Taking Care of your ATV/UTV

To enjoy riding the trails, you need a high-powered machine with consistently functions at the top level. ATVs and UTVs are great for this purpose, but even these four-wheeled vehicles need occasional service in order to continue running properly. With the help of this guide, you can learn a few DIY maintenance tricks that'll keep your side by side riding like new for years to come. While many of these tasks are easy to do yourself, if you're not comfortable performing your own maintenance, or need more complicated repairs like driveline service and parts replacements, come on into Barnes Bros. Motorcycles and Offroad in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, serving Washington and PIttsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Check on the Battery

While the battery doesn't require very much complicated maintenance, you still have to keep an eye on it. After all, if your ATV or UTV runs out of charge, it'll amount to nothing more than a useless hunk of metal. You can prevent this from happening by taking a look at the battery posts every couple months. These terminals connect the battery to your vehicle's other components, so you'll have to keep them clean. If they're corroded or are caked in a crusty layer, you should get a new battery right away. Also, when it comes time to put your side by side away for the winter, disconnect the battery and store it on a tender. If it runs out of power while not being used for several months, it might never be able to hold a charge again, which will cost you a new battery.

Drivelines

Drivelines are complex components, so fixing them certainly isn't a DIY maintenance task. However, you can still inspect them and perform small adjustments. For instance, by lubricating the chain or belt, you can keep your driveline functioning much longer without additional service. Similarly, if you know how to adjust the tension, check that the chain isn't too tight or loose, and add or reduce pressure as needed. But when you do run into serious issues with your driveline, bring it on into our service department, so we can safely and efficiently fix it up for your next ride.

Tire Quality and Pressure

Without quality tires, you'll have trouble controlling your four-wheeler. It won't perform well, and it certainly won't be safe to ride if you've got poor traction. This means that you'll need to keep an eye on your tire pressure. We recommend getting a tire pressure gauge and checking it before and after every ride. If it's low, fill it back up, and when it starts losing significant amounts of pressure after one use, there could be a puncture or leak that requires service. Similarly, when the tread starts running too low, you should get your tires replaced before riding on them again.

Fluid Checks

Fluids keep your engine operating smoothly, but when they run low or start deteriorating, they won't do much to protect those internal components. Oil lubricates all the motor's moving parts, so inspect it every month or so. If it's low, top it off. Also check to see what it looks like, and once it starts getting sludgy, you'll need to change out with fresh oil. The coolant is a little easier to maintain, because your ATV or UTV could potentially run its entire life without needing to flush out this liquid. However, you do need to check the levels, and as coolant starts running out, fill it up again. If either fluid seems to drop quickly, there might be a leak, and you should get these inspected and fixed at our service department as soon as possible.

Filter Changes

Finally, those filters on your side by side or other four wheeler need some regular inspections too. While the air filter keeps dirt and other harmful substances from entering your engine during combustion, the oil filter blocks unwanted material from contaminating your oil. The air filter should be changed about every other oil change, and of course, you'll want to switch oil filters every time you put in new oil.

ATVs and UTVs are complex machines, but with diligent maintenance on many of these small components, you'll have no problem keeping your engine running strong for years to come. Most of these tasks you can easily do yourself, but you can also bring your side by side into our service department at Barnes Bros. Motorcycle and Offroad in Canonsburg. We also serve riders from Washington and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, so feel free to bring in your vehicle for any repairs or parts replacements when you need them.