Six Tips to Secure Your ATV from Theft
Unfortunately, ATV thefts are more common than you might think. So, if you haven’t thought about it earlier, you’ll now want to take all possible preventive measures to make sure your quad is safe. Whether you are at home or a campground, you'll need to make a little effort to secure your ATV. Check out our guide, where we have highlighted a few simple ways for preventing ATV thefts. If you need more ideas, speak to our experts at Cycles of Jacksonville. You’ll find us in Jacksonville, FL, where we happily welcome our customers from Orlando and St. Augustine.
1. Remove Your Keys
Though it seems obvious, many ATV thefts have happened because thieves could quickly start the vehicle and drive away. So, make it your rule to never leave the key in your quad when unattended.
2. Lock Your ATV
When you have to store your quad, make sure you store it in your garage or a locked shed. Even if you keep your ATV in an outdoor shed, make sure the location is connected to your house, or at least it is within your sight and hearing. This will deter someone from laying their hands on your machine as they will fear alerting you.
3. Use a Chain and Lock System
Another theft-deterrent measure that you’ll want to apply is using a good-quality lock and chain. However, you’ll need to make sure that these accessories are robust and you are smart about efficiently chaining up your ATV.
4. Put a Padlock on Disc Brakes
If your quad came with ventilated disc brakes, get a good quality, hardened steel padlock to lock the disc brake itself. This will prevent the wheel from turning, making it impossible for anyone to move your ATV. A padlock is helpful in instances when you don’t have access to a locked garage for parking your vehicle, like at your campground. You can also choose a locking system with a siren to detect any movements and alert you immediately.
5. Install Security Cameras
Though a security camera won’t prevent someone from stealing your quad, you’ll still have some evidence of the instance, which you can let the police use as a starting point. When you know where to begin, the process becomes a lot easier, and you can make sure the investigation is taking place in the right direction. Also, as these devices are affordable, it makes installing one every bit worth the investment.
6. Remove the Valve Stems from Tires
This tip may appear impractical and a bit extreme for short-term storage. However, it can come in handy, especially when you are at a campground where you may have to leave your quad unattended.
Remove the valve stems from two tires and let them go flat. As this will make it hard for anyone to roll your ATV over any distance, thieves will likely drop the idea of stealing it. But before you do that, make sure that you have a pump nearby to refill the tires once you get back.
We hope these tips help you secure your ATV against thefts. If you need more ideas or want to upgrade your quad to the latest model, visit Cycles of Jacksonville. Our experts can address all of your concerns and show you our selection of ATVs for sale. Also, we can suggest models for your budget and help you choose a quad that’s perfect for you. To speak to our experts, call us today or visit us at our dealership in Jacksonville, FL, where we proudly serve those from Orlando and St. Augustine.