UTV Maintenance Checklist - It Doesn't Have To Be Hard

UTV Maintenance Checklist - It Doesn't Have To Be Hard

UTVs are a lot of fun. However, just like any other vehicle, they need regular maintenance to keep them running in top condition. The good news is that maintaining them doesn't have to be hard. In this post, we will provide you with a UTV maintenance checklist that will help you keep your vehicle in great shape. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced UTV rider, following this checklist will help ensure your vehicle is always ready for the next ride!

Regularly Check and Change Your Vehicle's Oil

One of the most important things you can do to maintain your UTV is to regularly check and change its oil. Depending on how often you ride, you will usually need to change your oil every 35-60 hours of operation. If you ride in dusty or sandy conditions, you may need to change your oil more frequently. Be sure to consult your UTV's owner's manual to determine how often to change the oil. The good news is that UTVs don't require a ton of oil so it isn't a very expensive task.

Inspect Your UTV's Tires

Another important part of regular UTV maintenance is inspecting your vehicle's tires. You will want to check the pressure of your tires before every ride. UTVs typically have a tire pressure between 12-18 PSI. You will also want to inspect your tires for any signs of wear or damage. If you notice any cuts, cracks, or other damage, it's important to have the tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

Check Your UTV's Brakes

Just like any other vehicle, your UTV needs to have its brakes checked regularly. Depending on how often you ride, you should have your brakes checked every few months. Make sure to check the thickness of your UTV's brake pads. Also checking brake fluid is also easy and a good maintenance tip. You want to check to make sure there are no obvious contaminants in it. Be sure to consult your UTV's owner's manual for specific brake maintenance recommendations.

Inspect Your UTV's Suspension

Another important aspect of regular UTV maintenance is inspecting your vehicle's suspension. You will want to check the shocks, springs, and other suspension components for any signs of wear or damage. If you notice any issues, be sure to have them repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

Clean or Replace Your Air Filter

Depending a lot on where and how often you ride your UTV the air filter will need maintenance at different intervals. Your air filter is extremely important since it provides air to your engine. If the air in your engine is dirty, your engine is much more likely to have more serious problems.

It's a good idea to check your filter after any long periods of no use. Little bugs frequently like making nests in air filters and you want to make sure those nests aren't getting inside your engine.

Wash and Clean Your UTV Often

Although having a dirty UTV seems to be a right of passage for its owners, keeping your vehicle dirty will likely put unnecessary wear on your vehicle. It may seem like having dirt on the metal doesn't matter, but moisture often gets stuck in the dirt and starts rusting your UTVs parts.

A thorough clean will make sure to get the dirt off your vehicle. It will also keep dust and mildew build-up from creating wear on the moving parts. We have all seen UTVs and ATVs with ugly-looking seat cushions, this can be avoided with proper washes in between heavy uses.

Cover Your UTV When Storing It

If you know you aren't going to be using your UTV for a few weeks it is essential you get a UTV cover. Even if you keep your UTV in a garage, if it isn't covered it will likely accumulate dust which may lead to serious problems in the long run.

If you keep your UTV outdoors at all times then we recommend covering it after every use. Unnecessary sun exposure will wear the exterior of your vehicle prematurely. UV rays will ruin your vehicle's paint and your seat cushions. The snow and ice will do similar harm to your vehicle. We highly recommend storing it inside and under a cover if you can!

Check Your Vehicle's Gas

If you use your UTV often your gas is likely perfectly fine. But if you let your vehicle sit for months at a time your gas may go bad and get contaminants in it. This can lead to complete engine failure if not addressed. We recommend emptying your tank if you are storing your UTV for a whole season. Or at least add fuel additives to clean the fuel before running your engine.

Check the Coolant Level

Unlike oil, coolant doesn't need to be checked before every ride, but you definitely want to check it every once in a while to prevent any major issues. When you check your coolant levels take a look at your radiator cap. The caps are known for cracking or breaking which can lead to disruptions to the flow of coolant to your engine.

Maintaining a UTV Battery

Like every vehicle, UTVs need their battery to be in good working order. The most common cause of battery issues is leaving your UTV untouched for months at a time without properly "winterizing" it. If this sounds like you, the easiest solution is to get a battery charger to hook your battery to when storing it. A good battery charger will keep the battery in good health for the next time you go to use it.

Make sure you keep your battery in a cool dry place to minimize wear on it. Batteries tend to corrode around their terminals if left in improper locations.

Maintaining Your UTV Doesn't Have To Be Hard

By following these simple tips you can make sure your UTV is always in good working condition. These tips will also help to maximize the lifespan of your UTV. UTVs are expensive so it is important to take care of them!

Do you have any other tips for maintaining a UTV? Let us know! And don't forget to check out our website for the highest quality UTV Covers.