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(ARA) - Water. Dust. Mud. Together they are the soup we feed our ATVs -- gobbled up without so much as a post-ride burp. Maintenance-free suspension bushings, fully sealed engines and electronics and tough-as-nails drive systems see to that.
But a diet of these potentially destructive ingredients requires a few key maintenance measures to keep your ATV in top shape and ready for more feasts of terra firma. According to the expert Arctic Cat, Cat Master Technician Dealers, a few simple tips will keep your ATV in top form, whether it’s a classic or a new model, like the just-introduced Arctic Cat 650V2 4x4.

General Maintenance

Different conditions and riders make any one-size-fits-all maintenance program impossible. However, you’ll do your ATV (and your wallet) a big favor by following these five general maintenance procedures at a frequency that makes sense for the conditions and duration you ride.

1. Proper Tire Pressure: Air pressure is a huge factor in how your ATV rides. Too little pressure produces heavy steering and unpredictable handling. Too much means accelerated tire wear and a rough ride. And only 1-psi can make a significant difference. Solution: Check all four tires before each ride.

2. Air Filter: It’s so quick and easy to pull the air filter, rinse/wash it with filter cleaner, blow it dry, treat with filter oil and reinstall that you should do so once a month and after every dusty ride. Tip: For extra engine protection in dusty conditions, use a genuine Arctic Cat prefilter.

3. Oil and Filter: Changing the oil and filter on your ATV once a year (more if you’re riding hard in the heat) will keep your ATV engine fresh and healthy. For the best results, use the new, specially formulated synthetic oil from Arctic Cat.

4. Condensation Check: Are you riding in mud and water? Water condenses when a hot front differential (on 4x4 ATVs) and rear gear case contact with cold water or mud, contaminating the oil. Dip a clean, clear plastic zip-tie into the inspection plughole, and then check the oil. If it’s milky, drain and refill.

5. Boot and Bellows Check: Inspect the rubber CV boots on each wheel and the rubber vent bellows on the front differential (4x4 models) and rear gear case. If they’re torn, replace them before riding or risk an expensive repair bill.

Technicians also recommend using a high pressure washer like those at self-service car washes to spray the layer of dirt from your ATV, making sure to clean all dirt and debris from the radiator (on liquid-cooled models) and the engine/engine head (on air/oil-cooled models). Spray both sides of the two front brake discs and the single rear disc. (Tip: After spraying each side of each disc, roll the ATV forward to expose the portion shielded by the brake pads, then spray again.)

With a little preventative maintenance, you’ll be ready for the trail in no time.

By Carjunky

(NUI) - The summer air beckons avid all-terrain vehicle riders outdoors. Unfortunately, injuries can occur if ATVs aren't handled safely.

Proper safety training, common sense and personal responsibility are the keys to preventing ATV accidents. Polaris Industries Inc., a leading manufacturer of ATVs, offers the following tips for safe riding.

* Get educated. Read your owner's manual and the warning labels on your ATV. They will tell you how to operate your ATV safely. Review the owner's manual and warning labels periodically to refresh your memory. You also should complete an approved ATV rider-safety course before driving your vehicle. Polaris dealers provide safety training and certification for Polaris ATVs. Contact your local dealer for details.

* Always wear protective gear. Never ride an ATV without an approved helmet. Protective eye gear, long pants, over-the-ankle boots, gloves and a long-sleeve shirt or jacket also are highly recommended.

* Ride solo. Unless your vehicle is specifically designed to seat two people, only one person should be on it at a time. Carrying a passenger on a one-seater ATV can upset the balance and cause you to lose control of the vehicle.

* Steer clear of pavement. ATVs are not designed to be driven on pavement and it is illegal to drive one in an undesignated area. Visit ATVPathfinder.com to locate designated riding trails by state.

* Maintain a safe and controllable speed. Your vehicle's handling can be affected by the conditions at hand, such as the terrain or level of visibility. Adjust your ATV's speed accordingly.

* Abide by the rules for youth drivers. For riders age 6 and older, an ATV with an engine size less than 70 cubic centimeters is recommended; for riders age 12 and older, an ATV with an engine from 70 cc to 90 cc is recommended. ATVs with engines that are 90 cc or greater are recommended for use only by riders age 16 and older. Riders under the age of 16 should always be under adult supervision.

There are ATV models designed specifically for youth, such as Polaris' Predator 50, Predator 90 and Sportsman 90.

To learn more about ATV safety, call the Polaris safety hotline at (800) 342-3764 or visit www.polarisindustries.com.

(ARA) - The holidays are fast approaching, and you’re probably starting to think about gift ideas for those near and dear to your heart.

Whether you’re shopping for a teenager, a college student, a friend, spouse or parent, you can’t go wrong by giving the gift of technology.

In recent years the hottest gifts have gone mobile. Digital devices such as iPod’s or mp3 players that offer the convenience of on-the-go entertainment. But industry experts are expecting portable navigation devices to be hot sellers this year.

PNDs are the fastest growing electronics category in North America, mainly because millions of consumers have discovered how effective they are at eliminating much of the stress of travel. Getting lost, asking for directions and reading maps are replaced with clear directions from a calm, friendly voice.

As the name implies, the main function of portable navigation is to apply global positioning system technology to help you navigate from where you are to where you want to be. Once a destination is selected, spoken directions accompany visual cues to turn as the user moves their car, bicycle or themselves.

In recent years PND prices have declined so a device is an affordable gift for many budget sizes. As prices have dropped, product features have expanded and may include:

* Rich editorial content such as travel guides and restaurant reviews.

* Helpful points of interest such as key landmarks, hotels, ATMs and gas stations.

* The latest road network developments to help you choose the best route to suit your needs.

* Real-time traffic updates.

“Consumer demand for more accurate and intelligent routing is becoming a standard. So much so, in fact, that many navigation devices now utilize traffic services that deliver real-time information about traffic conditions,” explains Howard Hayes, vice president of NAVTEQ Traffic, a leading provider of real-time traffic services. “Today, consumers can count on their PNDs to help them avoid construction zones, to find the best way to get around rush hour traffic when they’re in a hurry, and even to avoid the backups caused by an accident.”

If your friend or loved one already has a PND or a device that is in their car dashboard, don’t think they wouldn’t still appreciate some other type of travel gift. One idea would be to purchase some updated map content or software for them. NAVTEQ updates their maps quarterly. Log on to www.navigation.com to find the software you need.

And here are other travel gift ideas that can double as stocking stuffers:

* Noise-reducing headphones, which not only eliminate traveling noise, but also play your favorite music group.

* Two-way radios to keep caravans together or individual members of your party together when on an excursion.