ATV Maintenance Tips
Whether you use your ATV for riding across bumpy trails or maneuvering around obstacles through the woods, you should make sure you’re taking good care of it. Just like with your standard passenger vehicle, you’ll have to perform routine maintenance to keep your all-terrain vehicle in peak working condition. While regular maintenance checks with a professional are recommended, there are some simple upkeep tasks you can do on your own if you have the right tools and know-how. We’ve provided this guide to ATV maintenance to help you get started. If you discover problems you can’t address yourself, come visit us at Big St. Charles Motorsports in St. Charles, Missouri. Our expert mechanics will get your machine fixed up in no time!
Read Your Owner’s Manual
The first step in maintaining your ATV is to read the owner’s manual. This will teach you where every control is and what it does. The manual generally has suggestions on what maintenance tasks you need to perform and when to do them. Refer to it as needed and note down any maintenance that you or a mechanic performs in it, along with the service date.
Battery
The battery on your ATV will lose its ability to hold a charge over time, especially if it’s exposed to extreme weather conditions like freezing temperatures. Look at your battery on a regular basis to make sure that all the connections are secure. Also, inspect the posts for signs of corrosion. If you notice a layer of crust around them, it might be time for a new battery.
During the winter months, make sure to remove your battery and put it on a trickle charge or tender. If you allow your battery to sit and drain during the off-season, you may have a dead battery on your hands come spring.
Check Tires
Your ATV’s wheels should be near the top of your list when it comes to regular maintenance. After all, it’s the tires that support your whole vehicle and tackle all that muddy, rough terrain when you’re off-roading. Check the tire pressure regularly and inflate your tires up to the manufacturer’s specified pressure. This will help keep you protected from a blowout, and it will improve fuel efficiency. You also don’t want to have a flat right in the middle of your ride. Never ride on tires that are damaged or worn, as you’ll risk a serious accident that could do damage to your ATV and injure you.
Change the Oil
Your ATV needs regular oil changes, just like your car or truck does. When you inspect the oil, be sure it’s free of metal shavings because this can indicate that parts are grinding together. If it’s black or sludgy, it isn’t going to do a good job of lubricating the engine, which means it’s time for an oil change. Don’t forget to change the oil filter every time you swap out the oil.
Spark Plugs
Your vehicle’s spark plugs provide the ignition to your engine, so these need to be checked regularly as well. This is especially important if you notice that your engine is struggling to turn over. To remove a spark plug, you’ll need to disconnect the battery, remove the engine cover, and use a spark plug wrench to remove it. Check the metal gaps to ensure they’re clean and dry. You’ll also want to confirm that the ceramic casing is still in one piece. If necessary, you can replace the spark plugs yourself, but if you’re not familiar with the process, it’s best left to a professional mechanic to get the job done.
We hope you’ve found these ATV maintenance tips helpful. If you’re still searching for the perfect quad or you’d like some assistance with parts or service, stop by Big St. Charles Motorsports in St. Charles, MO. We proudly serve St. Louis and St. Peters, MO.