Maintaining Your Side-by-Side
Your side-by-side works just as efficiently blasting down trails as it does taking you around on a jobsite or hauling equipment from one place to another. It isn’t called a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) for nothing! By regularly servicing it, you can let it perform optimally and enjoy driving it around. Car Corral Polaris®, in Carmi and Flora, Illinois, brings you the below list of simple maintenance tips to help you add life to your vehicle.
Keep the Owner’s Manual Handy
The owner’s manual carries a lot of useful information about the UTV which you can refer to for maintaining it properly. From its service schedule to its tires’ psi levels and the recommendations for oil and fuel – you can find all this information in the manual itself. Keep the manual handy and refer to it every time you plan on an inspection or servicing appointment.
The manual can also be used to maintain the vehicle’s history. Use it to note down the details of all the repairs and replacements (date, part replaced, etc.) you may have done. In case you want to sell it some day, a thorough history of the rig can come in handy.
Check the Air Filters and Oil
Check the air filters after driving your side-by-side through extremely dry and dusty conditions. Since the function of the filters is to catch dirt and debris, it would be a good idea to change them in case they have gathered too much dirt. Regularly changing the vehicle’s oil and air filters help to keep the engine clean and the UTV’s performance optimized.
Service the Tires
The performance of the UTV and your safety are majorly dependent on the condition of the tires. Inappropriate tire pressure, uneven tread depth, and minor ruptures with the potential to become stubborn punctures can result from inadequate upkeep of the tires. Look in the manual for the manufacturer’s tire pressure recommendation and install a pressure gauge to help you keep them at the proper inflation. Regularly inspect the tires’ tread so you can replace one in a timely fashion, if required.
Be Mindful of the Fuel
Your side-by-side’s life is also dependent on the fuel you use. By filling it with an unsuitable fuel type you not only risk diminishing the potential of the rig but also damaging its fuel system, leading to costly repairs. Use high-octane fuel and avoid using gasoline with ethanol.
Lubricate the Fittings
Based on the manufacturer’s recommendation, use a good-quality grease to lubricate the zerk fittings on your side-by-side. Refer to the manual to know the fittings that need oiling. This maintenance activity takes no more than a few minutes but enables the rig to perform smoothly.
We hope this was helpful. For more such maintenance tips or to get your UTV serviced by a professional, head to Car Corral Polaris®, in Carmi and Flora, Illinois. We can service and replace faulty components on your rig and optimize its performance.