UTV Pre-Ride Checklist

Your utility vehicle is an essential part of your work and your recreational needs. So you want to keep it in good running condition, but maybe you’re not sure exactly what you need to maintain. At Road Track & Trail in Big Bend, Wisconsin, we’ve got answers for all your side by side questions. Here’s a handy checklist of maintenance that you’ll want to perform on your UTV to make sure it runs like it should.

Tires

Your tires support your whole vehicle. On a side by side, tires take a lot of abuse on rough terrain while carrying heavy loads. Before you load up and take off, check all your tires for signs of wear. Use a tire pressure gauge and fill your tires according to the pressure listed. Any worn treads, gouges, and cracks in the rubber mean you should get your tires replaced. Strong tires with good grip are vital for UTVs.

Battery

Over time, batteries in all vehicles wear down. In UTVs they discharge slowly after a long time in storage, so you’ll want to periodically remove it and hook it up to a tender. Doing this during winter will help your battery retain its charge. When you examine your battery, look for corrosion and rust on the posts. Any signs of these and you’re looking to replace your battery.

Fluids

The most important fluids to check are oil and coolant. Oil lubricates your engine’s components, keeping the whole thing running, so check oil levels on a regular basis, following the manufacturer’s guidelines. When your oil deteriorates and loses viscosity, you’ll want to get an oil change. Coolant keeps your engine from overheating, and while it’s unlikely you’ll ever have to flush it completely, you’ll want to ensure it stays level.

Filters

Air filters keep dust and other particulates out of the engine, so you should check them regularly to make sure they’re not too encrusted with dirt. Clean the intake area to make sure loose dirt isn’t falling into the engine, and change air filters every six months or so. Fuel filters make your gas clean and last a long time, but may eventually need replacing. Have your mechanic look them over each time you get service. Oil filters should be changed along with the oil.

Radiator Cap

Your coolant is sealed in the engine by the radiator cap, and this cap also serves to draw coolant into the engine. A loose cap seal increases the chances of your engine overheating, which you don’t want when you’re out on a trip. To ensure your UTV performs at its best, keep an eye on the condition of your radiator cap and replace it before it wears out.

Spark Plugs and Electrical

Spark plugs are an easily-replaced part, and they’re prone to wear out after several rides in utility vehicles. Check over your spark plugs after every few trips and if you’re seeing a lot of build-up, it’s time to switch them out. It’s an easy fix that’ll keep you riding smoothly.

Meanwhile, delicate wires, while protected within your UTV’s frame, can be dislodged or pulled loose by branches and rocks on the road. Check over your system to make sure all lights and switches are functional, and tighten wires that have come loose.

Now that you know how to properly maintain a UTV, you might be looking to own for the first time or upgrade the one you have. Either way, come check out our showroom to find a side by side that suits your needs. Our dealership carries a variety of new and pre-owned UTVs and other off-road vehicles. Road Track & Trail is located in Big Bend, Wisconsin, just west of Milwaukee. We proudly serve the greater Milwaukee metro area as well as nearby Chicago, Illinois.