Once you have invested in an ATV, it stands to reason you want to protect your asset. With a machine that is designed to be pushed to the limits of endurance, everything you can do to increase its longevity is imperative. All you need to know is what to do and when.
Luckily, ATVs are easy to maintain and keep for long periods. Read on for our must-know guide on ATV maintenance.
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1. Follow the ATV Maintenance Break in Guidelines
When you buy a new ATV you will be given ATV care instructions. This is because when the vehicle is created, it goes straight from the assembly line to the showroom. Parts do not have time to settle, adjust or lubricate properly.
Follow the break-in guidelines that come with your new ATV. This usually involves operating at low levels for a short period of time, then building it up to full power.
2. Oil and Filter Checks
Engines need oil to run, and just as you would replace the oil in a car or van, you must do the same on an ATV. Make sure you change it with high-quality engine oil. Smaller engines, like the ones in an ATV, are not as robust as larger car engines and need more care.
You should always keep oil close by, just in case you need to refill when out on the tracks. Low oil can lead to the engine overheating and finally giving up.
Another of the ATV basics is changing your filter. Allowing a clean flow of healthy oxygen is imperative to the running of your engine.
3. Replace Parts With Quality
When it does come to repairs, you should always replace parts with high-quality ones. Poor parts are a false economy and do nothing to help your ATV longevity. Stick to original parts from the manufacturer, like these Kawasaki OEM parts.
4. Keep It Clean
It can look like you are a hardcore ATV rider when mud is splattered all over your ride. However, it does need washing off regularly.
Mud and dirt are not good for the parts and chassis of the ATV. They work to trap humidity and moisture, which can corrode the vehicle itself. If the mud has any sort of high acid content or chemicals within its makeup, this can really shorten your ATV longevity.
5. Check the Belt
Most modern ATVs use a belt transmission, so you do not have to shift manually. While they make driving easier, these belts stretch, loosen, and wear out over time. If they go while you are driving, it can be extremely inconvenient.
The first sign of this will be problems when the machine shifts. It will not change smoothly, or may not shift altogether. They can be hard to locate, so take them to a repair shop if you are not confident replacing them yourself.
Get an Annual Service
While these ATV maintenance tips can help, you should consider a professional service at least once a year. A professional will be able to spot problems you may not and be able to rectify them before they occur.
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