UTV, Side-by-Side and ATV Maintenance
Off-road recreational vehicles like UTVs, ATVs, and side-by-sides require ongoing maintenance to stay in good condition. These rides can take you on thrilling adventures through the roughest terrain, but they aren’t immune to damage and regular wear and tear. Whether you're a weekend warrior or daily thrill-seeker, you can only hit the trails if your ride performs at its best.
Luckily, maintaining a UTV, a side-by-side, or an ATV is easier than it looks. You can do many things at home to ensure your vehicle's ready for wherever your adventures take you.
Why Regular Maintenance Is Important
UTVs, ATVs, and side-by-sides have different needs than your daily commuter vehicle. You take them on rougher rides, exposing them to greater wear and tear. Regular maintenance is paramount for keeping these vehicles in good shape for as long as possible. It's about protecting your investment while maintaining a high level of performance over the long haul.
Additionally, maintenance keeps you safe. Small issues can quickly lead to problems that put your safety at risk. No matter what you put your recreational vehicle through, it's important to prioritize maintenance to minimize your risks.
A solid maintenance routine can also help you avoid downtime and costly repairs. Keeping an eye on pivotal components like shock absorbers and carburetors allows you to catch issues early. That way, you prevent expensive repairs that keep you off the trail. Good maintenance habits can save you money and ensure your ride is always ready for action!
Maintenance DIYs That Will Keep Your vehicle in Good Shape
- Cleaning – Always clean your vehicle after use. Mud and grime can clog your engine, trap moisture, and cause body rust. Give your vehicle a good rinse after use. Then, use a mix of mitts, bonnets, and buffing pads to give your vehicle a good shine. The right power polishers with waxes and polishes will protect its finish.
- Oil changes – Check your vehicle's recommended oil change schedule and stick to it. Regular oil changes will keep the engine running smoothly.
- Filter changes – When you change the oil, swap out the air filters and oil filters. ATVs, UTVs, and side-by-sides often need more frequent filter changes due to the amount of debris that comes their way.
- Tire checks – Tires and wheels need to stay in good condition. Inspect them regularly. Use a low-pressure gauge to check the tire pressure before you head out. When you come back, it's also important to use wheel & tire cleaners to remove all the grime after your ride.
- Brake inspections – Your maintenance routine should cover full examinations of the brakes & brake parts. Those include the pads, brake fluid, etc. It's also wise to inspect the handlebars and brake lever.
Must-Have Maintenance Tools and Supplies
Having a complete maintenance kit can make your job even easier. Invest in well-made hand wrenches, torque wrenches, and pliers. You should also have sockets & socket sets to cover all the bolts on your vehicle.
Get an air pressure gauge, an air compressor, and a tire repair kit to maintain the tires. You can also purchase diagnostic service tools so you can find out what's wrong with your vehicle if bigger issues arise.
Finally, keep a supply of fluids & chemicals, cleaning solutions, waxes, and more on hand for regular tune-ups.