The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
No other sport can offer up the same sense of freedom and adventure that comes with off-roading. Young or old, male or female, riding a motorcycle or an all-terrain vehicle down winding trials and through ravines is a thrill-seekerÕs delight. However, itÕs not a sport to be taken lightly, so be sure you are prepared. ÒPersonal and vehicle safety are critical to avoiding an accident or breakdown,Ó says Megan Currie with Honeywell Consumer Products Group, maker of both small engine coolants and spark plugs. First off, pack and wear proper clothing and gear. Whether on a motorcycle or all-terrain vehicle, itÕs essential to have a helmet, gloves and special padding in case of an accident. You also need to choose your trails wisely. If you are new to the sport, pick a location that reflects that. Some trails are meant for experienced enthusiasts only. You may even want to consider taking a compass and a cell phone Ð itÕs easy to get turned around when out in the hills and youÕll want to be sure you know how to get back where you started. In terms of getting your vehicle ready, there are some essential maintenance routines Currie recommends. ÒSince motorcycles, snowmobiles and ATVs feature smaller engines, they are sometimes more prone to overheating. ThatÕs why cooling system maintenance is so important.Ó Prestone now offers a specially formulated small engine coolant that is designed to protect all conventional engine cooling system metals found in todayÕs popular motorcycles, snowmobiles and ATVs from -36.6 degrees C to 129.4 degrees C. You also should read up on things like proper tire pressure for your off-road vehicle. According to offroader.com, a tireÕs material composition, vehicle weight and load, in addition to wheel width, all play a key role. Plus the surface you are driving on makes a difference Ð be it sand, clay, ice snow or a harder terrain.
