An inspection of your ATV before each ride is essential. The off-highway environment can be harsh on vehicles. An inspection can minimize the chance of being injured or stranded, ensures long-term enjoyment of your ATV, and does not take much time. Your owner’s manual will show you what equipment to check on your particular machine, and COHV offers this basic T-CLOC checklist as well. T-CLOC stands for Tires and Wheels, Controls and Cables, Lights and Electrics, Oil and Fuel, Chain/Driveshaft and Chassis.
Download T-CLOC Pre-Ride Checklist
| Tires & Wheels ☒ – Tire Pressure (3-5 psi measured with a low-pressure gauge) ☐ – Tire Condition (check for cuts, bulges or damage) ☐ – Wheels (Check rim for dents, wheel nuts, axle nuts, wheel bearings) |
| Controls & Cables ☐ – Controls – smooth operation with automatic return ☐ – Throttle – snaps back when released ☐ – Brakes – stop when pressure is applied and release when pressure is released ☐ – Levers – securely fastened with smooth operation & free of debris |
| Lights & Electrical ☒ – Ignition Switch – free moving and in good condition ☐ – Engine Stop Switch – ensure it turns off the engine ☐ – Lights – headlight & tail light working condition especially if you ride at night |
| Oil & Fuel ☐ – Fuel – don’t get stranded with no gas, fill up before you ride ☐ – Oil – check the level with the sight window or dipstick ☐ – Leaks – check for any leaks ☒ – Air Filter – check to make sure it’s not plugged, torn or damaged |
| Clean, Chain & Chasis ☐ – Chain Drive – check chain for proper tension. Adjust & lube ☐ – Drive Shaft – check oil level and condition. Check for leaks or excessive play ☐ – Drive Belt – check condition & carry a spare belt ☐ – Nuts & Bolts – check torque (best done after washing) |
| ☐ – Carrying a tool kit and first aid kit is recommended. |
We also recommend that you carry an appropriate first aid kit and tool kit in case you encounter any problems. Examine the tool kit that came with your machine. You may want to add a few spare items – a spark plug, perhaps some electrical wire and tape, a good strong tow rope, a flashlight, and maybe a headlight bulb. Prepare for the unexpected, and carry what you need to handle any emergency. Remember, you can ride farther in an hour than you can walk in a day.
Enjoy the following ATV & Quad Safety Week videos that were prepared by the Canadian Quad Council:
