waterproof or water-resistant pants. These will deflect the rain from seeping into your clothing and chilling you down. You should also have a pair of GORE-TEX® gloves that effectively repel water and keep your hands warm. Most importantly, they’ll help you maintain control of the steering wheel. Wear your full-face helmet to keep your head completely dry and your vision clear. You’re probably bringing your phone along with you, so store it and other electronics in a sealable plastic bag or a dry bag to keep it protected from the rain. Bring along a couple shop towels to wipe down the seat and dashboard when you’re back at home.

4. Provisions: If you plan to be out for several hours, it’s wise to pack a few dry snacks and water. Don’t rely on a big breakfast or lunch to hold you over. If you’re with a group, have the other riders pack some extra food and water too. It’s also important to bring these things in the off chance you were to find yourself stuck in the mud or with a flat tire. You may have to wait for assistance, which could take some time given the rain and the distance from your home.

5. Semi Slow and Steady: This is not the time to speed down the trails. With rain coming down, it’s definitely enticing to bound through the puddles in your UTV. It’s only fun until you hit a turn or pothole that leads to an unexpected accident. Maintain a decent speed that keeps you moving through muddy areas, but not at a high speed. The idea is to get enough momentum to keep the UTV pulling through mud and rocks on the trails.

6. Group Riding: If you’re going out with a group, it’s important that they follow the same pre-inspection protocols, so nobody gets left behind. Besides, who what to be that person with the faulty UTV and holds the group back? Before heading to the trails or other locations, ensure everyone is fully prepped for the ride. Because you’re driving in the rain, make it clear that the group should remain close together. This isn’t to say to drive bumper to bumper, but close enough that someone could call out should a problem arise.

With these helpful UTV tips for riding in the rain, you can get all of the benefits of that refreshing, calming effect of being in the rain by being prepared and ready for anything. Whether alone or with a group, use these as loose guidelines before starting your day.