ATV Sand Riding Guide
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs), also known as quads or four-wheelers, are renowned for their ability to ride over, well, all kinds of terrain, including sand. Beaches full of dunes and desert areas alike provide great sand-riding opportunities, but there are definitely some tricks to riding on this loose and slippery material in an ATV to avoid getting stuck or spinning out.
Cool Springs Powersports in Franklin is your Tennessee ATV dealer, serving greater Nashville, Spring Hill and Columbia. This guide to riding your quad through sand will help to ensure you don’t get stuck on your next dune adventure.
1. Get Your ATV Properly Equipped
In order to ride your ATV in the sand, you’re going to have to change out the tires. Your average all-terrain tires are great for mud, dirt and grass, but they’re not really designed for sand riding. Special “paddle” tires that scoop the sand away from the wheel help your ATV to gain purchase and maintain traction on slippery sand, but these tires should never be used on hard-pack dirt or asphalt, as the special paddle projections will be quickly destroyed.
Removing aluminum parts like sprockets and replacing them with steel can also help, since steel is better at handling abrasion than aluminum. Lubricate your chains with a lightweight grease so they don’t jam up. Put another filter on your air filter and cover up your airbox so that sand doesn’t get in the engine.
2. Dress Appropriately
Sand gets everywhere, including in your eyes, which is why a pair of goggles is recommended for riding in sandy areas. Your standard ATV gear should also be worn, including a helmet, boots, gloves and protective clothing. Long sleeves and pants can help protect your skin from the abrasiveness of sand, in addition to keeping your skin shielded from the hot sun in these open riding areas.
3. Ride With Care
Whenever you’re riding your ATV, it’s always a good idea to ride with at least one other person so you can help to get each other out of a difficult situation. At least one of your ATVs should have a winch on it. Stick to designated riding areas and avoid riding after dark, when low traction and low visibility can combine dangerously. When riding over dunes, have a friend spot you so you don’t hit any obstacles on the other side. Don’t ride past your abilities; if you can’t perform any jumps safely, then don’t!
Seeking quads for sale in Tennessee? Stop by our dealership in Franklin, TN, today to check out our fine selection of new and used ATVs for sale. Cool Springs Powersports serves the greater Nashville metro, as well as the cities of Spring Hill and Columbia, TN.