First Aid And Survival - Arctic Cat 500 Operato's Manual

Prevention
A. Brakes
Squeeze the hand brake lever. If it feels soft
or "squishy," it could be low on fluid or
have a leak — refer to the General Mainte-
nance section of this Operator's Manual for
instructions. Don't use the ATV until the
brakes are operating normally.
Test the brake lever lock and see if it locks
the hand brake lever into position; then
disengage it to release the brake. Be sure
the rear foot brake near the footrest is
working; your brakes could fail during a
ride if they're not maintained.
Check:
1. Hand brake lever
2. Rear foot brake
3. Brake lever lock
B. Throttle
The throttle should have a free, smooth
range of motion. If it seems to "stick" at
any point, refer to the General Mainte-
nance section of this Operator's Manual
for instructions. Driving your ATV with a
sticking throttle can turn your leisurely
ride into an unwelcome accident. Don't
drive your ATV if the throttle sticks.
Check:
1. Free, smooth range of motion
3. Lights and Electric
Turn the hi-beam and lo-beam on and off
to make sure they work. At the same
time, check that the taillight and brake-
light work. Also, check the status/warn-
ing indicators (reverse, neutral, and hi-lo
beam) on the handlebar when you start
the ATV. Don't drive the ATV unless all
systems are working. Check the ignition
switch and engine stop switch.
Check:
1. Hi-beam
2. Lo-beam
3. Taillight/brakelight
4. Status/warning indicators
5. Ignition switch
6. Engine stop switch
! WARNING
4. Oil and Fuel
Start with a full tank of gas before every
ride, and while you're at it, top off the oil.
Don't forget to check for fluid leaks around
the ATV. Watch the overheat indicator to
ensure the engine coolant level is adequate.
Check:
1. Gas
2. Oil
3. Fluid leaks
5. Chassis
Grass and leaves can gum-up your suspen-
sion and shocks. Clear and clean the sus-
pension arms, shock springs, and fenders.
Check smoothness by turning the handle-
bar full-left and full-right. Check that there
is no binding, restrictions, free-play, or
looseness in steering components.
Check:
1. Suspension arms
2. Shock springs
3. Fenders
4. Steering
6. Miscellaneous Items
Inspect your air filter. Look for debris or
damage that may indicate you need to
replace it. A clogged filter can stop an
engine. Check your battery terminals for
corrosion. Also, be sure to tighten any
loose parts, nuts, or bolts.
Check:
1. Air filter
2. Battery
3. Tighten parts, nuts, and bolts

First Aid and Survival

You need to prepare for the unexpected.
Emergencies and accidents are traumatic
enough, but they're even worse when
you're not prepared for them. At the min-
imum during every ATV ride, you should
have the following items on board:
• Tools
• Water
• Identification
• First Aid Kit
For rides that are longer in duration and
distance, the following additional items
are recommended:
Indicates a potential hazard that could
result in a serious injury or death.
25