As many people know, four wheelers can rip up the trails of any terrain at high speeds, giving adventure seeking riders what they want and ENJOY! Side-by-side UTVs combine all terrain perfection with an enjoyable passenger experience. Their overpowering torque & horsepower, combined with stability and maneuverability, make them ideal for any trail system, worksite or off-road adventure. In order to keep your off-road UTV/SXS in top-performing condition, you’ll need to have a steady maintenance routine in place.
If you want to keep your vehicle in shape so you can hit the trails whenever you want, you’ll need to have a proper maintenance routine. Here is a guide to help you build a steady maintenance and pre-ride routine to make sure that you’re UTV is ready for the trails and terrain! This should allow you to identify any problems or issues while also keeping your four wheel vehicle in top-performing shape for every ride, as long as you own the vehicle!
Tire Pressure & Care
A pair of off-road tires that are tough, rugged and durable will be an asset to you and your UTV, however you MUST keep them in good condition in order to get top performance and longevity out of them. A set of tough off-road tires will serve your UTV well, but you’ve got to keep them in good condition if you want them to last. Worn out, old or mismatched tires will become a hazard on the trails and could lead to blowouts, accidents and more. This could lead to thousands of dollars in repairs and maintenance costs that could have been avoided by simply thinking ahead and having a reliable set of off-road tires. Also, a KEY tool to always have on you is a tire pressure gauge. A tire pressure gauge is an affordable way to monitor tire pressure. If you combine this with a regular examination of the tire treads and walls for wear & tear, your tires will last longer and should give you minimal problems while enjoying your next trail ride.
Batteries
Batteries are the most overlooked item on most powersports machines and they are easy to overlook. A battery that is overlooked is the easiest way to turn a small problem into a big one. The first step is to inspect the battery terminals. Look for any corrosion as this is the first sign that you may need to buy a new battery. Dust and debris can be wiped away but corrosion is the precursor to possibly bigger problems down the road…literally. Another overlooked area when it comes to battery care is cold weather. In colder months, make sure your battery is hooked up to a battery tender so that it stays charged during cold periods or periods of infrequent use.
Fuel and Filters
Air, fuel, and oil filters help keep toxic or harmful elements out of your UTV’s engine. Anytime you change your UTV oil or take it for a tune up, have the mechanics check the filters. You would think this is routine but it does NOT hurt to ask, just to be sure. You can get longevity out of fuel filters but oil filters should be changed each time you change your oil. Air filters should be changed twice a year.
Oil and Coolant
Monitoring oil and coolant levels is a MUST when it comes to pre-ride checklists and maintenance. Oil and coolant keep your Powersports vehicle running by cooling and lubricating the engine components. Please make sure you check levels and viscosity regularly. When you begin to notice deterioration, its’ time to get that oil changed! When it comes to coolant, you’ll probably never have to flush it entirely, but keeping it at the right level is still important.
Now get out there and enjoy the trails!
