ATV Maintenance Tips for Spring

Spring is in the air, the temperatures are getting warmer, and it’s that time of year when people across South Carolina are getting their ATVs out for some great trail driving.

If you’re one of these fun-loving people looking forward to taking your ATV for a spin this spring and summer, you’ll want to check a few things to make sure it’s in the best shape possible, especially if your ATV has been sitting in storage all winter.

Here are a few ATV maintenance tips for spring.

GIVE YOUR ATV A GOOD CLEANING

If you didn’t wash your ATV after your last ride, there’s a good chance that mud and dirt have gotten caked onto areas of your suspension, inside your wheels, and on your engine. Even if you did remember to give your all-terrain vehicle a good wash, over time dust and other grime can get into your ATV while it’s in storage.

Be sure to thoroughly clean your ATV! It’s a great way to get it ready for the spring season and make sure that the dirt won’t cause issues with long-term corrosion.

CHECK YOUR BEARINGS

In addition to the dirt and grime that can invade your ATV while it’s in storage, moisture can also get into your wheel bearings, causing them to rust. The best way to determine if this has happened is to jack up your ATV and give each wheel a little spin.

If there is a grinding or grating sound then it is likely you have rusted wheel bearings, and you should get them replaced. If your wheels spin without a problem, you should be good to go!

CHANGE YOUR OIL

Oil is an extremely important liquid for any motorized vehicle and it can go bad if it sits too long. If you’ve stored your golf cart during the winter or it’s been a long time since your last ride, you need to check both your oil’s level and consistency to make sure it looks right.

If your oil is low, top it off, and if the color or consistency of the oil looks off, you should get it changed.

INSPECT YOUR CHAIN OR CVT

Your ATV’s chain as well as its drive or transmission belt need to be inspected and lubricated regularly to keep your vehicle in good health. This is an especially important maintenance step if you’re planning on going out for a hard ride.

 Top off your Coolant

Engine coolant keeps your ATV’s motor at the right operating temperature. Without the right amount of coolant, your engine will overheat and break down on you. Not only does this keep you from being able to go out for a spin, it will cost thousands to replace your engine. Avoid having your engine overheat by taking a quick look at your coolant levels and topping them off if needed.

If you’re planning to take your ATV for a spin this spring and aren’t sure if it’s in the best condition, or you want to get a new ATV, we’d love to help you out. You can reach us at (864) 862 7709 for Greenville, (843) 881 8894 for Charleston, or you can also browse our online inventory, or contact us online at any time!