UTV Maintenance Tips
Utility task vehicles, or side by sides, are convenient and powerful vehicles that serve a variety of purposes. But just like a car or any other vehicle, they’re prone to breaking down without regular care. Keeping your UTV in good working condition ensures that it will provide you with what you need when you need it, whether that’s reliable transport for your work crew or a vehicle for off-roading with the family. Fortunately, most UTV maintenance tasks can be performed by you at home in your garage if you have a few tools and the knowledge to do them!
Protect Your Battery
While the battery is a reasonably simple part of your UTV, it’s essential to your engine’s continued functioning, so you’ll want to keep an eye on it. Without a full charge, your spark plugs won’t spark, your lights won’t turn on and your ignition won’t turn over. Every month or so, check the battery posts to see that they’re free from white, crusty corrosion and make sure the wires are connected snugly. A corroded battery needs replacing. In winter, when storing your UTV, it’s important to put your battery on a trickle charge or tender so that it doesn’t discharge completely or it may never hold a charge again. You’ll also want to prevent your battery from experiencing extreme shifts in temperature, as this can reduce its capacity as well.
Change Oil & Replenish Fluids
Your UTV needs oil changes just like any other motorized vehicle. Oil prevents your engine’s various components from destroying each other. Check the oil using the dipstick like you would for your car engine, by removing, wiping and re-inserting it, then checking the color and viscosity when you pull it out again. If your oil is clear and thin, you’re good to go! Just top it off if it seems low. If your oil is sludgy, it’s time to change it. Change the filter at the same time. If you find metal shavings in the oil, bring your UTV into Altus Motorsports so our service department can have a look in your engine to make sure that nothing’s seriously amiss.
Check Tire Pressure
Your side by side’s tires support the weight of you and your vehicle, along with any cargo you’re towing or hauling, so it’s vital that they are always in peak condition. Never ride on bad tires! A tire blowout, particularly when off-roading or carting several people and a heavy payload, can be extremely dangerous. Before every ride, walk around your side by side with your tire pressure gauge and check each tire. Air them up with an air compressor or at the nearest gas station until they meet the manufacturer’s suggested pressure recommendations. While you’re down there, make sure your tires aren’t sporting any embedded objects or bald patches, and get them repaired or replaced if they’re too worn to ride on.
Use The Right Fuel
Side by sides run best on high-octane fuel. Most gas stations carry ethanol fuels because ethanol can stretch fuel supplies, but this is made more for passenger cars and not powersports vehicles. Using ethanol fuels in your UTV can corrode the engine and cause buildup, so it’s best to seek out high-octane fuel instead. If you must use standard ethanol gasoline in your side by side, drain the carburetor after every ride and add stabilizer to your fuel tank when storing your UTV.
Shopping for a new UTV? Visit our dealership in Altus, OK, to see our selection of new and used side by sides for sale. If you encounter any maintenance that requires a professional’s assistance, contact our service department so our mechanics can help you get your UTV in great shape! Altus Motorsports proudly serves the areas of North Dallas, Amarillo and Lubbock, Texas.