What is an ATV or UTV Kill Switch, and How Do You Use It?

A kill switch, although small in size, can make the difference in saving your ATV or UTV, and potentially some lives. Kill Switches are especially useful when you have children riding, but it can be a useful tool for anyone with an ATV or UTV.

An ATV kill switch causes the engine to shut off whenever it is triggered.  It usually attaches to the rider and can be pulled in an emergency or triggers automatically if the rider falls.

In this article, we will look at the kill switch, its importance, and, more importantly, how to use it.

Why use a Kill Switch on an ATV/UTV?

Generally, the kill switch is used to kill the engine of a vehicle. The Kill Switch can have many uses.  One is to reduce your risk of vehicle theft. In fact, one of its most crucial and important components is that you, as the owner of the ATV, UTV, or car, will be the only person who knows where the switch is and how to operate it.   It won’t stop someone from hauling your ATV away on a trailer, but it will stop them from riding it out.

The kill switch deters crime since without finding it, a thief cannot start the vehicle. Many thieves will leave a vehicle alone and move on when there is a kill switch. With an ATV, this is very important. Although you may not have a lot of belongings within the vehicle itself, its open model is very enticing. Without a kill switch, someone can easily hijack the vehicle and take it for themselves. Although it sounds a bit far-fetched, a lot of ATVs are stolen; in fact, there has been a huge rise in stolen ATVs over the past few years.

The more common purpose of a kill switch on an ATV or UTV  is to shut off the vehicle in an emergency situation. It is extremely beneficial for you when you want to shut it off immediately.  Depending on the kill switch, you can arrange for it it shut the engine off immediately if you fall from the ATV or UTV.

Another perk is that some insurance companies offer a discount for those owners whose vehicle does have a kill switch. This is often an overlooked aspect of having one. Insurance companies are well aware that these features prevent theft and also provide a safety measure that protects the driver and vehicle.

How does A Kill Switch Work in an ATV or UTV

Other than understanding its benefits, you must learn how a kill switch works on an ATV or UTV. It is in the vehicle for a reason and understanding that can help you a lot as an owner.

The kill switch is usually wired to the ignition coil. The ignition coil is part of the ATV or UTV that sends a spark that ignites the engine.

The kill switch breaks the ground circuit so that the coil no longer has a positive and ground. Because of that, the ignition coil is no longer firing. Without that, the ATV or UTV cannot run.

A kill switch can come in different forms, such as the push or pull style, which have different ways of functioning, but their key differences are essential.

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