ATV/UTV Maintenance Tips
As a proud powersports vehicle owner, it’s important that you do everything you can to keep your ATV or UTV functional. Not only does performing maintenance tasks help your side-by-side or four-wheeler to perform better both on and off the trails, but it also makes riding much safer, since you aren’t neglecting essential checks.
The Sports Center in Perry, Georgia, is your local ATV & UTV dealer. Read on to learn some of the best maintenance suggestions we have for keeping your quad or side-by-side in good shape.
Consult Your Owner’s Manual
No matter how many articles you read about maintenance, the best resource on how to take care of your particular ATV or UTV is always going to be your owner’s manual. This guide is designed to be thorough so that it explains all the ins and outs of your powersports vehicle so that you know how it works and what you need to do to maintain it. Keep your owner’s manual where you can easily access it for quick reference when tuning up your four-wheeler!
Protect The Battery
The battery on your side-by-side or four-wheeler is an essential part of its continued functioning. Without a working battery, your vehicle’s engine can’t get a spark from the spark plugs, so it won’t turn over and your lights and signals won’t work at all.
To ensure that your battery is functional, try to look it over at least once a month, checking the posts for signs of corrosion. This will look like a white crust, and if you see this build-up, then you probably need a new battery. During winter, it’s wise to remove the battery entirely and keep it on a tender so that it holds its charge through the off-season.
Service The Driveline
The driveline on your side-by-side distributes engine power to the four wheels, and is usually a belt or a chain, which can get stuck if it’s not cared for. You should apply lubricant to it if it’s a chain and adjust its tension.
Check The Tires
Your quad or side-by-side’s tires are what keeps it in contact with the ground and it’s important to make sure they’re in good shape at all times. Use a tire-pressure gauge to check the pressure in each tire on a regular basis, ideally before each ride, to make sure that the pressure is at the psi level stipulated in your owner’s manual or printed on the tire’s sidewall. While you’re down there, you can check over the tire for any signs of wear or damage, like bald patches, embedded objects or cracks in the sidewall. Never ride on bad tires!
Change The Oil
Just like your standard passenger car or truck, your ATV or UTV will need regular oil changes. Oil helps to lubricate the engine’s parts so that it functions correctly. To check the condition of your oil, remove the dipstick, wipe it down with a soft cloth, re-insert it and remove it again. Check the color and consistency: clear, runny oil is in good condition and can simply be topped off, while sludgy, opaque oil is in bad condition and merits an immediate change. Make sure that you also swap out the oil filter at the same time.
Remember that if you need professional maintenance, you can always schedule an appointment with our service department to let our mechanics take a look at any major issues that you may be having with your UTV or ATV.
Need a powersports vehicle? Come on down to our dealership in Perry, Georgia, to take a look at our current stock of new and used ATVs and UTVs for sale. We also have financing options that you can take advantage of should you need them. The Sports Center serves the cities of Macon and Columbus, Georgia.