ATV Maintenance Guide
If you’re a proud ATV owner, then you know that one of your responsibilities is to make sure that your quad is always functioning correctly for safety reasons. You don’t want to end up stranded on a trail or off-road track waiting for someone to help you out if your quad’s engine quits or the tire goes flat and you aren’t prepared to deal with these problems.
Fortunately, ATV maintenance isn’t too difficult, and doing it correctly will ensure that your quad lasts for years to come. We’ve created this quick maintenance checklist to help you keep your four-wheeler in good working order.
Read the Manual
Your ATV owner’s manual is your absolute best resource when it comes to proper maintenance and upkeep of your vehicle. You don’t need to read it cover-to-cover but look through it to understand how each part functions and what products are recommended for your particular model.
Check Tire Pressure
The four tires on your ATV take a lot of abuse as they careen over rugged terrain, so you’ll need to inspect them before every ride. Check the tire pressure with a tire pressure gauge and air up your tires to the recommended psi levels, which may be printed on the tire sidewall or listed in your owner’s manual. While you’re down there, look for signs of embedded objects, worn treads, cracks in the sidewall, or other signs of damage that merit immediate repair or replacement.
Tighten Nuts and Bolts
The nuts, bolts, and various fittings on your 4-wheeler may need to be tightened every so often due to the amount of movement that the vehicle experiences. Make sure that your ATV’s fittings are snug; this includes your handlebars and all switches and levers as well.
Change Oil
Just like your passenger car or truck, your ATV needs regular oil changes to function correctly. Oil helps to keep all the parts of your engine lubricated so that they move smoothly. To check the oil, remove the dipstick, wipe it on a soft cloth, insert it into the reservoir, and remove it again to check the color and consistency of the oil. Sludgy, opaque oil needs an immediate change, while clean, clear oil can simply be topped off. Change the oil filter at the same time. You may find that you need to change the oil and filters more often if you ride in dusty areas.
We hope these tips help keep your ATV well-maintained. Remember that you can always get in touch with our service department if you need assistance. Still shopping for the perfect four-wheeler? Visit Thompson's Motorsports in Terre Haute, Indiana, to browse our selection of ATVs for sale. We welcome all our patrons visiting us from Bloomington and West Indianapolis, IN, as well as Effingham, IL.