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Preparing for ATV Mudding

Sep. 12 2024 Safety By Team Mancuso Powersports South

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Some ATV owners enjoy taking rides on very muddy trails, a practice referred to as mudding. While mudding can be very enjoyable, an unmodified quad can get damaged by all the dirt and water. We recommend using this list of tips from Team Mancuso Powersports South in order to prepare your ATV for mudding. 

Prepare the Airbox

The airbox is an empty chamber near your ATV engine’s intakes where air is collected before going to the cylinders. It’s important to seal up the airbox before you go mudding to ensure that no mud finds its way into the engine. Make sure that the airbox is free of holes and that the lid is securely fastened. 

Riding in deep mud carries the danger that some of that mud and water will get inside the inlet. Install a snorkel kit if you plan to take your four wheeler deep in the mud. The kit will include extended CVT inlets, extended air intakes, and outlet exhausts. 

Move the Radiator

It’s also important to keep your ATV’s radiator out of the mud. Most ATV models mount the radiator above the front rack, but you may need to reposition the radiator in order to keep it dry. You may also need to use tape or modify your radiator in order to prevent clogging. 

Get a Winch

If your ATV gets stuck in the mud, then the process of getting it out again will be so much easier if you have a winch installed. Even experienced mudders sometimes get stuck, so be sure to inspect your winch before each rider. Put the winch in a free spool so that you can check the line, and then apply pressure when your inspection has concluded. 

Grease Up Your ATV's Parts

Dielectric grease can be used to protect your ATV’s internal circuitry from water. We recommend using marine grade dielectric grease since it is water resistant. Consider spraying WD-40 on your quad’s throttle, hand grips, and brake levers before the mudding trip to help keep mud off of them. 

Shop ATVs at Team Mancuso Powersports South in La Marque, Texas. We’re proud to serve communities like Galveston and League City, Texas. We also offer servicing, parts ordering, and servicing.