Winter Storage Tips for ATVs and UTVs

How to Protect Your All Terrain Vehicle This Winter

Winter is here, and it’s time to put away your ATV or UTV for the season. What you may not know is that the way you choose to lock up your vehicle is extremely important. Consider these tips when locking up your four-wheeler, and when spring comes, your ride will be clean, functioning, and ready to hit the trails.

The Importance of Proper Winter Storage When Not In Use

Proper storage can protect your vehicle from wear and tear caused by harmful weather conditions, pesky rodents, and a number of potential maintenance issues.

READ MORE: Tips for First Time ATV Owners

How to Properly Store Your Vehicle During the Winter

Do an Inspection

Before you begin to put away your ATV or UTV, you’ll want to fix any simple-but-common problems that catch your attention. These may include a broken engine, worn-down components and parts, flat tires, or rust. Seek help from a professional if necessary, and keep reading to learn how some of these problems should be dealt with during winterization.

READ MORE: Common ATV Problems and How to Solve Them

Drain Fuel and Add a Stabilizer

The first step is to make sure that you’re not storing a four-wheeler that’s full of gas. This is important because gas will become unstable after sitting unused for months. Check whether your vehicle has a plastic or metal gas tank.

Plastic tank? Drain all of the fuel from the tank, the carburetor, and fuel lines.

Metal tank? Don’t drain the fuel – instead, fill it with fuel stabilizer, and run your engine to allow it to distribute properly.

Inflate Your Tires

Tires tend to naturally deflate when left in storage. Before putting your ATV or UTV away for the winter, fill the tires all the way. Otherwise, you may choose to occasionally refill the tires with air during storage.

Tire maintenance tip: Don’t rest the tires on frozen concrete. The rubber may react to the concrete, leading to a risk of damage. Instead, rest the tires on blocks.

Clean Your Vehicle

You’ll want to give your ATV or UTV a thorough cleaning before putting it away. A solid cleaning should include the following steps:

• Wash and rinse the entire vehicle
• Lubricate every area that requires grease
• Apply a plastic protectant to maintain the vehicle’s coating
• Give the exhaust pipe a good clean with a brush and a cleaning product if necessary and cover the opening to avoid pests

Top Up Your Coolant

Coolant is a vital chemical for your engine’s maintenance, so make sure your supply is high. Harsh weather can lower your coolant levels, which could reflect worn-down engine components are issues with your vehicle’s internal seals. Before you use coolant, check to see it your coolant needs to be mixed with distilled water. Check your vehicle’s user manual for more information about rationing coolant levels.

Change Oil and Air Filter

An oil change is necessary because old oil that’s left sitting in the cold for months can solidify, leading to plenty of problems. Change both the oil and the filter, and consider running your vehicle’s engine for a few minutes every few weeks to keep the vehicle lubricated properly.

Remove the Battery and Keep Charged

Your battery will quickly run out of juice when left in storage. Here’s the solution: remove the battery and attach it to a battery tender. This device will appropriately maintain the battery’s charge so it can get through the winter. Of course, you may also choose to disconnect the battery and store it indoors.

Cover Your Quad Properly

It’s vital to cover your ATV or UTV properly. Protect your four-wheeler with a fabric covering made of something durable like nylon or polyester. Plenty of good quality covers are on the market, but avoid using a plastic one – it will trap moisture and lead to rust, mold, and mildew.

Cover All Openings

During the winter, critters like to find warmth anywhere they can – even in the pipes of your vehicle. To prevent this, any open areas of your vehicle should be covered. Consider placing traps around your vehicle if you know your storage area has a pest problem.

Store in a Secure, Dry Location

The best place to store your vehicle is anywhere that limits its exposure to moisture and cold air. A slightly-heated shed is a popular and effective storage space. Make sure your vehicle is also protected from wind and sunlight.

It’s crucial to ensure that your storage space is secure as well. If you are using a garage, shed, or a gate, make sure it is locked.

READ MORE: Tips for Winter ATV Riding 

By taking winter storage seriously, you’ll keep your ATV or UTV safe and in good condition, leading to few problems down the road.