How to Prevent Damage to Your ATV
If you’re the proud owner of an ATV, you know the importance of protecting your investment. Regular maintenance is the key to extending the lifespan of your vehicle. Perhaps you need to brush up on your skills. Maybe you’re a beginner who is learning about ATV maintenance for the very first time. Either way, you’ve come to the right place. S&N MotorSports has created this guide with some helpful tips to help you prevent damage to your ATV. Keep reading for more information. If you have any questions, get in touch with us at our dealership in Port Charlotte, Florida.
Clean Your ATV
A dirty ATV may sound like simply an aesthetic issue. However, the accumulation of dirt and debris can cause several problems over time. These include:
- Damage to the exterior and speeding up of damaging processes, such as corrosion.
- Build-up of dirt and debris around the vehicle’s moving parts, The grime also traps heat inside the ATV, which increases the chance of overheating.
- Clogging of the radiator, filters, and vents.
- Damage to the electrical components.
These are just a few of the ways that a lack of cleaning can result in damage to your ATV. Thankfully, prevention is simple. All you need to do is to clean your ATV on a regular basis!
Keep Up with Maintenance
Another common cause of ATV damage is a lack of maintenance. The longer you let preventative maintenance tasks slide, the greater chance you have of facing issues. Consult your ATV’s owner’s manual to see the relevant tasks, the frequency of tasks, and any products you should or should not use.
Be Proactive About Lubrication
Applying grease plays an important role in preventing ATV damage. It can help reduce wear and tear, thereby extending the lifespan of your vehicle. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendations on which lubricant to use since picking the wrong one can actually cause damage. Grease the pivot bolt, carrier bearings, steering stem bushing, a-arm bushings/bearings, and front hub bearings to keep your machine in good working order.
Address Issues as Soon as Possible
Even the highest quality ATVs will suffer some natural wear and tear. Once you start noticing an issue, get it repaired or schedule a service appointment as soon as possible. Minor damage can quickly snowball into larger damage, which will also cost you more to fix.
Store Your Vehicle Properly
Improper storage techniques can also result in the malfunctioning of your ATV. Try to store your vehicle somewhere where it can be protected from the elements, extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, corrosion, etc.
Change the Oil
One of the best ways to take care of your quad is to keep up with routine oil changes. You can easily check the status of your oil in just a few minutes. Start by removing the dipstick, wiping it off, reinserting it, and removing it again for a clear reading. You’ll want to check both the color and location of where the oil falls on the dipstick. If it’s unusually thick, sludgy, or opaque, you’ll want to change your oil. You should also be looking at where the oil falls on the dipstick. If it’s not where it’s supposed to be, you’ll need to top off the oil.
Check the Filters
Last but not least, remember to check the filters. These are designed to keep your fluids in good condition and clear of any debris. The oil filter should be changed whenever you change the oil. The fuel filter is located under the fuel tank, but it won’t need to be changed as frequently. You’ll still want to check on it now and then to confirm that it’s not clogged.
The air filters are designed to keep your engine free of dust and debris. Believe it or not, dirt in this area can cause some real damage. Change your air filter every few months to prevent issues. That being said, the more often you ride, the more often you’ll need to change the air filter.
We hope you found this ATV damage prevention guide useful! If you want more advice or need to get your quad serviced, visit the experts at S&N MotorSports in Port Charlotte, FL. We can answer questions, repair your four-wheeler, and help you with whatever you need. We welcome all those in Fort Myers, so stop by today!