DIY Maintenance Steps for ATVs
When you want to dominate the most rugged terrain, you can count on your ATV to back you up! Whether for work purposes or for recreational use, quads are your ticket for off-roading. With all the hard work they do, your four-wheelers need some regular maintenance in return. Without proper care, you might end up suffering a mishap on the trails.
Nielsen Enterprises is your leading ATV dealer in Lake Villa, IL and we’ve compiled some ways that you can care for your quad at home. Of course, for some things you’re going to need expert help. When you want professional ATV service and repairs near Chicago or Milwaukee, contact us and have a chat with one of our trained technicians.
Review Your Owner’s Manual
Before you begin, make sure you know what’s right for your machine. Go through your owner’s manual so you know any specific instructions and recommended products. We’ve compiled some general information that can be applied to most four-wheelers but your manual is where you get the know-how for your model. There should also be instructions about regular service timings, which you should try and stick to.
Oil
The oil in your ATV keeps all the engine components from creating friction and destroying each other, so you have to pay attention to it. When you inspect the oil, check to see if it has become dark and sludgy and replace it immediately if it has. The oil should be free of any metal shavings as that indicates the parts are beginning to grind together. In that case, you might have to bring it in to professionals to figure out the best course ahead.
Spark Plugs
The spark plugs of a quad provide the ignition to the internal combustion engine so they have to be checked periodically. More often if your engine isn’t working well. Disconnect the battery, remove the engine cover and then take out a plug with a spark plug wrench. The metal gaps should be clean and dry and the ceramic casing should be in one piece. If you know how to change the spark plugs, go ahead but if not, turn to experts.
Coolant
Your ATV needs coolant to stop the motor from overheating during rough, bumpy rides. You might never need to replace this fluid but you will need to top it up whenever required. Make sure the radiator doesn’t leak and there aren’t any pools of fluids under the quad. If there are any, make sure you get a technician to fix that for you!
Radiator Cap
The radiator cap has more to do than simply keep all the coolant in your engine. The cap also does the job of drawing the coolant into your engine. This is why you have to ensure there are no loose seals which can decrease performance or cause overheating. Check the cap and replace or repair it according to its condition.
Fuel
Your ATV will run best when you put high octane fuel in it! Ethanol-enriched fuels are very capable of stretching fuel supplies but they also lead to increased corrosion and buildup in the engine. If you use the right type of gas, it’s going to make a big difference. If you’re going to use standard gas, make sure to drain your carburetor after each ride, and stabilize your fuel when it’s in storage.
Brakes
Your brakes are a crucial part of your ATV. These should be regularly checked even when they seem to be working fine so you can catch a problem before it gets too big. Always check the brake pad thickness, the routing of lines and both the condition and level of your braking fluid. If you’re not well-versed with brakes maintenance, it might be better to let a professional handle it.
We hope these tips help you take much better care of your vehicle! For more tips or if you want to get expert ATV service and repair in Lake Villa, IL, get in touch with us at Nielsen Enterprises and one of our staff members will help you out! We’re proud to be the preferred ATV dealer for our clients from Chicago and Milwaukee!