Spring is the best time to hit the trails, but how long has it been since you last did some ATV maintenance? Keep reading this post by AMSOIL: Advanced Filtration Technologies in Alexander, ND, for everything you need to know.
The first step in your ATV maintenance, especially if you’re taking it out of storage for the season, is changing the engine oil and checking on other essential fluids. When doing maintenance on any of your vehicles, make sure to have the owner’s manual close by if you need guidance on the best practices or the best.
Always Ride With Clean Oil
Clean oil is essential to your ATV's proper functioning. It’s necessary to keep it clean from dirt and debris and ensure there isn’t any old oil traveling through your ATVs engine. If you haven’t changed your oil recently, this is a good time. You’ll need to drain out the old oil before you put new one in. Check your owner’s manual for guidance on the best oil to use in your ATV.
Keep an Eye on Fluid Levels
Other essential fluids you should always keep in mind are coolant and transmission fluid. Coolant helps keep your ATV’s system cool, while transmission fluid keeps the mechanical components in your ATV lubricated. Keep an eye on their levels throughout the season and make sure they’re always at the level suggested in your owner’s manual.
For Storage, Use a Fuel Stabilizer
If it’s been a while since you last used your ATV, the fuel inside the tank may have gone bad. This happens because the fuel tends to attract moisture which can be bad for your engine. Next time you put away your ATV for the season, use a fuel stabilizer that will bond with the fuel inside the tank and protect your engine from damage caused by old fuel. If you did leave fuel in your ATV’s tank for a while without a fuel stabilizer, ensure you drain it before filling it up again with fresh fuel.
If you need advice on the best products to use in your engine, call Advanced Filtration Technologies, Inc. at (701) 572-3780, and one of their friendly oil experts will help you out. Once you’re ready to place an order, visit AMSOIL’s online shop for their full range of products.
Clean or Change the Air Filter
Another essential part of your ATV maintenance is cleaning or changing your air filter. An air filter’s job is to keep your engine debris free. When a filter is dirty, it can block proper airflow into your engine, making it less efficient. How often you need to clean it will depend directly on the terrain you’re riding it on. Cleaning your air filter is enough in between rides, but keep in mind that you need to change it for a new one when it hits 50 use hours.
Check the Battery
Next, check the charge on your battery and ensure it doesn’t have any corrosion or leaks. Also, check for cracks and bulges. If this is the first time you’re taking out your ATV since putting it in storage, make sure that the battery has enough charge. If you left your battery on a battery tender, it will be good to go. If not, make sure it turns on and still has a charge before taking your ATV out for a ride.
Inspect Your Tires and Brakes
Lastly, it’s crucial to inspect your brakes and tires before hitting the trails. Keep your tires at the suggested air pressure in your owner’s manual for more comfortable and efficient rides. Also, before each ride, check that there aren't any foreign objects embedded in your tires and keep an eye on their treads for worn spots.
For your brakes, check that your brake pads aren’t worn out, that you have enough brake fluid and that other parts on your brakes like the brake lines, rotor, and caliper are in good condition.
We hope these tips help you have a great season riding your ATV. For professional advice on the best products for your engine, call Advanced Filtration Technologies, Inc. at (701) 572-3780 or visit AMSOIL’s online shop to take a look at all the products they offer for different needs and vehicles.