Riding Your Honda® Side-By-Side In The Snow

UTVs, also known as side-by-sides/SxS, are used for all kinds of utilitarian riding purposes. Whether you’re hauling heavy payloads or transporting game after a hunt, you rely on your side-by-side to get you and your cargo where you need to go quickly and safely. You can also use them for recreational off-road rides with friends and family.

Here in Wisconsin, we see our fair share of heavy snow during the wintertime. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t still make good use of your UTV to ride in the snow for work or play purposes! 2Brothers Powersports in Onalaska is your Wisconsin Honda® UTV dealer. Here are some tips to help you safely ride your side-by-side in the snow this winter.

1. Ready Your Side-By-Side For The Cold

Cold weather can really do a number on any type of vehicle and that includes powersports vehicles. You’ll want to do what you can to make sure your SxS is ready for snow riding in cold temperatures. 

First, swap out your standard coolant with one that contains antifreeze and make sure there isn’t any excess water that could freeze up. Most other engine fluids will not freeze unless temperatures go below 0°F and at that temperature, you probably shouldn’t be outside anyway. Still, give them a look-see to make sure that your oil and gasoline are in good condition.

You can add some useful features to your UTV to make it more snow-ready and easy to operate. Snow-plow attachments let you clear the path ahead for your own vehicle as well as other vehicles. Snow tires are specially designed to gain traction in slushy, wet snow. You can also install tracks on your side-by-side if you prefer; chat with the staff here at 2Brothers Powersports about that option.

The nice thing about UTVs is that you can add a cover to them to partly or completely block out the winter winds. At the very least, you can invest in a windshield that will take away some of the bite of the wind and precipitation.

2. Keep Yourself Warm

Next, you’ll want to make sure that you and your passengers stay nice and warm in the cold. It’s cold enough while standing still in the winters here in the Midwest, but if you’re in motion in a vehicle that’s open to the air, it’s going to feel even colder.

Invest in a full-face motorcycle helmet that can keep your head warm and insulated with a face mask for protection. Dressing in layers is a great strategy for staying warm since it lets you add or remove layers as needed. Wear wool or wicking polyester instead of cotton since it can get heavy and wet with sweat. Make your outermost layers waterproof; snow pants and a snow jacket are the best options here. Insulated boots, wool socks and insulated gloves will complete your ensemble, along with a neck gaiter or snugly-wrapped scarf.

3. Ride With Care

When riding your side-by-side in the snow, make sure that you’re being responsible and handling the vehicle with care. You’re more likely to lose traction in snow, so go at a slower speed than usual, especially when turning. Watch the path ahead for ice that could cause you to slip, too. Keep yourself sober, hydrated and fed with high-energy snacks that provide you with the calories you need to keep warm. You may need to cut your rides short if it becomes too cold, too.

In Closing

Are you looking for a new or used side-by-side? Come to 2Brothers Powersports to check out the full stock of Honda® UTVs for sale at our Onalaska, WI, dealership location. We have pick-up and delivery options available because 2Brothers Powersports is committed to providing next-level service at every turn. We even have financing options to help you fund your SxS purchase. 2Brothers Powersports proudly offers priority service for all our customers coming from La Crosse, Eau Claire, and Madison, Wisconsin.

Powered by Froala Editor