Basics of ATV Care
Making the decision to be an ATV owner can be a fun one! Now that you’ve made your purchase, likely a pretty big investment, you probably want to get as much use and longevity out of it as possible. With a few maintenance tips, you can keep your ATV running smoothly for years to come! Our ATV care advice will get you started.
Keeping things clean
While some ATV owners will use their new vehicles mainly on flat or even dry surfaces, the majority of ATV use will get a little dirty, to say the least. Even though they are made to withstand some dirt, grit, and water, cleaning and maintaining your ATV is vital to get the longest lifespan out of it without having to pay for major repairs.
The first step of ATV care is a basic one: give your vehicle a good spray-down with the hose after use. Taking a towel to it afterward won’t hurt either. Cleaning allows you to remove any sitting dirt or water while also giving it a once-over to be sure nothing is broken from the last use.
Regular maintenance
Be sure to do basic maintenance on your ATV. If you’re struggling with time or know-how, you can always drop off your vehicle at a mechanic you trust for expert ATV care.
Basic maintenance includes changing the oil and any other fluids, checking brakes and brake shoes, and checking spark plugs. Additionally, check the handlebar grips and that all nuts and bolts are tight – give it a look once every few weeks to months, depending on how often it’s used.
Routine check-ups
In addition to maintenance, your ATV care should include checking the more complicated parts. Most modern ATVs will run on a CV belt transmission, which allow the engine to operate efficiently without the use of a manual clutch. Over time, these belts can be stretched or worn out with frequent use. Especially if driving through the water or on rough, muddy terrain.
The CV belt isn’t always easy to get to. You’ll know it needs to be checked if your ATV stops operating as usual. Common signs of CV belt issues include not shifting smoothly and an unpleasant burning rubber odor.
Replacements and treatments
The last part of basic ATV care is treating and replacing parts. This starts with your air filter. Clean air is needed to keep your engine running properly, and replacing the filter often will elongate the life of your vehicle. Make sure your air filter is clean and dry, checking the intakes and filters more often on your off-roading vehicle than you would a truck. Check or replace the air filter after a particularly dusty ride and after long stints in storage, like during winter.
Another important part of ATV care, especially if you don’t use yours often, is making sure your gas is in good shape. Over time, gas breaks down in your vehicle. It begins to clog fuel lines, vents, and ports in your fuel injectors. This will easily cause the fuel system to fail, and you’ll be back at the mechanic dropping even more cash to repair your ATV. To combat gas breakdown, make sure to store your RV properly in a safe, dry area and consider using a stabilizer product, like STA-BIL.
Check tire pressure
While the rest of our ATV care tips are relevant after you come home from a rough ride, tire pressure is important before. Soft tires cause your ATV to pull to one side of the trail or the other. This is especially dangerous when driving down rocky or wooded trails, when staying on the path is essential.
ATV tires grip the terrain to give you a more stable ride, which means they operate with a lower air pressure than traditional car tires. To prevent an accident, and potential harm to yourself or your ATV, get a portable pressure gauge and check tire pressure before you take off.
Be smart
Danger is often part of riding an ATV, which is why its essential to make smart decisions. Be responsible with the way you drive and don’t do anything that is guaranteed to get you hurt. Know the limits of your ATV, like steep hills or deep water you aren’t sure it’ll be able to handle. Crashing or rolling your ATV can cause life-threatening injuries, and your wrecked ATV will cost a pretty penny to repair or replace.
Always wear proper gear, including a helmet, when driving your ATV!
If you’re ready to hit some of our favorite trails in the state, be sure to stop by and visit us first! We have a large inventory of ATV trailers, and we provide trailer service and repairs. We carry tons of top brands, and our expert staff will be more than happy to help find the right trailer for you. Call us today, message us on Facebook or fill out a contact form to get started!