Spring is Coming!

On Tuesday February 2nd , the groundhog failed to see his shadow, meaning spring will be coming early this year! Which is great news for us ATV/UTV enthusiasts. If the famous groundhog known as Punxsutawney Phil had seen his shadow, we'd be in for another 6 weeks of winter. So what do we do now that we can expect an early spring? Get our ATVs and UTVs ready to go!

It's important to prep your all-terrain and utility task vehicles to make sure they're running on all cylinders when it comes time to use them again. Here's what you need to do:

• Check the fuel system - Gas that's been sitting all winter runs the risk of going bad. Parts of bad gasoline usually separate and evaporate, plugging jets and orifices and leading to poor engine performance. To fix this problem, drain old fuel from the tank, ensure tank is clean, then fill with fresh gasoline.
• Check the battery - Ideally you'll want to be charging your battery every month during the winter, even if you're not reading your ATV or UTV. Whether you have or haven't, you'll still want to get your battery on a charger before it's time for heavy use. Also check your battery's water level, and refill with distilled water if low before charging.
• Check fluids - Much like a car, you need to keep an eye on your ATV/UTV's fluid levels (oil, radiator fluid, brake fluid, etc.). Check for leaks that may have sprung over the winter. If there are any, you'll need to get those fixed first. It's probably not a bad idea to change the oil and oil filter at this time as well.
• Check tire pressure - There's a good chance your tires lost some air over the winter, so check your machine's owner's manual and be sure the tire pressure is up to the manufacturer's specifications. This makes for a more enjoyable and fun ride, but most importantly, is critical for safety.
• Do a good once-over - Look over your machine carefully. Check brake pads, your controls to be sure they're functioning, and that no nuts and bolts are loose anywhere on your ATV or UTV.

If you don’t own an ATV or UTV but would love to rent one, make sure you contact Lad & Lassie’s! We have ATV & UTV rentals available 7 days a week for whatever duration you need. Give us a call at 815-845-2383 for more information or to reserve your rental today!  

Gear Up For Spring With The Right ATV/UTV

An all-terrain vehicle, also known as an ATV, is a 3 or 4 wheel vehicle that is operated by a single user.  A utility task vehicle, UTV, is a small, 4-wheel vehicle that seats 2 to 6 people.  Choosing the right machine can help ease your workload and improve your lifestyle during the upcoming spring season.  But how do you know what recreational vehicle is right for you?  It’s all about the features, specs, and capabilities!  

When trying to decide if an ATV or UTV is best for your needs, consider these aspects:

Weight and Size

Do you need a vehicle for work or sport?  If you want a vehicle for recreational fun, consider an ATV with a high horsepower to weight ratio.  ATVs are small and can easily maneuver outdoor trails.  If you need a vehicle for towing and cargo, you’ll want an UTV with more weight.  UTVs offer less flexibility in driving but are better equipped to carry more materials.  

Safety

According to The Nature Conservancy, an inexperienced operator is 13 times more likely to have an accident than an experienced operator during the first month.  Choosing a vehicle with safety features can make all the difference.  For example, a UTV provides seat belts, side doors and even enclosures while the safety features of an ATV is limited to a helmet.  

Fun

Experience counts when riding a recreational vehicle.  No matter what you need a small vehicle for, don’t forget to choose the option that allows you to have fun in your daily life.  Whether you choose an ATV or UTV, you can always expect an enjoyable experience!

With the winter weather coming to a close, it’s time to start gearing up for spring!  At Lad & Lassie’s, we are happy to provide you with the perfect 4 wheeler (ATV) or side by side (UTV) for all of your needs.  With rentals available 7 days a week, feel free to off-road in the mud or prepare your yard for spring.

For more information on Lad & Lassie’s rental rates, please visit www.ladandlassiesrentals.com or call 815-845-2383.