Winter is fast approaching, and for dirt bike and ATV enthusiasts, this means letting our precious machines hibernate and be safe from the elements of the winter months.
for the winter
When it comes to storing your ATV or dirt bike, there are a few things you need to do to ensure it’s in tip-top shape. Here’s a list of the things you need to do before storing your bikes and ATV
Clean your ATV or dirt bike before storing
Start by cleaning your vehicle thoroughly. It means removing all the dirt, mud, and grime built up throughout the season. You’ll not only keep your machine in good condition, but it will also prevent rust and corrosion from setting in.
Once your ATV or dirt bike is clean, you must ensure it’s properly lubricated. Check all the moving parts and ensure they are lubricated well with oil or grease. It will help prevent damage during storage and make it easier to start your machine when the season begins.
Check your fuel tank before storage
The tank should be filled. If a steel tank is full, it won’t rust; if a plastic tank is full, condensation won’t build up. Keeping your engine dry is always the key.
You can add your fuel stabilizer once your tank has been filled. For best results, run your bike or quad engine for a few minutes after treating the fuel.
Store in a dry, well-ventilated area
You must ensure your vehicle is stored in a dry, safe place. This means avoiding locations where there is potential for flooding or other damage. A garage or shed is typically the best option, but if you don’t have either, any covered, dry location will do.
Tire pressure before storing
Check and adjust your tire pressure before storing your ride for the winter. Some drivers intentionally over-inflate their tires slightly while the vehicle is being held, which can help keep them from flat-spotting, should they lose air over the winter and become semi-flat.
Probably the lowest ranking factor in terms of what degrades tires the fastest is the position in which they are stored, so it is recommended to rotate your tires once every month if you need to place them on the tread.
Use Anti Freeze
In order to prevent ice from forming in your radiator, you will want to check the level of antifreeze in your system and be sure that it is filled to the top. To protect your ride from freezing temperatures, you should use an antifreeze that has anti-corrosive properties and is also rated to prevent corrosion.
Conclusion
For avid riders, winter is one of the most dreaded seasons of the year. It’s time we need to stay indoors but also the time when we need to protect our precious machines.
By following these simple steps, you can be sure that your ATV or dirt bike will be in perfect condition when spring rolls around.
