Maintenance Tips for Your ATV

When you need to traverse the roughest terrain, your ATV is there for you. Whether it’s work or recreation, you can count on your quad to take you off-road and further than your other vehicles. However, your four-wheeler needs some care and maintenance to stay in good shape and serve you well for years to come.

An ATV breaking down during a trail ride or being unable to complete your work tasks, because of a malfunctioning part, can cause serious problems. To help you keep your quad in top shape, we’ve listed some steps you can take.

Battery Protection

The battery is essential for keeping your ATV running. If it isn’t charged, the spark plugs won’t work, which in turn will stop the ignition from turning over. Examine the battery posts every month or so and make sure they’re clean; these are the metal parts that connect the battery to the rest of the components in your vehicle.

If you notice that the posts have started to corrode or have a crusty layer around them, it may be time to get a new battery. If you’re not using your ATV during the winter, remove the battery and put it on a tender. Sometimes when batteries keep discharging for a season, they refuse to charge up ever again. Pre-emptive care will save you some money in the long run.

Tire Check

The right tires for your quad will ensure that your vehicle can take you wherever you need to go. You’ll want to check and adjust the tire pressure, because if you ignore it for too long, you could end up with a flat or even a blowout, leaving you stranded in the middle of nowhere. Tire pressure gauges are relatively cheap and easily available so there’s no excuse to not have one.

Oil Check

You need oil for your ATV so all its components are lubricated and work well together. Just like the oil in your passenger car, the oil in your quad must be checked and changed regularly. When you inspect the oil, ensure there are no metal flakes in it. If there are flakes present, it means some parts are grinding together. Black or sludgy oil must be changed ASAP, as it won’t help lubricate your quad.

We hope that these ATV maintenance tips have been helpful. If you’re looking to buy an ATV, be sure to visit Car Corral Polaris at one of our locations in Carmi or Flora, Illinois. We are proud to serve all those in Mt. Vernon, IL, and Evansville, IN.