Tips to Extend the Life of Your ATV

An all-terrain vehicle can transform your outdoor lifestyle into an adrenaline-fueled adventure. With proper care and maintenance, you can keep exploring the backcountry for years to come on your trusty ATV. Learn how to protect your investment with the following tips from Arizona Honda.

Are you in the market for your first ATV? Reading up on ATV maintenance is a great place to start. When you’re ready to check out some new and used models, head to Arizona Honda in Snowflake, AZ.

Break In Your ATV

When you bring home your shiny new ATV, it can be tempting to head straight to your nearest riverbed and go crashing through the mud. But your factory-fresh ATV is a lot like a new pair of shoes: it needs a little breaking in before it’s ready for any serious action. Start slow, giving your ATV plenty of time to warm up before tackling those tough trails.

Change the Oil

Just like any vehicle, your ATV will need regular oil changes. It’s a good idea to check your oil at least as often as you fill the gas tank. The procedure is just like checking the oil in your car or truck. Insert your dipstick, wipe it clean, insert again, and inspect the oil. If your oil is dark and sludgy, you know it’s time for a fresh supply. Your owner’s manual will specify the recommended oil weight and type for your ATV model.

Clean Your ATV Regularly

Your ATV is bound to get filthy. That’s half the fun, after all! But leaving all that mud and grime to build up over time can harm your vehicle’s paint job and cause rust to develop. Dirt can also work its way into your air filter and clog up your vents. Thorough, regular cleanings keep your ATV running smoothly and looking its best.

Keep a Clean Air Filter

Good airflow is essential to the proper functioning of any engine, and the air filters in off-road vehicles are sure to fill up fast. Check your air filter right away after a long dusty ride, and when taking your ATV out of storage. Clean your air filter as needed, following the instructions in your owner’s manual.

Check the CV Belt

Most modern ATVs run on a CV belt transmission, which allows the engine to operate without a manual clutch. Heavy use can cause CV belts to become stretched and worn out, and it’s not always easy to tell when your CV belt needs replacement. Watch out for performance issues, and have your CV belt inspected by a professional if you have any concerns. The smell of burning rubber is a telltale sign that your CV belt is deteriorating and needs attention right away.

Treat Your Gas

Before putting your ATV in storage, be sure to add some fuel stabilizer to your gas tank. This simple step can prevent a lot of complications down the road. Without it, your gas will break down over time, clogging up the fuel lines and causing the whole system to fail.

Check Your Nuts and Bolts

A single loose bolt on your ATV can lead to an accident. Give your nuts and bolts a careful inspection before each ride, and check the condition of the rubber padding that surrounds parts like the drive shafts and air intake. You can also take this time to grease up the bearings and pivot points on your frame and suspension.

Maintain Your Tires

Tire pressure plays a big role in how your ATV handles, and even a slightly underinflated tire can wreak havoc on your ride. Check your tire pressure before every outing, and watch out for tread wear while you’re at it. Consider investing in a low-pressure tire gauge and a portable tire pump, as well as a tubeless tire patch kit.

Check Your Coolant

Another thing you want to do before each trip is check your coolant levels, and inspect the coolant itself for dirt and signs of overheating. Overheated coolant will start to discolor and develop a burnt odor. Meanwhile, your coolant will turn milky in appearance if any oil gets mixed into it. Either of these situations could spell disaster, so keep a close eye on your coolant and top it off as needed.

Ride Wisely

Lastly and most importantly, be sensible when riding your ATV! These may be powerful machines designed for challenging terrain, but they do have limitations. If you’re not quite sure whether you can make it up that steep slope, or make it across that deep puddle, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. Never hesitate to change course when you’re facing down an obstacle you’re not sure your ATV can handle.

We hope you found these tips helpful! If you’re looking for more advice on ATV maintenance, feel free to ask the qualified staff at Arizona Honda. Our expert service department specializes in Honda® powersports. We serve Snowflake, AZ, and our neighbors in Show Low and Holbrook, AZ.