A Beginner’s Guide to UTV Maintenance
A little proactive UTV maintenance can go a long way in keeping your powersports vehicle out of the mechanic's shop and on the trail where it belongs. There are some maintenance tasks best left to professionals, but there are plenty of projects that even beginners can tackle. We've rounded up some essential beginner UTV maintenance tasks below. If you have any questions or want to explore UTVs for sale, head over to Nielsen Enterprises. Our dealership is located in Lake Villa, Illinois.
1. Inspect the Battery
If your battery doesn't work, you won't be able to go for a trail ride. While you may eventually need to replace your battery due to age, you can extend the battery's life by regularly monitoring it. About once a month look over the battery posts. These are the metal parts that connect your battery to the rest of the vehicle. They need to be kept clean to help prevent corrosion, which would likely result in you needing to buy a new battery. Inspect and clean them every so often to make your battery last longer.
2. Look at the Driveline
The driveline gets power from the engine to the wheels. It'll be in the form of a chain or belt, but it can end up getting stuck if you don't care for it. Apply a chain lubricant to keep it running well and check the tension occasionally. If the drivetrain gets too tight or too loose, you will want to visit a service department so they can adjust it.
3. Check the Tires
You'll want to inspect two key things to ensure good tire health. First, ensure that the tires have enough tread. Tread is important in helping your UTV maintain traction with the trail. It gets naturally worn down over time and, eventually, it'll get so worn down that the tires will need to be replaced. Check your owner's manual to know what tread level you need.
Second, measure the air pressure. When tires are not inflated to the right levels, you can end up with a flat or a blow out. Use a tire pressure gauge to see what the air pressure level is and then adjust as necessary.
4. Replace the Filters
There are filters inside your UTV that help prevent damaging particles from getting to your engine. These will need to be replaced throughout the lifespan of your UTV. The oil filter should be changed every time you change your oil. The air filter should be replaced about every three to four oil changes. The fuel filter should be checked every once in a while on older models.
5. Check the Wiring
When you ride your UTV, you'll often encounter quick acceleration and bouncing as you cruise down a rugged trail. What makes your ride so exciting can also result in knocking wires loose. Regularly check the wiring harnesses that keep the electrical components running well to ensure everything is in its place. You also may want to bring duct tape on your trail rides. If a wire ends up out of place, you can use the duct tape to secure it so that it won't risk getting torn out by an overhanging branch.
We hope you found this UTV maintenance guide useful. If you want more advice or to shop UTVs for sale, visit Nielsen Enterprises in Lake Villa, Illinois. Our friendly staff is happy to assist you with whatever you need, whether it's answering questions or helping you find the perfect UTV. We proudly serve those in Chicago, Illinois, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.