ATV/UTV Maintenance Tips
Power Sports Abrams has drawn up a list of maintenance tips to help you keep your 4-wheeler or SxS in top shape. Read on to learn what they are and bring us any questions you might have when you’re done.
1. Read The Owner’s Manual
The first and most important step to maintaining your quad or UTV is to consult the owner’s manual that came with it. The owner’s manual will have all the information you need to know about every part of your powersports vehicle, from the recommended tire pressure to the type of oil you should use in the engine.
You don’t have to read your manual cover-to-cover, but it’s advisable to look through it, particularly right before you start tinkering with your quad or SxS so you don’t make any grievous errors. You can also use the manual to make note of any repairs you have performed, parts replaced, oil changes and other regular tune-ups. Keep it somewhere where you can easily find it for future reference.
2. Check Tire Pressure
Your four-wheeler’s wheels need to be in peak condition to perform at their best. They bear the brunt of difficult terrain and hold up the weight of you and the vehicle, so it’s important that you check them on a regular basis to ensure they’re aired up correctly and undamaged.
Use the tire pressure gauge in your car or truck’s glove compartment (or get one just for your side-by-side toolkit) and then fill up the tires accordingly with an air compressor (a very handy machine to have around the house).
While you’re down there, look for signs of wear like cracks in the sidewalls or unevenly worn tread. Tires that are balding should be replaced immediately, and any embedded objects also merit a trip to the mechanic. Fortunately, you can easily contact the Power Sports Abrams service department to get your tires fixed up.
3. Check Fluids & Filters
Your side-by-side has a few different filters and fluids inside the engine that keep it running smoothly. You’ll always want to have your gas tank filled, of course, with whatever fuel is recommended for your particular model. If you use ethanol gas, you probably want to add a fuel stabilizer, especially before storing your quad for any length of time.
Oil changes should happen on a regular basis and you can check the oil as you would in a car: remove the dipstick, wipe it down, reinsert it and remove again to check color and consistency. If the oil is clear and runny, top it off, but if it’s sludgy, change it. Change the oil filter at the same time. Your ATV’s air filter may need to be replaced more often if you ride in very dusty conditions, so keep an eye on that, too.
Check your radiator’s level of coolant when you’re maintaining the other fluids. Coolant helps to protect the engine and keep it from overheating. You can easily top off your coolant if it’s low. Make sure the cap is secured every time you twist it back on. If there are fluids pooling beneath your parked UTV, you may want to bring it in for service since this is indicative of a leak, which is a serious issue.
4. Test The Brakes
You might think the most important trait of any vehicle is its ability to move forward. Actually, the most important trait is being able to come to a complete stop. The brakes on your ATV or UTV will take a lot of wear on the trail or while you’re off-roading, so you should inspect the braking system on a regular basis. Make sure the pads are sufficiently thick and that there is enough brake fluid in the reservoirs. You may want our professional help if you have any serious brake issues. Don’t try to ride with bad brakes!
While this isn’t comprehensive, we hope this guide helps you to keep your ATV or UTV maintained and ready to go whenever you are. Still need a powersports vehicle? Visit our dealership in Abrams to take a tour of our full stock of new and used side-by-sides and four-wheelers for sale. If you have any need for professional maintenance, contact our service department so that our mechanics can get your quad or SxS all fixed up. Power Sports Abrams welcomes all of our Wisconsin customers coming from Appleton and Green Bay.