Excluding the venerable ute, no other wheeled vehicle has done more to shape, and ultimately reshape the Aussie landscape than the quad bike. These hardy, go-anywhere ATVs and UTVs are as respected for their hauling capacities on farms and remote worksites as they are for taking on tough tracks at the beach or in the outback. And with an estimated 300,000 quads across the country, it’s important that riders take their safe operation seriously.
According to SafeWork SA, quad bike accidents are responsible for an average of 15 fatalities and 1400 serious injuries annually. That means in addition to adhering to safe riding practices, owners also need to ensure their quad’s key operating systems and features are safe and functioning properly. This is where taking a few seconds to inspect and replace a few key quad parts can potentially be a lifesaver.
Online Quad Bike Parts Are the Key To Optimum Off-Road Safety
Let’s be honest: while quad bikes are uniquely capable of simultaneously satisfying a rider’s professional and recreational needs, ignoring broken or defective parts can be problematic. Availability is everything though, which is why online ATV parts retailers make it a priority to always stock parts that riders depend on for safety.
While there’s no shortage of factors that can result in a quad bike incident, feature-related incidents should never happen, especially if they’re linked to any of the following systems:
- Brakes. Hydraulic braking is the most common braking system used on quad bikes; and as it’s regularly exposed to sediment and debris, moisture and heat stress, it invariably requires an inspection and maintenance schedule that doesn’t exclude parts replacements when necessary.
- Steering. Electronic Power Steering (EPS) systems have largely replaced manual linkage-style quad bike steering, and owners need to ensure these systems and assemblies are protected from moisture or corrosion that could lead to dangerously unpredictable steering behaviour.
- Tyres. ATV and UTV tyres are designed specifically for the rigours and abuse of off-road driving. Punctures, damages and excessive tread wear – especially from riding on bitumen surfaces – can all have an adverse effect on tyre life, requiring them to be inspected before and after every off-roading session.
While the correct operation of other parts and accessories like engine stop/kill switches, throttle limiters and headlamps are also important for quad safety, it’s the ability to stop, steer and keep four wheels solidly on the ground that riders depend on most to avoid collisions, rollovers and dangerous losses of traction.
Fortunately, there’s no shortage of high quality replacement and upgrade online ATV parts for owners to choose from to keep themselves and their quads safe. And with the ability to order virtually any part online from a premium quad parts store, they’re never more than a day away from making their bike safer than ever.
Inspections Help Prevent Disastrous Brake Failure
Make no mistake: of all the screws, bolts and moving parts on modern ATVs, braking is the last system an owner wants to experience a problem with. That’s because aside from the impacts and vibration that can cause their own share of difficulties, worn or damaged brake pads, rotors or brake lines are a recipe for disaster, especially if they’re hidden under layers of mud.
Thorough and regular brake inspections after hard and dirty rides are the best way to ensure brake systems are serviceable at all times, and owners should always be on the lookout for the following:
- Rusted, damaged or leaking brake lines, resulting in a soft or mushy brake lever or pedal, dragging or uneven braking, or a complete failure of the brake to engage.
- Worn, cracked, or glazed brake pads, leading to squealing, dubious steering, and a dramatic reduction in braking power that could also damage the rotors.
- Scored, discoloured or warped brake rotors, leading to a pulsing sensation in either the brake lever or pedal, as well as shaking and uncommon vibration in the ATV’s steering.
With quad braking systems naturally subject to damage from the mud and debris encountered on the trail, every squeal, growl, and squeeze of a spongy brake lever could be an indication of possible brake failure. Fortunately, owners have the ability to purchase high quality upgraded ceramic brake pads, martensitic stainless steel rotors and reinforced brake lines directly from well stocked online ATV parts shop retailers. And not only does shopping for brake parts online give owners instant visibility to OE replacement parts, it allows them to compare brake parts and part prices from multiple manufacturers.
Avoid Steering Headaches With Heavy Duty Steering Parts
Unlike braking system problems that can ordinarily be traced to a handful of problem areas, troubleshooting ATV and UTV steering systems presents a different set of challenges, especially on EPS-equipped bikes. Along with the possibility of broken wires and short circuits causing their own array of problems, the EPS’s lighter handling and steering can actually mask a range of mechanical problems. This is why having a trusted online ATV parts store for top quality replacement steering parts is important.
In spite of the unmistakable clunking noises and dead handlebar feel that are clear signs of steering problems, a proper inspection of a quad’s steering system should include the following:
- Checking the ball joints by raising the quad and shaking the tyres at the 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock positions to check for excess top to bottom play.
- Checking the state of the tie rods by also raising the quad and shaking the tyres from the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions to check for excess side to side play.
- Checking the condition of the U-joints by shaking the driveshafts to check for excess rotational play.
These simple checks allow owners to quickly determine if their bike has any worn or bent steering components, and how quickly they should consider replacing them. Ideally, quads that see the hardest farm and worksite use should only use hardened steel or chromoly steering parts for maximum safety. And owners who shop for their ATV UTV parts online can be sure that they’re genuinely getting the heaviest duty parts at best price.
Regular Tyre Inspections Keep Quads Safely On the Ground
From their tubeless design and extra thick sidewalls, to their virtually puncture-proof reinforced casings, quad bike tyres are in a league all their own. They’re every bike’s sole points of contact with the ground, and regardless of how fast a bike is capable of traveling or the type of terrain it can navigate, they have to perform flawlessly at all times.
Even the best made tyre isn’t immune to damage while riding, though. And as any fault or flaw that could compromise a tyre’s integrity poses an imminent rollover risk, routine tyre inspections are essential for detecting the following:
- Punctures. Any hard impact with a rock or root can leave a tyre tread compromised, especially if the tyre isn’t designed for the surface it’s being ridden on. Owners should therefore check their tyres regularly to be sure that the tread surface has been punctured.
- Sidewall or bead damage. Damage to a tyre’s sidewall, or separation of the tyre from the rim is guaranteed to cause a problem. A good sidewall inspection, including checks for cuts, bulging or dry rotting will reveal if replacing the tyre is unavoidable.
- Tread separation. Tread separation, including lugs tearing away from the tyre casing can instantly result in a dangerous loss of control. A proper visual inspection will also instantly reveal signs of tread separation, or wear that could lead to it.
Ideally, together with regular inspections, frequent checks of tyre pressure are enough to catch most tyre issues before they become problems. And when a tyre needs to be replaced, owners can be confident that along with any other replacement parts, a premium ATV parts online store will have precisely what they need.
The Final Word
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter if a quad is used for work or recreation, safety is still the priority. Some parts and systems are more crucial for safety than others though, which is why owners need to have access to a full selection of parts any time, and from anywhere.
Premium grade ATV parts retailers can be counted on to stock the highest quality and heaviest duty parts online in Australia. Regardless of the part, they have everything ATV and UTV owners need to stay safe.
