ATV & UTV Maintenance
Whether you cruise down a forest path or tow a cart full of tools across your farm, ATVs and UTVs work hard and play harder. But if you want your ATV or UTV to run for as long as possible, you'll need to invest some time and energy into regular maintenance. Like any vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine, taking care of ATVs and UTVs involves making sure the engine gets air, fuel, and spark. There's a little more to it than just that, so make sure to read on! And if you need parts and services on your ATV or UTV, stop by Dunfords of Havelock. We're conveniently located near Peterborough and Belleville, Ontario.
Take Care of Your Battery
The battery stores energy to power your vehicle's lights, gauges, and most importantly, spark plugs. Without a charged battery, you won't be moving anywhere. Maintaining your battery requires inspecting the posts of the battery which are the pieces of metal to which the vehicle's electronics will be connected. If the posts are corroded and covered in a white crust, you might need a new battery. If you put your vehicle away during the off season, make sure to remove your battery first, as this will keep it from getting completely drained. A battery that gets completely drained may not hold a charge from there on.
Service Your Driveline
Your driveline is incredibly important, as it's the part of your ATV or UTV that gives the wheels power. This could be a belt or chain. To maintain your driveline, make sure you hit it with a little bit of chain lubricant on a regular basis. You should also check the tension to make sure it's neither too tight or too loose. Fixing this can be a frustrating job to tackle on your own, though, so make sure to bring your vehicle in if you find a problem.
Check Tire Pressure
Tire pressure is incredibly important for offroad vehicles, as incorrect pressure can lead to blowouts and flat tires. Keeping your tires properly inflated will also help your tires last much longer than they would otherwise. Make sure to purchase a tire pressure gauge and inflate your tires to manufacturer recommendations.
Check the Oil
Oil keeps the metal parts in your engine's high friction areas lubricated. Because of the high heat and pressure, engine oil will start to break down. If you find your oil is black or sludgy, it's already past its prime and needs to be changed. You should also make sure the oil is falling within the appropriate range. If you find flakes of metal or metal filings, make sure to take your vehicle in to get serviced immediately.
Check the Coolant & Radiator
Your liquid cooling system helps to keep your engine cool and running smooth. As with the oil, you'll want to check both the quality and quantity of coolant in your system. There should be a plastic reservoir near your engine that will show how much coolant is in your system. If you find yourself extremely low on coolant, make sure to check for leaks under your UTV or ATV. A leak could indicate a pinhole in your radiator or a loose fitting in a coolant tube connection.
Upgrade Your Fuel
One easiest ways to extend the longevity of your ATV or UTV is to upgrade the type of fuel you use. Premium fuels use less ethanol which tends to gum up your engine. These higher octane fuels burn clean and give your engine the maximum amount of horsepower.
Change the Filters
There are several filters on the standard UTV or ATV. The fuel filter should be just below the fuel tank. This filter doesn't need to be changed very often, but for older vehicles, a clogged fuel filter can rob performance and power. You should also change your air filter, probably about as often as you change your tires. Air filters are important, especially if you're driving in a dirty, dusty environment. Finally, the oil filter helps to cycle any impurities out of your oil. This should be changed every time you change your oil.
Hopefully this short guide gave you a few ideas about things to look for as you maintain your own ATV or UTV. If you need more extensive maintenance, don't hesitate to give us a call at Dunfords of Havelock. Our service center works on all types of UTVs and ATVs, and we can help get yours back in top shape in no time. If you live near Peterborough or Belleville, Ontario, we can help you today!