7 ATV Maintenance Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Did you know that you can extend the life of your ATV by avoiding some of the most common ATV maintenance mistakes?
Many ATV owners don't realize the maintenance needs of their off-roading machines. This leads to them breaking down far sooner than if they received proper care. It also leads to costly repairs.
We've compiled a list of the top 7 ATV maintenance mistakes many ATV owners are making. Continue reading to learn how to take the best care of your ATV.
1. Overlooking Fluid and Filter Changes
If you don't regularly check your fluid levels and your filters, like your air and oil filters, you are making one of the top ATV maintenance mistakes.
Your ATV needs clean oil, a clean oil filter, and a clean air filter to function well and to remain in good condition.
Ideally, you are checking the oil before each use and topping it off as needed. The oil needs replacing and a new oil filter after every 100 hours of use. This can be done at home, but it's also one of the many services we offer.
If you go too long between replacing ATV parts, oil starts to build up particles that overwhelm your oil filter, preventing it from functioning optimally. This means these particles start to slip through the air filter after a while and cause damage to your ATV.
The same can be said for your air filter. The more you use your ATV, especially through mud and fields, the more quickly your air filter will clog. The air filter should be checked and cleaned after every 50 hours of use at a minimum (more often if you ride through dusty conditions).
You should replace it with a new ATV filter if it appears dirty or you are noticing performance issues with your machine.
2. Not Checking Tire Pressure
Low tire pressure on your ATV noticeably impacts your riding experience. Since the tires hold less pressure than a vehicle, you will have a rough ride with the steering wheel pulling to one side.
However, ATV tires start at a lower pressure to begin with so they aren't damaged from rough terrain. Losing tire pressure, then, means less time to address it before the bead pops off the rim or, worse, someone gets hurt.
If possible, we recommend keeping a tire gauge and portable tire pump with you in case of emergencies.
3. Neglecting Radiator
Your ATV's radiator keeps the engine cool. This is especially important when you are out on long and rough rides. Before each trip, you need to check your coolant levels and top off as needed.
The radiator itself needs regular cleaning and clearing of dirt and debris. If you smell any burnt odors or see any color changes to the coolant, something is wrong with your radiator.
Having to replace the radiator due to improper maintenance will blow your ATV maintenance budget, so make sure to avoid this common mistake.
4. Storing with Mud
Arguably the most common ATV maintenance mistake is storing your ATV with mud on it. Your ATV should be hosed down and allowed to dry after each ride to avoid damage.
Dried mud can get into a number of places to cause damage like the air intake or it can lead to rust. Mud can also hide other problems such as loose bolts or damaged parts.
Plus, there are plenty of ATV cleaning tools available to make this process simple.
5. Overlooking Bolt Checks
Part of checking your tires, though often overlooked, is checking your bolts. Think about all of the off-roading you do on your ATV. There are likely a lot of vibrations and over time, this can loosen the bolts on your ATV.
However, don't stop at checking the bolts on your tires. Check the bolts on your steering and suspension before or after each trip to make sure everything is secure.
Bolt checks are worth adding to your regular ATV maintenance if they aren't already.
6. Ignoring Signs of a Wearing Belt
If you ride your ATV through rough terrain or use it frequently, you could be wearing out the belt on your transmission. The belt gets stretched and worn over time and eventually needs replacing.
However, checking the belt of your ATV isn't always easy, but there will be symptoms to tell you if it's starting to wear.
The most obvious signs occur while driving. It will be more difficult to shift, the ATV will underperform power-wise, and there will be a smell of burning rubber. Most belts last for years as long as you take proper care of your machine.
Replacing ATV parts on your transmission can be tricky, so good maintenance is the easier route. However, if you need to replace your ATV parts, make sure you use quality replacement parts.
7. Storing with Fuel in the Tank
Once your ATV season closes, proper storage is essential to increase the longevity of your machine. One of the common ATV maintenance mistakes involves storage and fuel care.
The gasoline used to power your ATV breaks down over time. Once it breaks down, it will begin the process of deteriorating the plastic in your fuel lines and carburetor.
There are two options to avoid this. The first option is to add a fuel stabilizer to the gasoline, which helps prevent the fuel from breaking down. This can extend the life of your fuel for 1 to 3 years.
The other option is to drain the tank completely.
Whichever option you choose, make sure to clear the lines so that the fuel is only in the tank itself. Otherwise, the fuel in the lines will break down and cause damage even though the fuel in your tank does not.
Avoid These ATV Maintenance Mistakes and You're Good to Go
Now that you've reviewed our list of the top ATV maintenance mistakes, you're ready to take the best possible care of your off-roading machine.
Remember, proper maintenance upfront will save your ATV maintenance budget down the road. It's easier to prevent a disaster than to fix it.
For more tips on and recommendations on everything from ATVs to motorcycles, head to our blog.