How Long Do ATV Brakes Last?

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How Long Do ATV Brakes Last

Brakes are an important aspect of every ATV, but sometimes people overlook the system as it works most of the time. But remember that brakes are a perishable item and can lose their sheen and performance over time. But this doesn’t happen overnight, it starts to wear out slowly every time you step on the pedal. 

In this article, we’ll look at how long do ATV brakes last, why brakes are important for an ATV, what is burnishing and some tips to keep your brakes in the best condition.

Contents

So how long should an ATV brake last?

The lifespan of ATV brakes largely depends on your style of riding, location and how often you ride your ATV. If you are an occasional rider and take the ATVs out only on the weekends, then your braking system will last for some time.  But if you are an aggressive rider and ride for more than 8-10 hours per week, then you need to keep an eye on the brakes and check them regularly. 

What are the types of brakes available?

If you are looking for ATV brakes, the two most common types of brakes used in ATV are:

  • Disc Brakes
  • Drum Brakes

When compared to drum brakes, the disc brakes are quite effective and stop the vehicle immediately. Both types of brakes work mainly based on heat and friction, but disc brakes handle heat well than drum brakes. If you are looking for a cheaper braking system, then you can go for the drum brakes. But off late, most of the latest ATVs come equipped with disc brakes as they offer an effective braking system for high-performance ATVs.

How to keep your ATV brakes in the best condition?

To keep your ATV brakes in the best condition, follow the tips posted below:

Burnishing the Brakes
When you install new brakes or replace your older brakes in your ATV, there is a process that needs to be done to complete the installation of your new brakes. It is called as Burnishing that involves running the ATV and making some medium to high-powered stops to create a layer of friction on the rotors. This layer helps in the effective performance of the braking system.

Mud is Bad
While ATVs are designed to run across all terrains as its name suggests, the chassis and suspension system is specially designed to handle all terrains. But unfortunately, the braking system doesn’t take mud and water very well. Hence, after a run through muddy trials, it is good to clean your ATV to keep the braking system in the best shape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How to effectively use the brakes while going downhill?
A: When you are riding downhill, it is always better to shift your weight backwards and using the back brakes. Using front brakes is not recommended going downhill as it can be dangerous and can even flip your vehicle upside down. 

Q: Can we use both brakes together for braking?
A: Yes, it is always better to use both brakes as while you are moving forward, it is the front brakes that does all the hard work.  But when you use only the front brakes at high speed, there are more chances of you losing control of your ATV and locking up your wheels.