How To Improve ATV/UTV Fuel Efficiency
Every ATV or UTV ride requires burning fuel, but you can influence how quickly you run through it. Simple strategies can decrease your fuel consumption and save you money. It's better for your wallet, your powersports vehicle, and the planet.
We've created the following guide to ATV and UTV fuel consumption. If you have questions or want to shop powersports vehicles for sale, contact Interstate Cycles. Our dealership is located in Lake City, Florida, and we also proudly serve those in Jacksonville and Gainesville.
Limit The Weight Placed On The ATV Or UTV
The more the powersports vehicle needs to carry, the harder the motor needs to work in order to travel the same distance. Try to avoid lugging around unnecessary weight to help maximize fuel consumption. Remember to consider the weight of all the passengers, their riding gear, any added cargo, and anything you are towing.
Focus On How You Use The Brakes
The braking system on an ATV or UTV affects fuel consumption. Engaging the brakes adds motor stress. Sure, it's at a small level. But it does add up throughout the ride and over the lifespan of the powersports vehicle.
Try not to ride fast and then suddenly engage the brakes. Whenever possible, opt for letting off of the gas a bit earlier and letting the powersports vehicle slow down on its own.
Be Mindful Of The Tire Pressure
When tires are under-inflated, they compromise the fuel efficiency. Incorrect tire pressure requires the motor to work harder in order to drive the same distance.
Aim to measure the tires at least once a week. Of course, it doesn't hurt to do this before each ride. Compare the measurement to the manufacturer’s recommendations, then adjust the tire pressure as needed.
Remember that cold weather can cause deflation. When temperatures take a dip, be extra intentional about measuring tire pressure.
Stay Aware Of How Aggressive You Ride
Yes, part of the thrill of owning an ATV or UTV is getting to ride aggressively in nature. It's great for adrenaline rushes, but terrible for fuel economy. You don't need to putt around the trails every ride but you also probably don't need to go full speed during every second of the ride. Aim for a balance to get more out of your fuel.
Be Intentional About The Trails You Explore
The more bumps and turns found on the trail, the harder the motor needs to work and the more fuel consumption is affected. Just like with aggressive riding, the key here is balance. You want to enjoy the more challenging and engaging courses, but you may not want to pursue them on every trail ride.
Stay Up With Powersports Vehicle Maintenance
When the vehicle’s motor isn't in good condition, fuel consumption can be affected. It's important to keep your powersports vehicle running well so that it can offer optimized fuel efficiency. This involves preventative and proactive maintenance.
Preventative maintenance helps keep problems from happening and helps keep problems from manifesting into a more serious situation. The owner's manual should walk you through the various preventative maintenance tasks. Some may require professional assistance while others can be done at home.
Proactive maintenance involves addressing problems as soon as possible before they turn into bigger issues. The longer you let problems exist, the longer you experience compromised fuel consumption and the bigger risk you have of one problem turning into multiple problems. Once you notice an issue, bring your ATV or UTV to a service department (such as the one at Interstate Cycles). It'll help restore your optimized fuel efficiency and can save you money in the long run on further repairs.
We hope you found this guide to ATV and UTV fuel consumption helpful. For more tips or to shop powersports vehicles for sale, visit Interstate Cycles. Our friendly staff can give suggestions, make personalized model recommendations, go over the financing process, and assist with anything you need. Give us a call, shoot us an email, or stop by our powersports dealership in Lake City, Florida. We are also proud to serve those in Jacksonville and Gainesville.