You've spent years watching other people zip around on their side-by-sides and ATVs, and now you're ready to get a 4x4 for yourself. Riding an ATV or UTV is a great way to stay active, participate in a community and spend more time in nature.
Still, riding an ATV can be intimidating for beginners. There's a lot to learn about safety, proper attire, riding clubs, trails and licenses. Fortunately, this is a welcoming community eager to teach beginners about ATVs. Here's an overview of what to know if you're new to off-roading.
The first step when you start ATVing is deciding what type of vehicle you'd like. Many people use the term "ATV" to refer to a wide range of off-road vehicles, but ATVs are actually just one specific type. Here are some definitions:
- Off-highway vehicles (OHVs): An OHV is any motorized vehicle that's used mostly for recreation on trails and roads that aren't suitable for most cars, trucks or motorcycles. This is a wide class that includes ATVs, UTVs, 4x4s, dirt bikes and snowmobiles.1
- All-terrain vehicles (ATVs): An ATV is a type of OHV that the driver straddles and steers with handlebars.2 An ATV might also be called a 4-wheeler, quad or 4x4.
- Utility terrain vehicles (UTVs): A UTV is a type of OHV where the driver sits in a seat and controls the vehicle with a steering wheel and gas and brake pedals.2 A side-by-side is a popular type of UTV featuring at least two seats next to each other and is often enclosed by a roll cage.
So, which vehicle is right for you? ATVs generally hold one to two people and are good for exploring trails, towing and hauling materials around a farm, and racing on dirt tracks. UTVs fit up to six people. Some UTVs look like golf carts and are great for transporting people and material around a farm or job site. Side-by-sides look similar to go-karts and are great for dune riding, racing and hitting trails with the whole family.2
One of the biggest questions ATV beginners have is what this lifestyle will cost. And expenses can definitely add up: the ATV itself costs $3,000 to $15,000 or more, with an average starting price of about $7,000.3 Add on the cost of equipment, such as a helmet and proper riding attire, plus riding club memberships and access fees for riding areas, and your total can increase quickly.
Don’t let costs deter you. Financing for ATVs and accessories can make the sport more accessible. A Synchrony installment loan for an ATV or side-by-side—plus any accessories you purchase at the same time—can help you pay over time.* We work with many dealers who are experts with helping beginners learn about their ATV. They can help you get what you need with one convenient monthly payment.* Our Payment Calculator can help you estimate and compare possible monthly loan payments.
To get the most out of your purchase, you'll want to make sure you're taking good care of your ATV. Staying on top of regular maintenance and cleaning can help extend the life of your ATV so you can ride the same machine for 10 years or more.4 Follow these tips to help maximize your ATV's lifespan:
If you're just starting ATVing, you might find yourself confused at the gas pump. But in most cases, filling up your ATV is simple: Just use regular gas.5 That said, there is a bit more nuance for some ATVs, so always check your owner's manual to see what's recommended for your specific machine. Here are a few things to consider:5
- Ethanol content. Some ATVs can only use regular (87 octane) gas if it's ethanol-free. When in doubt about whether fuel contains ethanol, use super or super-plus (89 or 91 octane) gas, which is safe for most four-stroke ATVs.
- Two-stroke engines. Most ATVs are four-stroke engines, but some are two-stroke. If you have a two-stroke, you'll need to blend gas with oil. See your owner's manual for the specifics for your machine.
- Diesel engines. A few manufacturers make diesel ATVs or side-by-sides. In that case, you'll want to use diesel fuel. You can even save some money at the pump by using off-road diesel, which is not taxed.
Just like a car or truck, an ATV or side-by-side needs regular maintenance. Schedule time at least once a month to give your ATV some TLC. That way it will continue to perform well on the trails. It's always best to consult your owner's manual for the specific maintenance schedule your manufacturer recommends. Here are the main components of ATV maintenance:4
- Tires: Check the pressure before every ride; check the tread and inspect for damage every three months or 300 miles.
- Oil: Check levels before every ride; change oil every 100 miles.
- Battery: Clean and inspect it every month or every 100 miles.
- Air filter and drains: Clean them every month or every 100 miles.
- Spark plugs: Inspect them every three months or 300 miles; replace them every 18 months or 4,000 miles.
- Coolant: Check the level every three months or 300 miles; replace it every other year.
- Brakes: Inspect before every ride; replace fluid every two years, hoses every four years and pads as needed.
- Nuts, bolts and lube: Make sure your ATV is well-lubricated and all bolts are tight every three months.
This might seem like a lot, but Synchrony can help make paying for ATV maintenance easy. Warranties, service contracts and maintenance plans can be bundled into your Synchrony loan when you purchase your ATV, so you can pay over time.* After purchase, use the Synchrony Outdoors Credit Card to buy the powersports accessories, parts and service you need at participating dealers and retailers.** Whether it’s an oil change, tune-up or some great new upgrades, Synchrony’s got your back.
Some riders take time off in the winter. Any time your ATV will be sitting for a few weeks or more, it's important to winterize it. This involves performing regular maintenance like an oil and air filter change and taking the necessary precautions to protect your ATV from critters and corrosion during the winter months. You'll also need to add fuel stabilizer that will keep your fuel from going bad during the winter. This helps ensure that your ATV starts right up in the spring.
ATVs are designed to get dirty, but that doesn't mean they should stay that way. Mud can gunk up the gears on your machine and trap moisture, leading to rust, corrosion and the deterioration of rubber seals.
While it may be tempting to sit back and relax after a ride, you should take a few minutes to wash off your ATV. Here's how:6
- Presoak: By the time you get home from your ride, mud and dirt are probably caked on. Step one is to soak down your machine by spraying it thoroughly with water. That will make it easier to remove hardened mud and debris.
- Blast off mud: Next, you'll need some water pressure or elbow grease to blast off the mud and debris. Some people prefer to use a regular hose for this step, while others use a power washer. Just remember that you want enough power to blast off dirt, but not so much you'll damage your machine.
- Scrub: Fill a bucket with water and car/ATV soap. Use a large sponge to wipe down the frame, seat and other areas that aren't particularly dirty. Then, use a brush with tough bristles to remove debris from the tires and undercarriage.
- Degrease: If you have any oil on your ATV, use a degreaser. Apply it and let it sit according to the instructions on the bottle. Then wipe the mess away.
- Dry: Either allow your machine to air-dry or use a lint-free cloth to wipe it down.
- Wax: Once your ATV is dry, use wax to add a protective coating and sleek shine. Just be sure not to get wax on the seat or handlebars since that can make them slick and affect safety.
Whether you're new to ATVing or you're an experienced rider, it's important to follow these safety tips.7,8 They can help ensure safety and keep your riding fun and positive.
- Educate yourself. Make sure you have all required licenses. Take a safety course offered by your state.
- Use designated riding areas. Many riding clubs have trails that are maintained and groomed specifically for ATV safety. Always follow posted speed limits and precautions.
- Wear safety equipment. Always wear a helmet and proper attire, including gloves, long pants, long sleeves and boots. Don't forget goggles and ear protection. If your machine has a seat belt, use it.
- Pick the right machine. Choose an ATV that's the right size for you. Never carry more than the maximum number of riders the machine is designed for.
- Avoid riding alone. Find riding clubs in your area and make friends who can hit the trails with you. This ensures you’ll have help in the event of an emergency.
- Personalize your machine. Over time, you'll learn what safety features are right for you and your machine. For example, steering stabilizers can help you stay in control of your ATV even on bumpy terrain.
If you're interested in ATVing, don't let the beginner's learning curve deter you. It might seem like a lot to absorb, but you'll feel like a pro in no time.
A Synchrony installment loan offers flexible terms, allowing you to pay over time with convenient monthly payments that fit your budget.* You can also use the loan to bundle in the approved accessories and gear you need at the time of vehicle purchase.
- Banking you trust: Synchrony is a Fortune 500 bank that’s been helping consumers for more than 90 years.
- Brands you love: We partner with 100+ powersports brands for you to choose from.
- 4,500 dealers: Synchrony loans are offered by over 4,500 dealership partners to help you get the powersports vehicle you want with financing you need.*
- Lightning-fast approval: Get a decision about your loan application in 60 seconds or less.
- Autopayment: Never miss a payment. Call Synchrony’s customer service and set up your automatic payments.
- Early payoff: No early payment restrictions if you’d like to pay your loan off early.
- Equal payments: Make equal monthly payments over the life of the loan, so you don’t have to worry about adjusting your budget.
Ready to ride? Find a dealer near you that accepts Synchrony financing and click "ATV" under Subcategories.
*Offer subject to credit approval by Synchrony Bank.
**Subject to credit approval. See mysynchrony.com/outdoors for details.