ATV Maintenance
For reliability and durability in all kinds of conditions, an ATV or all terrain vehicle can’t be beat. Like any vehicle, though, you’ll need to keep your ATV in good shape so it can serve you well for every ride. There are several tune-ups you can make at home in your garage that will save you time and ensure that your quad is able to off-road with the best of them.
As your local ATV dealership, Road Track & Trail of Big Bend, Wisconsin, has created this guide to what you’ll need to check on your quad on a regular schedule. If you discover something that you can’t fix yourself, don’t hesitate to call our service department to make an appointment with our capable mechanics, who will get your quad fixed up in no time!
Tires
The tires support your whole vehicle and tackle all that muddy, rocky terrain when you’re off-roading, so they should be near the top of your list when it comes to regular maintenance. Check the tire pressure regularly and air your tires up to the manufacturer’s specified pressure. Look for any objects wedged in your tires or uneven wear that could be causing frequent low pressure. Never ride on tires that are damaged or worn, as you’ll risk a serious accident that could do damage to your ATV and injure you badly.
Battery
The battery on your ATV will lose its ability to hold charge over time, especially if it’s exposed to extreme weather conditions like freezing temperatures or wet and icy weather. Look at your battery on a regular basis to see if it’s corroded or has loose connections, and take it into a mechanic if anything seems amiss. Lost power could signal a more serious issue.
Oil
Your quad’s oil should be clean and topped up regularly and you should get oil changes just as you do with your passenger vehicle. To check your oil, remove the dipstick, wipe it down with a rag, insert it back into the tank and remove it again, then check the color against the label provided. If it’s sludgy or dark, time for an oil change. If you find metallic shavings, your engine may be grinding against itself which is a serious problem for a professional to handle.
Coolant
Coolant keeps your engine running smoothly, and if your coolant is often low, you may have a slow leak in your radiator. Seal your radiator cap tightly after you top off the coolant, which you should do before every ride. If you see fluids pooling under your four wheeler when it’s parked, you likely have a leak that your mechanic should fix.
Spark Plugs
Your ATV’s spark plugs are part of the internal combustion engine, providing its ignition. Worn out spark plugs won’t burn gasoline as efficiently, meaning you waste fuel. Broken ones won’t burn it at all. If you find that your quad is having issues generating power and you can’t turn over the engine, check the spark plugs. Disconnect your ATV’s battery and remove the engine covers. Find the spark plugs, remove the ignition cables and remove one spark plug with a socket or spark plug wrench. Look at the metal gaps to see that they are clean, dry and still housed in their ceramic shell, which should not be broken. While you could replace your spark plugs on your own, it’s likely best left to a professional mechanic to get the job done, although your local auto parts store can help you to locate the correct tools if you have experience in this arena.
For a wide selection of ATVs, new and used, come visit our Big Bend dealership today. Road Track & Trail serves the greater Milwaukee metropolitan area, along with the cities of Waukesha and Kenosha, Wisconsin.