A Beginner’s Guide to UTVs
If you want a rugged vehicle that can handle off-roading and heavy-duty hauling, you should look into UTVs. These versatile powersports vehicles have come a long way from their humble beginnings and have been used by professional workers and recreational riders alike for a number of different purposes.
To learn more about side-by-sides, read on! We cover the basics below.
For more information or to explore UTVs for sale, visit our dealership in Snowflake, Arizona.
What is a UTV?
A UTV is a type of four-wheeled powersports vehicle. It is about a third the size of a typical passenger car. Similarly to a car, a side-by-side is operated using a steering wheel, a gas pedal, and brake pedals. There are also often seat belts for passenger safety.
What Are Other Names for a UTV?
These vehicles are also called side-by-sides, which get their name from their seating (oriented in rows so that passengers sit side-by-side).
How Many People Fit In a UTV?
A UTV might fit anywhere from two to six riders at a time, with space between the seats and at the rear of the vehicle for cargo.
How Can I Use a UTV?
Side-by-sides are often used for utilitarian work purposes like hauling and towing on farms, ranches, construction sites and in logging operations. They are also useful for riding on trails or going off-roading with friends and family.
How Can I Stay Safe While Using a Side-by-Side?
When riding or operating a UTV, it’s important to follow good safety practices to keep yourself and those around you from harm. It’ll also help you avoid damaging your vehicle.
Every passenger should wear a DOT-rated helmet designed for high-impact extreme sports riding. If the helmet lacks a face mask, then a pair of goggles should be worn for eye protection.
Attire should serve to shield the body from flying debris and scrapes on the trail, as well as protecting riders from sun damage. Sturdy fabrics like canvas, denim or leather are good options. Long sleeves and pants are recommended, along with riding gloves and ankle boots with good tread.
UTV operators should endeavor to ride responsibly by only operating their vehicles when sober and alert so that they can remain vigilant and watch for obstacles ahead.
If riding on a trail, it is recommended to stay on the trail and not stray from it to avoid damaging the environment or hitting an unseen obstacle. When hauling, it is important to secure all cargo in place and to not overload the UTV.
Want to check out some UTVs in person? Visit Arizona Honda in Snowflake, Arizona, to explore our available side-by-sides. We also proudly serve those in Show Low and Holbrook, Arizona.