How to Maximize the Fuel Economy of an ATV

Fuel economy and miles per gallon were not topics most people used to bring up when it came to ATVs. However, in today’s world of crushing oil prices and rising fuel costs, it has started to crop up with increasing frequency. This is especially true in industries like agriculture and ranching where ATVs are not used for recreation; instead, they are tools of the trade, so to speak. And as such, they are evaluated in terms of their return on the investment they require. If one ATV, or even a whole fleet of them, is burning too much gas, then it could have negative effects on a ranch or farm’s bottom line.

Industry experts agree that if you averaged across all ATVs and UTVs, the average mpg for these vehicles is 39.47 mpg. This is a very respectable number indeed, but it can still be maximized. Here are some ways to get the most out of every tank of gas on your ATV.

• Weight. Lightening the load will decrease the amount of fuel consumed in any vehicle. Racks or tools not in use should be removed. That ATV winch might look cool, but if you never use it, it could cost you extra fuel.
• Aerodynamics. The simple physics behind helping the wind flow over a vehicle applies to race cars as well as ATVs. Less drag, less power is needed; therefore fuel savings.
• Brakes. Drag brake calipers and worn bearings make the engine work harder than it should. Another aspect of this is a worn clutch or improper shifting.
• air pressure. Running even tire pressure can reduce fuel efficiency by 15%
• Wide open. One of the easiest ways to increase your speed is to ease up on the accelerator and drive less aggressively.
• Additives ATVs, carbureted or fuel injected, benefit from the occasional use of a fuel additive designed to clean injectors/carburetors. The things commonly found on the shelves are designed to be added to tanks that are 20 gallons or larger. All you need is one full cap every half dozen refills.
• Fine tunning. Every engine needs to be tuned from time to time to improve its performance. ATVs are no different from cars in this regard.

In many ways, you can view your ATV just like you would your car if you want to improve fuel efficiency. With these simple tips, you could boost your ATV’s fuel economy well above the 40 mpg mark.