The Essential Powersports Vehicle Pre-Ride Inspection
A safe and successful powersports vehicle adventure begins with a pre-ride inspection. This allows you to catch any issues and get them fixed...before you are in the middle of nowhere and far from a service department.
We've created the following pre-ride checklist to help you keep track of the various steps. For more riding tips or to shop powersports vehicles for sale, visit Sky Powersports Lakeland. Our dealership is located in Lakeland, Florida, and we also serve those in Tampa and Orlando.
1. Check the Fluids
Certain fluids help lubricate the various moving parts of a powersports vehicle and help keep the vehicle running well. Look over the various fluids, such as the fuel, coolant, brake fluid, and engine oil. Make sure they are in good condition and top off anything that is low.
2. Check the Tires
Tires that are overinflated or underinflated can face many problems, from a higher chance of a blowout to reduced fuel efficiency. Measure the tires' air pressure, then adjust as needed to match the manufacturer's recommendations.
It's also important to check the tire tread levels, but this does not need to happen in every pre-ride inspection. Tread gets worn down over time as you use your powersports vehicle. Eventually, the tread is too worn down to ensure a safe ride. When this happens, the tires will need to be replaced. The owner's manual should tell you at what point the tires need replacement due to not enough tread.
3. Check the Lights
The lights on your powersports vehicle will eventually burn out and need to be replaced. Test the lights and make sure they are all working fine.
4. Check the Air Filter
The air filter plays a key part in keeping your powersports vehicle running. Over time, it gets too full of pollutants and starts to lose effectiveness. At this point, the air filter will need to be replaced. During your pre-ride inspection, glance at the air filter and replace if needed.
5. Check the Electrical Connections
Every pre-ride inspection should include a test of the electrical connections, such as the ignition switch and kill switch. These are crucial parts of a safe powersports vehicle ride, after all!
6. Check the Controls
The final step of a pre-ride inspection is taking the powersports vehicle for a short test ride. Make sure that the accelerator, brakes, throttle, and other parts are in good working order.
Want more powersports riding tips? Want to shop powersports vehicles for sale? Whatever you need, the experts at Sky Powersports Lakeland are here to help. Contact us or stop by our dealership in Lakeland, Florida. We also proudly serve those in Tampa and Orlando, Florida.