5 Tips for Summer ATV Maintenance
There’s something magical about summer for ATV riders. Even the heat isn’t a big issue when you’re riding through the woods in the shade, kicking up a little mud, and getting soaked rolling through a water crossing to keep cool when the action is hot.
However, when the fun is done and it’s time to go back to the regular grind—at least between Monday and Friday—there are a few maintenance items you should keep on your post-ride checklist. This will help make sure that your quad is ready for the next adventure, like these top summer destinations for ATV riding.
ATV Trader wants to make sure that you get the most enjoyment and the longest life from your quad, so we put together the following maintenance tips to help you take good care of your four-wheeler and continue to experience the fun of summer riding.
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1. Clean Your Machine
After every ride or multi-day journey, you should hose down your ATV at your convenience. Yes, your machine is built to chew up dirt, dust, and mud, but to keep it operating at peak performance, cleaning it will ensure that all the moving parts can continue to operate optimally without caked-on obstructions. Even a quick rinse is beneficial when you’re still out and about, but be sure to give your quad a full soap-and-water cleansing when you get home.
2. Fix the Filter
Under normal conditions, your air filter should provide you with a full season of great treks. However, most ATV riders don’t operate under “normal” conditions, so it’s imperative that your engine gets the cleanest combustion possible. Be sure to check your air filter before every ride so it stays free of dust, dirt, and debris. If you’re going to be off for an extended multi-day ride, you may even want to pack an extra filter, just in case.
3. Replenish ATV Fluids
Fuel is an important component of keeping your ATV operational, but there are a number of other fluids you need to maintain to keep moving forward. There’s something to be said about the expression “working like a well-oiled machine,” because motor oil is one of the fluids you should check regularly during the riding season. Oil and gas break down over time, so if your machine has been inactive for a few months while you’re waiting for the warmer weather, you might want to change out both—as well as the oil and fuel filters.
If you have a liquid-cooled engine on your quad, make sure the coolant level is sufficient before riding to prevent any issues popping up while you’re out in the middle of nowhere. Check your owner’s manual to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for when to change filters and fluids. If you’re not comfortable doing the work yourself, take your ATV to your local dealer for a pre-season maintenance check.
4. Inspect the Battery
Before heading out for a ride, especially if you’re off on an extended vacation, give your machine the “once-over” to make sure operational items are all good. Check the battery and connections to make sure they are clean, and the connections are true. Take a look at the brakes to make sure the pads are free of corrosion and that the disks or drums don’t have any issue with pockmarks or other problems. Look over the lights and signals to verify everything is functioning properly. The time to make corrective changes is before you’re out on the trail.
5. Check the Tires
There are a lot of moving parts on an ATV, and when the rubber meets the road, you want your tires in their best condition. Inspect the tires before each ride to make sure you don’t have any issues—such as rubs, gashes, or punctures—that can cause flats or blowouts. Make sure that the tread is intact and that no deterioration of the rubber (rot) is present. Finally, check your tire pressure before you get going to ensure you have the optimal level for the ride.
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If you’re interested in off-roading but don’t have a quad yet, ATV Trader has the largest online marketplace of new and used ATVs, UTVs, and more off-road powersports vehicles. Ready to trade in your current four-wheeler for something else? We can help you sell your current ride and easily find your next dream machine.
Barrett Baker
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