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It would be remiss to call ATVs or All-Terrain Vehicles a very expensive hobby project. ATVs are your passion, something to look forward to at the end of a stressful week. People usually save up for months for ATV upgrades so that they can keep improving and fine-tuning their baby.
There is unparalleled joy in taking those babies out for a spin. There’s nothing better than you, a powerful engine underneath you, and a rough terrain to take your mind off the mundane, boring parts of life. So now that you have money saved up, it’s time to upgrade!
When it comes to upgrades, it can be easy to want the shiniest or the newest kit or piece of tech that is making waves on the market. However, this is usually a really bad investment. Investing in fads and trends should be left to those who have unlimited cash to spend instead of those who still need to make rent and pay bills. So let’s find out fiscally sound decisions you should be looking into!
Tires
One of the things that conquer the terrain on an ATV is the tires. Without the proper tires, you risk injury to yourself and your vehicle. You should get tires that meet the road conditions you commonly encounter. For example, if you live in an area with heavy snow, then you should get snow tires.
On the other hand, if you live in the middle of a desert, snow tires aren’t the best investment. If you live in an area with a variety of terrains – for example, if you have beaches and forests close by – you might look into all-terrain tires as an investment. If your tires are old, you might want to consider investing in new tires. Always keep an eye on the tire treads and make sure to replace them when they get worn down.
Brakes
Brakes are one of the single most important parts of any vehicle. Without brakes, you will likely end up crashing into something or totaling your ATV. Brakes need to be replaced as often as necessary in case the brake pads wear down. If you haven’t checked your ATV brakes, you should do that and determine if a brake upgrade is something you need.
Brakes aren’t the most appealing of ATV upgrades. They are something you can see or post about. They don’t have the appeal of a body kit or even lights. However, you will thank your lucky stars you upgraded your brakes when you stop just a little too close to a tree after racing on a muddy track!
Buy Parts Online
You may trust your mechanic with your life. However, at the end of the day, they are still people who need to make a living. They will try and eke out a profit margin wherever they can, including when they order parts for you for installation. Some mechanics even undercharge on their labor and make up for the difference in parts prices.
The best way around this for you is for you to order parts online. Going into a store to buy parts is quickly becoming a thing of the past since excellent online retailers like ZMPerformance have come onto the scene. You can ditch paying for company overheads and buy directly from online warehouses to keep your costs as low as possible.
Exhaust
Okay, so you’ve saved up for months, and you want a ‘sexy’ upgrade. You want people to be able to see it, and you want something that you will be proud to show off. You have made sure your vehicle as up to date safety gear, and you want something you can post on the ‘gram. So what do you do?
You buy an exhaust, of course! The exhaust has a dual purpose. You can get notable power gains from a good, reliable exhaust like a Big Gun. This will ensure you’re maximizing your engine’s potential. And the cherry on top of the cake is that these babies look fantastic when installed! Form and function, that’s a combination that’s hard to beat.
Bumpers
If you’re looking to upgrade because you think your vehicle seems a little old and battered, then you should invest in bumpers. Bumpers are your first line of defense against bushes, branches, other ATVs, and other riders. They keep you and the insides of your vehicle safe from long-term damage. The downside is that it ends up looking a little beat up in a few years.
Getting new bumpers also gives you the chance to update the visual aesthetic of your ATV. You can introduce a new color scheme, new motifs, or even install patterned bumpers that put some of your aesthetic on your vehicle. Don’t be afraid to experiment. After all, you know how fast these bumpers are going to take a beating anyway!
