BRP Can-Am OUTLANDER 400 EFI 2014 Operator's Manual page 54

RIDING THE VEHICLE
Riding on Snow Covered Surfaces
When performing the pre-ride inspection, pay special attention to locations on the
vehicle where snow and/or ice accumulations may obstruct visibility of the taillight
and reflectors, clog ventilation openings, or interfere with the movement of the
control levers and switches. Before starting with your ATV check the steering,
throttle and brake lever and pedal controls for interference free operation.
Whenever an ATV is ridden on a snow covered drive path the tire grip is generally
reduced causing the vehicle to react differently to control inputs from the operator.
On low grip surfaces, the steering responses are not as crisp and precise, stopping
distances are lengthened and acceleration becomes sluggish. Slow down and do
not "gun" the throttle. This will only result in spinning of the tires and possibly in an
over steering slide of the vehicle. Avoid hard braking. This will possibly result in a
straight line slide of the vehicle. Again, the best advice is to safely reduce speed in
anticipation of a maneuver so to give yourself time and distance to regain total ve-
hicle control before it spins out of your control.
As you drive your ATV over a loose snow covered surface, snow dust will be
picked up in the wake turbulence of the moving vehicle and transported to contact
and accumulate or melt on some exposed components including rotating parts
like brake discs. Water, snow or ice may affect the response time of the brake
system of your ATV. Even when not required to reduce vehicle speed apply brakes
frequently to prevent ice or snow accumulation and to dry brake pads and discs.
While doing so in low risk driving situations you will test for grip level and keep
yourself alerted to how the vehicle reacts to your control inputs. Always keep
brake pedal, footrests, foot boards, brake and throttle levers free of snow and ice.
Frequently wipe snow off seat, hand grips, headlights and taillight.
The depth of the snow cover may hide rocks, tree stumps or other objects, and if it
is wet, may totally impede the drivability as the vehicle becomes bogged down or
completely looses traction in slushy snow. Look far ahead and always be watchful
of any visible clues that might indicate the presence of such obstacles. In doubt
steer clear. Avoid driving on any frozen body of water before checking that the
ice will safely support the ATV, its riders and its load of cargo. Remember that a
given thickness of ice may be sufficient to support a snowmobile but not an ATV
of an identical weight because of the smaller load bearing surface of the four tire
contact patches as compared to that of a snowmobile track and skis.
Always remember that the vehicle handling and stability is affected when riding
with a passenger. Never attempt maneuvers with a passenger that may cause
the vehicle to enter into a slide that if halted abruptly will result in the ejection of
the passenger and/or a vehicle roll or tipover.
To maximize comfort and avoid frostbite, always wear clothing and ATV protective
equipment appropriate for the weather conditions you will be exposed to during
your ride.
At the end of each ride it is a good practice to clean the vehicle body and all moving
components (brakes, steering components, drive lines, controls, etc.) from any
snow or ice accumulations. Wet snow will turn to ice during the shut down period
and become more difficult to remove at the next pre-ride inspection.
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52 SAFETY INFORMATION