Brakes keep you alive in technical terrain. Here is how to maintain and upgrade your ATV or UTV brake system correctly.
Brake Pad Options
Organic pads are quiet and gentle on rotors but wear faster and fade in sustained braking. Sintered metallic pads handle heat better, last longer, and perform well in wet conditions - the right choice for hard off-road use. EBC, Galfer, and SBS make excellent sintered options for most powersports applications.
Rotors
OEM rotors are adequate for most riders. Performance slotted rotors from Galfer improve wet weather bite by sweeping water off the pad surface. Replace rotors when thickness drops below the minimum stamped on the disc - typically 3mm below new thickness.
Brake Fluid
Most ATV and UTV systems use DOT 4. Change every 2 years regardless of appearance - brake fluid absorbs moisture and the boiling point degrades over time. Flush completely rather than topping off for best results.