How To Properly Store Your ATV During Winter
Depending on where you live in the United States, when the winters are mild, you can squeeze a few more weeks, if not months, out of your trail-riding time. While there are a number of ways to use your ATV this winter, when the weather shifts and it’s either no fun or just plain impossible to go out, it might be time to put your buggy to bed for a few months to wait for more favorable conditions.
However, there’s more to the process than just parking your machine somewhere and leaving it until you’re ready to ride. ATV Trader put together the following guide to help you keep your machine as safe as possible while it is hibernating, so you can continue to get hours and hours of high-performance service out of it for years to come.
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Come In Out Of The Cold
Ideally it would be best to store your ATV inside. An environmentally controlled self-storage space designed for vehicles will help to keep your ride in top condition, but those can also be expensive, and some may require long-term leases. Otherwise, a shed, garage, or other type of outbuilding will at least keep your ATV out of the elements.
If you cannot find an indoor place for storage, cover your quad to protect it from weather and sun damage. If you can find a heavy-duty cover that’s waterproof and has elastic hems, this will help to keep the cover on during storms, and will deter rodents from getting into any portals, such as your tailpipe. Look for an ATV cover that’s made of a breathable material to prevent rust from developing. For additional protection, be sure to chain your vehicle to something sturdy to keep it from being stolen.
For additional protection from nesting animals, pack the tailpipe with several inches of stainless-steel wool and block access to the timing belt with several layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Add bright tape to both spots to remind yourself to remove them when getting ready to ride in the next season or write yourself a note, put it in a plastic bag, seal it, and tape somewhere you’ll notice immediately when uncovering the ATV.
Prep Work Is Key
No matter where you’ll be storing your vehicle, you’ll want to get it prepped for hibernation before you drop it off and cover it. Even if you store your quad indoors, use a cover that will keep dust off it and keep it protected from wintering rodents.
Here’s a checklist on how to make your vehicle storage ready:
- Clean Your ATV. Be sure to use soap and water to thoroughly wash your quad. Make sure it’s completely dry before you cover it for the season. After cleaning and drying, you may want to wax the exterior for additional protection, as well as using a sealant such as Armor All on plastic and rubber surfaces, including the tires. Lubricate metal parts, especially the exhaust pipe to protect it from rusting.
- Maintenance. Unless you have already done so within the last 50 miles of riding, change the oil and filter using manufacturer-recommended parts and fluids. Be sure to fully inflate your tires to the suggested pressure. If you can put the quad up on blocks to keep the tires off the ground, that will also help to prevent flat spots. Install a new air filter. Check the spark plugs to see if they are clean and still gapped properly.
- Fuel. If you have a metal gas tank, add a fuel stabilizer, fill the tank, and run the engine for a few minutes to make sure the fuel lines are protected by the additive. If you have a plastic tank, drain the fuel. If you have doubts, check the manufacturer’s recommendation for care and storage.
- Battery. If you have a trickle charger or battery tender, you can keep the battery in place for storage. If not, remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry area.
- Radiator. As part of the cleaning process, make sure the fins of your radiator are completely rinsed to remove mud and dirt. Flush and fill the radiator using an antifreeze-based coolant that will prevent the engine block from cracking in freezing weather.
If you’re not comfortable doing the above maintenance yourself, many dealerships and independent shops offer winterizing services for a fee.
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Ready To Ride
If you are considering getting a new quad when riding season resumes, another option is to sell your four-wheeler on ATV Trader instead of winterizing it. We are the largest online market for buying and selling new and used ATVs, and your listing will be seen by thousands of interested buyers. Then, when spring rolls around and you’re ready to ride, come visit us again to find your next machine. Use your downtime over the winter to search for exactly what you want, then you’ll be ready to hit the trails again when the better weather returns.
Barrett Baker
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