ATV/UTV Maintenance

Buying a powersports vehicle like an ATV or a UTV is a big investment, and it’s one you’ll want to protect. Your vehicle can only serve you well while it’s in good condition, which means that you’ll need to maintain it. While there are some more complex issues that will require the help of a professional mechanic, there are several maintenance tasks you can perform on your UTV or ATV right at home. As your local ATV and UTV dealer, Specialty Recreation & Marine of Coeur d’Alene has provided this handy guide to all the basics of ATV and UTV maintenance to help you keep your powersports vehicle in peak condition.

Tire Pressure

Your tires hold up the weight of your vehicle and tackle all the difficult terrain you drive through, so it makes sense to keep them in peak condition. Use the tire pressure gauge from your passenger car or, better still, buy a new one just to keep in your ATV/UTV repair kit, and check all four tires at least once a week. Air them up to the manufacturer’s suggested pressure level while examining them for bald spots, embedded objects or uneven wear. Make sure the tread depth is good and that there are no tears in the sidewalls. Never ride on bad tires!

Driveline

The driveline of your UTV or ATV transfers power from the engine to the wheels, so if it malfunctions, you won’t be going much of anywhere, even if your engine is in good shape. Inspect the driveline on your ATV or UTV on a regular basis, spraying it with a chain lubricant every so often. If you suspect there’s something more serious going on with your driveline, it’s best to take it into a professional, and the Specialty Recreation & Marine service department is here to help! Call us to schedule an appointment with our mechanics so we can take care of any issues you have with your ATV’s driveline or other components.

Fluids

Your engine requires a number of fluids to keep it running smoothly. You’ll want to check your ATV’s oil often by removing the dipstick, wiping it, inserting it into the tank and removing it to check the color. If the oil is opaque or thick and goopy, it’s time for an oil change. Top up the oil between changes, but beware of overfilling the tank since a UTV doesn’t require as much oil as a passenger car.

Keep an eye on your coolant levels as well since this fluid prevents your engine from overheating. You want to top up coolant regularly and ensure that the radiator doesn’t have any leaks and that the cap is tightly sealed each time. If you suspect that your coolant is running out too quickly, look for puddles of fluids under your ATV which can signal a radiator leak that needs repairing.

Finally, make sure that you’re always starting your rides with a full tank of gas. You don’t want to try riding on a partial tank only to hit empty in the middle of nowhere.

Filters

Your UTV or ATV also has several filters that need to be replaced on a regular basis since they keep all your fluids in good condition and free of debris. The oil filter will need to be changed every time you get your oil changed. Your fuel filter is right under the fuel tank and while it doesn’t need replacing as often as the oil filter, you’ll still want to check it periodically to make sure it isn’t clogged up. The air filter keeps debris and dust from entering your engine’s combustion where dirt can wreak havoc, so you’ll need to change it every few months or more often if you ride on dusty, dry trails all the time.

Maintaining your ATV or UTV isn’t rocket science and you’ll save yourself time and money if you perform all these basic tasks at home. In the market for a great powersports vehicle that will take you where you need to go for work and play? Come to our Coeur d’Alene dealership to see our selection of new and used ATVs and UTVs for sale! We also serve nearby Spokane, Washington, as well as the city of Post Falls, Idaho.