You made it through the toughest part of the winter, and now spring is right around the corner. For many, that means one thing: it’s time to break out the ATV.
Ripping around in an ATV, exploring back-country trails, and enjoying nature is a cherished pastime once the winter weather lifts. It can be a thrilling family activity or a solo adventure. It can be an extreme sport or a quiet retreat.
Regardless of how you like to enjoy your ATV time, the last thing you want is for the vehicle to fail on you in the middle of nature. That’s why ATV upkeep is of the utmost importance. Luckily, it doesn’t take much – just some expert help and a few tips to keep in your back pocket.
In this post, let’s explore four simple tips for upkeeping your ATV. These tips will help ensure a long functional life for your vehicle and help you avoid getting stranded on a failed ATV. Let’s take a look!
Schedule Regular Maintenance:
It seems self-evident, but it’s an important reminder: schedule regular maintenance for your ATV. Resist the impulse to believe that just because your vehicle works fine now, it doesn’t need maintenance.
Find a trustworthy, experienced recreation vehicle repair and maintenance shop that sells ATV parts and accessories. Keep an eye on your cluster; when it says “maintenance soon” (or some variation of that message,) schedule maintenance. If your ATV is new, follow the break-in procedures outlined in the service manual. After that, use your best judgment and periodically have your ATV inspected.
Clean Your ATV After a Muddy Ride:
ATV riders can get muddy, especially in the rainy months of spring. For some, the mud on their ATVs is a point of pride. But, although it may seem innocuous, that mud can cause a lot of damage.
Mud, dirt, and debris can trap moisture against your ATV, causing the metal to rust. It can also interfere with the air intake, harm your suspension and conceal problems like loose bolts. After each muddy ride, take the time to clean your vehicle, taking caution to cover the intakes as you do so.
Don’t Leave Fuel in the Tank:
Gas breaks down, and when it does, it can clog the fuel lines and damage the plastics in your vehicle. If you’re planning to leave your ATV in storage for some time, treat the gas with a stabilizer. If you’re housing your ATV for an extended period, like an entire off-season, remove the fuel.
Check Your Fluids Often:
While this tip generally falls under “regular maintenance,” it’s important enough to deserve its own section here. Check your oil often (once a week and each time you fill your gas tank) and follow your owner’s manual to choose the right oil type and weight. The recreational vehicle repair and maintenance shop you frequent will have the oil you need. If in doubt about how to change your oil, just ask the pros.
If you follow these simple tips, you should have many hours of worry-free fun ahead of you in your ATV.
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