All-terrain vehicles, commonly called ATVs, are designed to handle rugged terrain. They take people places they otherwise wouldn’t be able to go. While these vehicles are built to be durable, they need maintenance like any other machine. Every ride puts wear and tear on them, so they must be cared for properly if they are to last.
When a person gets a new ATV, they might get an ATV graphics kit to make it their own. That’s understandable. They want to make their ride unique, reflecting who they are as riders. However, they also need to get items to maintain the ride, as the graphics kit won’t matter if the ATV is sitting in the garage because it doesn’t run. What are some basic ATV tasks every owner should complete regularly?
Extra Filters
Owners should invest in extra filters for ATVs exposed to challenging conditions. Dirt and sand can significantly harm the engine, so regular filter changes are essential. Every vehicle of this type has a filter system that must be checked routinely.
Start by examining the fuel filter located underneath the fuel tank. This filter can be changed infrequently, mainly if the ATV is newer. However, it’s one item that should be checked every so often, and this task needs to be done more frequently as the machine gets older.
Replace the oil filter on the ATV every time the oil is changed and the air filter every three oil changes. This schedule will guarantee that this critical task isn’t overlooked unintentionally.
Radiator Cap and Coolant
The radiator cap is designed to contain coolant and draw it into the engine. When the seal on the cap starts to deteriorate, the engine will begin overheating, and the ATV’s performance will decline. The radiator cap and coolant must be checked immediately whenever a rider notices the signs. No rider wants to find themselves stranded because the engine is overheating.
When examining the cap, check the coolant and ensure it is at the proper level. If it is low, top it off and monitor the level for a few days or weeks. Look underneath the ATV before every ride to see if coolant is on the ground. Any leak in the radiator needs to be fixed immediately to prevent damage to the engine from overheating.
Wiring Concerns
As mentioned, ATVs are designed to tackle rugged terrain. However, the suspension must be checked regularly for problems, and the owner must also check the wiring harnesses.
It’s easy for a wire to come loose as the vehicle goes through challenging conditions. Electrical components on the ATV will only work correctly if the wiring is intact. It only takes a few rides for one or more wires to come loose, so consider checking the wiring after each trip, mainly if this trip is rough. Always keep duct tape in the vehicle for emergency wiring repairs.
ATVs are complicated machines. Like most passenger vehicles, they contain many parts. An owner should be aware of maintenance tasks that must be completed regularly. The owner’s manual is always an excellent place to gather this information. You can also talk with an ATV mechanic, who can inspect the machine and make recommendations based on their observations. A well-maintained ride will get the owner where they want to go while keeping ownership costs, so make this maintenance a priority.
