An ATV is a worthwhile investment that makes traveling so much easier. Without an ATV, you will not be able to explore all that the season has to offer to its full potential. Not only adventures and explorations, but also anyone who works outdoors can use the advantages of an ATV to their fullest.
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are expensive assets that stay with you in the long run. All they need to operate at their best are a little care and effort from you, consistently. To use the ATV to its fullest, you must take care of it throughout the year and ensure it remains in good condition.
Here are seven ways to guarantee your ATV stays in optimum condition and is always ready for an adventure:
Maintain the Engine Fluids
You need to make sure the oil fluids in both the front-end and the rear-end of your ATV are running smoothly. A good oil reservoir for your ATV will usually come with a dipstick attached to the cap. This dipstick is used to check the level and clarity of oil. You should make sure the oil for the ATV is clear and free of any debris or particles. The ATV will come with a manual that will cover how to use the dipstick and check the oil levels and quality.
The quality oil in the ATV is important, and so is the quality of the engine coolant. The engine coolant is located next to the air filter. It is usually positioned in a way where you can see the level of liquid in it. They also come with markings and indications of how much quantity is required for the vehicle. You can use an engine fluid tool to check how clear the liquid in your engine fluid is. Again, the owner’s manual should be able to guide you through all these steps.
Ensure Clean Air for Your Fuel System
Just as our lungs need clean air to breathe and live well, your ATV needs clean air to function smoothly. The gas in the ATV enters the fuel system via an electronic fuel injection system, mixing it with air. This mixture of air and gas then travels to the cylinders, and a spark ignites it, depressing the piston. Keep an eye on the cleanliness of the air filter, and ensure no debris accumulates around it. If the filter seems to be working fine, put the caps back on — replacing them correctly.
A mix-up in the positioning of the caps can pose a safety hazard. If you have not used your ATV for a long time, check the filter before starting it. Small insects make nests in such air filters, and you need to get rid of them before you cold-start it. Checking the coolant levels often is a good idea as it also helps you increase the life of your engine. It will not hurt to ensure that the radiator cap controlling the coolant is in good shape. If your radiator cap has cracks or breaks in it, it will disrupt the pressure regulator. It can damage the flow of the coolant to the engine. Hence, all these parts must be kept in check.
Identify Faulty Belts Beforehand
Most technologically enhanced ATVs use a CV Belt Transmission. It allows the engine to operate without a manual clutch, enabling you to drive in automation. It also allows you to shift into whatever gear you would like.
The issue with these belts is that they lose their strength over time, irrespective of usage. The more you take your ATV on the extreme terrain, the faster the belt will weaken. Before taking your ATV on a trip, ensure the belt is safe from wear and tear. You can usually identify a failing belt with a distinct smell. A failing belt will exude a smell of burning rubber before it goes. Watch out for the odor and identify problems beforehand to avoid getting in trouble.
The easiest way to identify any problems with your ATV’s belt is by being aware of how it feels when you are driving. If the shifts in gears are not smooth anymore or if you notice any other issues, you can suspect a faulty belt.
Use a GPS Tracker
A GPS tracker is always an asset for any automobile. For maintenance requirements, a hardwired GPS tracker for your ATV might interest you. These trackers transmit real-time locations and provide valuable insights into the runtime of the vehicle. They let you know of any unsafe incidents like harsh driving, speeding, sharp turns, and so on that could negatively affect the health of your ATV. These alerts and other reports on engine status, fuel usage, and mileage offer a benchmark to schedule routine maintenance of your ATVs. Once you have a plan in place, you can program the GPS tracking software platform to send you timely alerts, reminding you to maintain your ATV.
A hardwired GPS tracker like one from Matrack comes with motion alerts and offers fuel usage and mileage reports. Based on these reports, you can schedule regular maintenance. Some GPS tracking solutions also have alert features, which will notify you whenever it is the time to get your ATV maintained.
Ensure Optimum Tire Pressure
A basic rule for any vehicle is to make sure your tires have optimum pressure levels. Check the pressure of each tire and determine the PSI for your ATV. The PSI for an ATV is lower than that of a car or a truck because of the terrain. You must check the pressure of each tire before every trip. Having poorly inflated tires can potentially slow down your ATV and prevent you from using it to its full potential. It also makes the vehicle dangerous. If you find your tires losing pressure while you are on an expedition, you can do the needful with a portable tire pump (always carry one).
It is crucial to ensure that your lug nuts are in an ideal position. For the torque level and the PSI of your lug nuts, read through the manual guide that you received with the vehicle.
Work on the Pivot Points and Boots
Before you hit the road, carefully inspect every inch of your ATV. Pay special attention to the rubber boots that protect the crucial parts of your ATV, such as keeping the drive shaft safe and air intake at bay. These parts are not only expensive but also very important for your ATV. Failure in these parts can result in a predicament.
Paying attention to the small things, such as greasing pivot points, keeps you safe and your vehicle healthy. Extra precaution has never harmed anyone and can enhance your experience with the ATV!
Use the Best Quality of Gas
The gas you inject in your ATV should also be of the best quality, in the best condition. Again, make sure there is no accumulation of debris. If there is no requirement for water, ensure water does not enter the fuel system at all. Depending upon the type and model of ATV, you may or may not need premium gas for your vehicle. Choose the best gas you can for your ATV — you may have to pay a little extra, but it will benefit you in the long run.
Using a fuel stabilizer before you put your ATV away during the end of the season can elongate its life. It will keep your ATV in good condition and save more money on the mechanics.
Final Words
These are the main precautions you should take for your ATV. However, there are other precautions you can take to go the extra mile and ensure the best for your ATV. Avoid certain things such as exposed wires, cracks, foul gas, etc. Additionally, get your ATV checked by your service center every couple of years at the very least.
With that, we have covered everything you need to know to do everything you can to take care of your ATV. These small steps can seem tedious at first but can help you save a lot of money in the long run. It will make your travel explorations with ATVs so much easier.
