ATV Maintenance
This section provides a general ATV maintenance schedule, storage tips and winterizing tips.
| Maintenance Schedule |
30 Days |
Yearly |
Fuel Line
Throttle
Air Cleaner
Spark Plug
Carburetor Idle
Drive Chain
Brake Shoe Wear
Brake System
Nuts & Bolts
Wheels
Steering System
Suspension System |
Inspect
Clean
Inspect
Inspect
Inspect/lubricate
Inspect
Inspect
Inspect
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Inspect
Inspect
Inspect
Inspect
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ATV Storage
Store an ATV in a cool, dry place and protect it from dust with a porous cover. Some basic maintenance should be performed before storing an ATV to ensure optimum performance when it’s ready to ride again. Procedures vary depending on the brand and model of an ATV, so it’s always good to use a professional mechanic to prep an ATV for storage.
When choosing to do the job yourself, keep the following advice in mind, and check the owner’s manual for instructions specific to the ATV.
- Change the oil and filter. The new oil will not go bad sitting in the engine over the winter, but the old oil will eat away at your engine all winter. Be sure to run the engine for a few minutes after changing the oil to wash the new oil around inside. Running the engine a few minutes like this will not contaminate the new oil.
- Drain the fuel tank, or at least turn off the fuel valve. Then run the engine to get the fuel out of the carburetor.
- Clean and lubricate all moving parts. Make sure all mud and dirt is cleaned out of these areas before oil is added.
- Check for loose hardware.
- Check brake levers, throttle lever, etc.
- Clean the air filter.
- Check the spark plug, lights, switches, tires, etc.
- Turn the wheels a little every month in order to prevent the tires from becoming degraded in one spot.
- Cover the muffler outlets with plastic bags to prevent moisture from entering them.
- Remove the battery and fully charge it once a month. Do not store the battery in an excessively cold or warm place.
Winterizing Tips
Some basic maintenance should be performed before taking an ATV out in the cold and snowy winter. Procedures vary depending on the brand and model of an ATV, so it’s always good to use a professional mechanic to prep an ATV for the winter.
When choosing to do the job, keep the following advice in mind, and check the owner’s manual for instructions specific to the ATV.
- Install a carburetor heater.
- Switch to a synthetic oil, which will be unaffected by temperature and provide instant lubrication when starting the engine.
- Make sure the battery is in good condition and the terminal connections are clean and tight.
- Keep the fuel tank full to prevent moisture from condensing and causing passages to become ice-clogged.
- Prevent corrosion by spraying down the suspension and brakes with a silicone water-dispersant before trailering an ATV. This will protect it from road salt.
- Rinse the ATV after each trip and let it dry in a warm garage.
More Basic ATV Maintenance Tips
- When owning fast ATVs, it is even more important to maintain the ATV, since accidents that happen at fast speeds can be very dangerous.
- ATVs in mud can be fun, but be sure to properly clean an ATV after each mudding session. Be sure to allow the brakes to fully dry before riding.
- 150cc ATVs are a good beginner ATV for teenagers or adults, because they are easy to maintain. Sport 150cc ATVs offer the benefits of racing usefulness, along with a smaller displacement engine.
- Many times, reasonably priced maintenance service can be found at places that sell wholesale ATVs.
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