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ATV Sand Riding Tips

Oct. 31 2023 Ownership Tips By SoCal Honda Powersports

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With the right modifications, your ATV can tackle sandy terrain. There are plenty of adventures waiting at the beach and the desert for you to enjoy, including conquering towering sand dunes.

But before you can enjoy taking your quad on the sand, you’ll need to prepare your ATV (and yourself) for a safe and thrilling sand ride. Keep reading for tips on getting ready for taking your ATV out on the sand.

Get Your Quad Ready

Sand is a unique type of terrain. For your ATV to successfully navigate the shifting sands, it will need some upgrades.

Consider getting:

  • Paddle tires. These offer optimized traction and reduce the chances of getting stuck.
  • Steel sprockets. Steel can handle the abrasiveness of sand better than aluminum can.
  • A lightweight and low-viscosity chain lube. This will reduce the chances of the chain jamming when you hit the sand.
  • A pre-filter and air-box cover. This helps protect the four-wheeler's air filter.
  • An orange safety flag. This is often a requirement, but it's wise to bring it, even if it's not required. This helps you be more visible to other riders and reduces the chances of an accident.

Get Your Riding Gear Ready

Sand riding means plenty of exposure to the sun and kicked-up debris, so you will want full-length riding clothes. They will offer the valuable protection you need. With a little research, you can find options with breathability and ventilation features. Get the protection you need without being too hot.

As with any ATV ride, it's crucial to wear a helmet. We recommend motocross helmets since they are designed for extreme outdoor adventures. You’ll also want a form of eye protection. If the helmet comes with a visor, that will work. Otherwise, throw on a pair of sunglasses or goggles.

Pack the Essential Supplies

Riding around dunes can cause your quad to heat up faster than usual… and be more likely to overheat. That's why it's wise to bring along extra coolant and fuel.

You are also likely to sweat more than on a typical ATV ride. Pack plenty of water, such as bringing a hands-free hydration pack. You will also want to bring a sports drink or salty snacks, which will help replace the electrolytes lost from sweating.

Looking to buy an ATV? Look no further than SoCal Honda Powersports. Our experts can help answer questions, give advice, and assist with anything you need. Reach out or stop by our dealership in Carson, CA. We welcome all our patrons visiting us from Los Angeles and Long Beach.