The warm and soothing Spring vibes are all over the place, and you are probably itching to ride your ATV. That means it's time to pull the cover and get rolling.
But before you hit the trails, it is important to ensure your ATV is in perfect condition. The cold winter months in storage might have done serious harm to your ride, and taking it for a spin without inspection can be dangerous for you as well as your vehicle.
Here are a few simple yet crucial checks that you must do after a long winter's sleep.
#1 Visual Inspection
A visual inspection can reveal a lot about your ATV's condition. Are there any leaks, frayed wires or signs of mice infestation? Winter is tough for everyone, and mice and insects often find shelters in an undisturbed winterized automobile.
Remove the seat and look underneath for any signs of damage or infestation. If your ATV checks out the visual inspection, the next step is to get it ready for adventure.
#2 Change or Top Off Essential Engine Fluids
When a vehicle sits in the garage for a long time, the engine oil gets oxidized and loses its lubrication properties. Riding in such an event could harm your engine's internal components and give you performance issues. Therefore, it is recommended to change the engine oil and check other essential fluids such as coolant, brake oil, etc. and top off if necessary.
#3 Inspect the battery
Did you disconnect the battery and hook it up to the charger when winterizing your ATV? If not, you may be looking at a completely drained battery. However, if it's not older than three years, it can be revived and used for another couple of seasons.
Let your battery charge overnight and check the voltage using a multimeter the next morning. If it's below 13V, consider replacing your battery to avoid a disappointing trail experience.
#4 Check the Air Filter
The engine breathes through the air filter. If the filter is clogged or damaged, it can alter the amount of air entering the combustion chamber and lead to performance issues. In case of rodent damage, the air filter must be replaced before you crank the engine.
As a general rule of thumb, the air filter must be replaced at least once a year.
#5 Check spark plugs
Spark plugs often lose their 'spark' when the vehicle sits dormant in the garage for a long time. Pull out the spark plug to inspect its electrodes. If you notice any carbon build-up, consider replacing the spark plug to avoid performance issues and an unexpected breakdown.
#6 Inspect the belts and chain
Extremely cold weather can cause the belts and chain to contract and snap under strain. Check the belt and chain tension before starting your vehicle and replace or lubricate if necessary.
While you are at it, don't forget to check tire pressure, lights, instrument cluster and other rubber components that are susceptible to wear and tear.
Enjoy the ride!