What to Look For on Your ATV Test Drive

When test driving an ATV you're usually confirming that the vehicle is comfortable, easy to handle, and appropriate for your skill level. However, as you take your ATV around the block, you should also be checking for indications of maintenance issues. We here at Ball Equipment have some of the best inventory in Michigan, with two locations in Richmond and Sandusky. While individual sellers and shady dealerships may try to sell you an ATV with a serious problem, we can assure you that our inventory is top of the line. However, we always want our clientele to be informed and satisfied with their ATV purchase, so we’ve drawn up a short guide on what to watch out for on your next ATV test drive. 

Engine 

As you prepare for your test drive you’ll want to check the engine in various ways. Firstly, assure that there are no signs of leaking and that the ATV can start immediately. If there’s turnover, something could be wrong with the engine or starter. Keep an ear out for suspicious sounds as you drive your ATV or when it idles. 

Brakes 

Stop your ATV regularly throughout the test drive to check your brakes. If you notice grinding or squealing, your brake pads, brake fluid, or even the brakes themselves, might need to be replaced. While replacing brake pads and brake fluid is relatively inexpensive, replacing your brakes is not. After your drive, check the brake pads for noticeable wear and that the brake fluid reservoirs are full. 

Suspension

As you drive be sure to go over a few dips or bumps in the road. If you notice yourself springing up too high, or not at all, the suspension of the ATV needs to be recalibrated, or the shocks replaced. 

Slipping

If you notice your ATV is slipping as you turn, it’s indicative of a more serious problem. The least worrisome option is that you need to replace a loose belt. You can check this simply by pulling at the belts and confirming they’re very tight. However, it could be that the ball and bearing joints in your wheels need to be replaced, which is a much more costly fix. 

We hope this guide has been helpful to you in knowing what to look out for on your next ATV test drive! We here at Ball Equipment want to ensure that our clientele is always well informed on their ATV purchase and will walk off our lot completely satisfied. If you’re located in the city of Detroit we encourage you to come by one of our dealerships to take a test drive, speak with one of our experienced sales representatives, or even just browse our inventory. We look forward to seeing you soon!