5 Essential DIY ATV Care Tips
There’s nothing quite like the exhilarating feeling of a new ATV. Getting to know your vehicle and breaking it in for the first time really sparks our adrenaline and whets our taste for adventure. Preserve the life of your beloved vehicle with these 5 essential do-it-yourself ATV care tips, and you’ll find yourself enjoying your purchase for years to come.
Top Off the Fluids
No, we aren’t talking about when you kick back a bottle of water or a few cold brewskis after a hard ride. Before you set out on your ATV, you want to inspect and top off any necessary fluids, including your oil and coolant.
Running low on either of these things can mean bad news for your engine, which is why it’s important to stay on top of it. Although good mechanics like those at Gator Sports always check these things for you upon each maintenance visit, a quick check before every ride will ensure your ATV stays in tiptop shape.
Maintain Your Tire Pressure
Keep your ride smooth and your tires lasting long with this simple, yet essential ATV maintenance tip. You will save yourself a ton of money by taking proper care of your tires. Plus, you’ll enjoy the ride more when the pressure is just right.
Keep in mind that this isn’t just a recommendation for your regular home ATV maintenance—it’s also necessary for your safety. Riding on tires that are too low or too high can lead to all kinds of day-spoiling problems. From flats to reduced control of your vehicle, it’s not worth the risk.
Not sure how to check your own tire pressure? Don’t worry, it’s easy and the tools you need are cheap to buy. Click here to learn how to check the air pressure in your tires.
Maintain Your Air Filter
We probably don’t have to tell you how important air flow is to your engine. Keeping your air filter clean so that your engine can breathe should be a priority for all ATV owners. You can help keep dust and other debris out of your motor by oiling the air filter where it meets the airbox. The oil will help catch finer particles of debris that would normally pass right through the air filter itself.
Customize Your Ride Position
When it comes to ATV’s, the design isn’t one size fits all. You have to adjust the handlebars and more to suit your body’s unique size. Doing so not only makes the ride more comfortable for you, but it also makes it safer to operate while accommodating your body’s natural form.
Among the things you should check and adjust if necessary are:
- Handlebar Placement
- Clutch Levers
- Break Levers
These adjustments will give you confidence over your control while riding. If you aren’t sure about how to go about these adjustments or you would feel safer leaving it up to a professional to help custom fit your ATV, simply make an appointment with us. Our team will be happy to do this for you!
Tighten the Lug Nuts
Transit—whether it’s from the dealer to the showroom or from your house to the next trail—can rattle those lug nuts until they come loose. Any time you travel, make sure to check these bad boys and tighten and torque them back up before using your ATV. Aluminum wheels in particular are prone to loose lug nuts, so make sure you spare a few seconds of your time. You should always have a repair/tool kit with you when you travel anyway, just in case you find yourself in need of emergency repairs.
For more information on ATV maintenance or to set an appointment to have yours done by the pro’s here at Gator Sports, give us a call at 863-675-1464. You can also learn more about proper engine care before a ride by clicking here.