Brake maintenance on your ATV is one of the most basic yet important steps of upkeep of your machine. Imagine riding your ATV and the brakes suddenly stopped working. Brakes are extremely important for ATV riders since speeds usually soar. Simple brake maintenance will help keep your ATV safe. Lubricating brakes seems like an oxymoron. As a matter of fact you should lubricate your brake cables before every single ride on your ATV. Do not, however, get any lubrication on the brake pads or the disc itself. This could cause a failure to stop.
The hydraulic cables are another important element of the ATV braking system. You must be sure they are properly connected to the braking mechanism. Hydraulic pressure is required in order to stop an ATV. It is important to check the brake fluid for any leaks before any ride. If there is no brake fluid, there will be no brakes. Another important ATV brake maintenance tip is to check brake pads and shoes for wear. To ensure the correct amount of padding, brake pads should be checked every three to six months. Once they have been worn down, replacement is necessary.
Most Federal and State managed lands that allow ATV riding will usually want to inspect your ATV before they issue a permit to clear you for riding in that area. The inspection will normally include giving your braking system the once over - make sure your ATV can pass the test.
Last, but definitely not least, before every ATV ride, you should test the brakes to make sure they are in working order. You can do this by quickly depressing the gas and then the braking immediately. You should be sure to test both the front and back brakes to be sure they are in working order.
