Winter is just around the corner, and that means cold, snow, and ice. So if you choose to take your UTV out, here are some UTV safety tips for winter.

Typically, UTV riding is reserved for warmer weather, but if you love biting the bullet in winter, you’re in for quite the experience. Beautiful, snow-covered scenery capture nature at its most vulnerable and deceptive. Don’t be caught blindsided by dangers you can avoid. Discover some safety tips for UTV winter driving so you get the best out of off-roading in the winter wonderland.

1. Prepare Your UTV

Before you head out, ensure you have fully prepared your UTV for driving on winter land. Give your UTV a proper checkup. For instance, consider changing your oil to something that handles the cold better. Using a fuel conditioner and cleaning your air filter, and checking your battery are ways to keep things running smoothly and won’t catch you off guard in freezing temperatures. Also, check your tires for air pressure.

2. Dress Appropriately

You never know what to expect in winter, so here’s one of the most critical UTV safety tips: dress for the weather. Your regular riding gear won’t cut it in frigid temperatures, so dress in several layers of lightweight clothing instead of one layer of heavy clothing to accommodate changing conditions. Your outer garments must be waterproof to help keep you dry. Invest in functional quality boots and gloves. A facemask or balaclava keeps your face protected from cold and wind.

3. Bring Emergency Supplies

You must prepare yourself for anything regarding winter off-roading, so bring a first-aid kit, but ensure you adequately contain it. Other things you’ll want with you include:

• Water
• Matches/fire starter
• Extra blankets/extra clothing
• Cell phone, radio, or other communication devices
• Shovel
• GPS
• Tow Strap
• Food
• Sand for Traction

It’s also a good idea to let people know where you’re going and when you expect to come back, so they know where to find you if there’s an emergency.

4. Add Accessories

Keeping an additional few accessories on hand will help keep you safe and warm; these may include adding chains to your tires for better traction, investing in bigger tires to prevent you from getting stuck in snowdrifts, a windshield, cab heater, or steering wheel heaters to add to your comfort. 

5. Know the Signs

In addition to bringing added gear and emergency supplies, one of our most essential UTV safety tips is to know the signs of hypothermia, frostbite, and other cold-weather injuries. Frostbite can occur in minutes if out in temperatures below zero. Some of these symptoms include cold skin and a prickly feeling, and then numbness sets in. Red, white, bluish-white, or grayish-yellow skin appears, as well as hard or waxy-looking skin. Clumsiness is expected due to joint and muscle stiffness. Blistering after rewarming can occur in the worst cases. If you notice any of these signs, get the person in a blanket and get to a hospital for examination and treatment immediately.

Hypothermia carries signs such as uncontrollable shivering, blue lips, fatigue, slurred speech, weak pulse, slow, shallow breathing, confusion or memory loss, and loss of consciousness. If you notice these signs in you or someone else, get off the road immediately and seek shelter and help.

Choose TerraRider Windshield and UTV Accessories for Winter Riding

We hope that these UTV safety tips for winter help you to stay safe and keep your vehicle in good condition through these cold months. To ensure you have the safest winter ride, contact us. if you have questions about accessories and the right windshields for your UTV. We’re excited to help match you with what you need so you can experience all that winter UTV riding has to offer. We ship all our products across the United States, so check out our online store!