Safety First: Spooky Things That Can Go Wrong Without Maintenance
The ancient Celtic festival of Samhain was celebrated on October 31 each year, a time when the boundary between the living and the dead was believed to blur. This distortion of barriers allowed spirits to return to the realm of the living. To protect themselves from these wandering ghosts, the Celts lit bonfires and wore costumes and masks, hoping to blend in with the phantoms and avoid harm. Over time, this tradition evolved into what we now know as Halloween, which comes from the Old English phrase “All Hallows’ Evening.” This represented the night before All Saints’ Day (November 1), which was intended to commemorate those who were saintly or holy.
Today, people still enjoy dressing up as ghosts and goblins, along with fun costumes like movie characters or superheroes. But make no mistake—this time of year can also be a nightmare (and not just on Elm Street) for riders who haven’t kept up with proper maintenance. We’re taking a look at some of the most common maintenance issues owners may experience and discussing practical ways to keep them from haunting your rides this fall.
Night of the Living Battery
It’s always smart to check the charge on your battery before each ride, especially if your ATV has been sitting for a while. If you don’t already have one, get a multimeter, set it to DC volts, and connect it to the battery terminals with the engine off. Ideally, a fully charged battery should read between 12.6 and 12.8 volts at rest, or up to around 13.2 volts immediately after charging. Anything lower may indicate a low charge or a dying battery.
If you’re riding at night or in low light, a weak battery might not immediately strand you, but it can create unsafe or unpredictable conditions.
Regularly inspect the ATV’s electrical system to ensure it’s tight and free of corrosion, especially the battery . If you spot corrosion, clean it off with a wire brush. You may need to disconnect the wires to clean thoroughly and ensure a solid connection when reattached. Once finished, test your headlights, taillights, and other electrical components to confirm everything is working properly.
Tires of Terror
Another area that can wreak havoc on your ride is your tires. Visually inspect them for wear or damage, and replace any that are cracked, excessively worn, or have rounded treads. Pay attention to how your tires feel while riding—excessive vibration, poor handling, or the need to constantly add air can all be signs it’s time for new ones.
Before every ride, check your tire pressure. Over- or under-inflated tires wear out faster and can affect performance. Refer to your owner’s manual for the recommended pressure based on terrain, air temperature, and load. Use a low-pressure gauge on cold tires to get an accurate reading and adjust as needed. Choosing the right tires for your ATV and keeping up with maintenance goes a long way in keeping them in good shape.
Don’t Get Low
Your ATV’s fluids keep its engine and components running smoothly. In addition to the routine maintenance outlined in your owner’s manual—such as replacing fluids and filters at regular intervals or based on hours of use—you should frequently check fluid levels.
Look at the engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, differential oil, and engine coolant levels before riding, topping off as needed. Follow your manual’s recommendations for proper checking procedures and next steps. For example, if your engine oil level is fine but the oil looks unusually dark or gray, it may be time for an oil and filter change.
Nothing to Fear
If you’re not comfortable performing on the go ATV repairs yourself, take your quad to a dealership or service center that specializes in ATV repairs. A certified dealership will have the right tools, parts, and experience to diagnose and fix issues properly. Whether it’s a quick tune-up or a more complex repair, staying aware and proactive will keep your ATV in top shape for the long haul.
Barrett Baker
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