If you own an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and are experiencing understeer, then you know how frustrating it can be to ride. Understeer is a handling problem that occurs when the front wheels of an ATV lose grip while turning, causing the vehicle to go straight instead of turning. This can make it difficult to navigate tight turns, especially in off-road terrain.
Fortunately, understeer is a common issue with ATVs, and there are several ways to fix it. In this blog post, we will discuss how to fix ATV understeer and provide some tips on how to avoid it in the future.
- Check the Tire Pressure:
One of the most common causes of ATV understeer is incorrect tire pressure. If your ATV’s tire pressure is too low, it can affect the vehicle’s stability and handling, causing the front wheels to lose grip during turns. Therefore, it’s essential to check your ATV’s tire pressure regularly and adjust it to the manufacturer’s recommended level.
To check the tire pressure, use a tire pressure gauge and insert it into the tire’s valve stem. The recommended tire pressure is usually found in the owner’s manual or on a label on the ATV’s frame. If the pressure is too low, inflate the tire with a compressor or hand pump until it reaches the recommended level.
- Adjust the Suspension:
Another cause of ATV understeer is improper suspension settings. The suspension system of an ATV plays a vital role in its handling and stability, so it’s essential to ensure that it’s adjusted correctly.
To adjust the suspension, you need to consider the weight of the rider and the terrain you will be riding on. If the suspension is too soft, the vehicle will bottom out and lose grip during turns. On the other hand, if the suspension is too stiff, it can cause the vehicle to bounce and lose grip.
To adjust the suspension, refer to the owner’s manual, which will provide instructions on how to adjust the suspension for your ATV model. If you’re not sure how to do it yourself, take your ATV to a professional mechanic who can adjust the suspension for you.
You can also check out this other article we wrote on how to adjust suspension if you are willing to do it yourself:
Adjusting Your ATV Shock – A Helpful Guide
- Check the Wheel Alignment:
Another factor that can cause understeer is incorrect wheel alignment. If the wheels are not aligned correctly, it can affect the vehicle’s stability and cause the front wheels to lose grip.
To check the wheel alignment, you can use a string or laser alignment tool. Start by positioning the ATV on a flat surface and measuring the distance between the front and rear wheels on both sides. The distance should be the same on both sides.
If the measurements are not the same, adjust the tie rods until they are equal. Once you’ve adjusted the tie rods, check the steering wheel’s position to ensure it’s centered.
- Upgrade the Tires:
If you’ve tried all the above steps and are still experiencing understeer, it may be time to upgrade your ATV’s tires. Tires play a vital role in an ATV’s handling and stability, so it’s essential to choose the right type of tires for your riding style and terrain.
When choosing new tires, consider the tread pattern, tire size, and the terrain you will be riding on. For example, if you’ll be riding on muddy or wet terrain, choose tires with deep lugs that provide better traction. Similarly, if you’ll be riding on hard surfaces, choose tires with a flatter tread pattern that provide better stability.
- Avoid Braking Mid-Turn:
Braking mid-turn is another common cause of ATV understeer. When you apply the brakes during a turn, it shifts the weight of the vehicle to the front, causing the front wheels to lose grip and the vehicle to go straight.
It is generally better to slow down before reaching a turn instead of braking during the turn. All of the ATV’s weight is going one direction and if you brake mid turn then all of that force wants to continue to move that direction. This can cause under steer and if you are going fast enough and hit a sharp enough turn you can even flip the quad. You can avoid this by simply letting off the throttle before a turn and taking it a little bit slower.
In conclusion, experiencing understeer while riding an ATV can be frustrating and even dangerous. However, by following the steps outlined in this post, you can fix understeer and improve your ATV’s handling and stability. Regularly checking tire pressure, adjusting the suspension, and maintaining proper wheel alignment are key steps to preventing understeer. Additionally, choosing the right tires for your riding style and terrain and avoiding braking mid-turn can also help you avoid understeer in the future. By taking these steps, you can enjoy a safer and more enjoyable ATV riding experience.
