Winterizing Your ATV or UTV

With the arrival of plummeting temperatures and cold weather, it will soon be time to put your ATV or UTV away for the winter. But you can't simply park it in your garage and call it a day. There are winterization steps you will want to take to help ensure the storage process doesn't hurt your ATV or UTV and that your powersports vehicle will be ready to ride come spring.

We've created the following beginner's guide to winterization your ATV or UTV. If you want any help with the process, visit the service department at Motorcycle Maxx. Our dealership is located in Lewis Center, Ohio but we proudly serve those in Columbus and Cincinnati. 

1. Clean Your ATV or UTV

The first step is to ensure your powersports vehicle is clean. The caked-on gunk can actually cause damage if left on for too long. Once your ATV or UTV is dry, you can wax any painted or chrome parts and lubricate vulnerable parts such as cables and chains.

2. Tend to the Fuel

You will want to add fuel stabilizer when your UTV or ATV is going to be sitting unused for a long period of time. Start by adding fresh fuel to the tank, then add in the fuel stabilizer. It will need to be well distributed, so you will want to start up your powersports vehicle and run the engine for a minimum of five minutes.

Now is also a good time to check the oil and the oil filter. If you have been following the maintenance schedule, then you may not need to deal with this step. But if it has been awhile since you gave the oil a check, you will want to find the dipstick and inspect the oil. 

3. Tend to the Tires

Check the manufacturer's recommendation to see what they suggest for tire maintenance. Radial tires might need to be inflated slightly above riding pressure. Bias ply tires might need to be deflated to expel moisture, then re-inflated to the recommended level.

If you can, you will want to elevate your ATV or UTV while it sits in storage. This simple step can help reduce the weight that gets placed on the tires, which in turn helps prevent flat spots.

4. Take the Battery Off

Before you place your ATV or UTV in long-term storage, you will want to remove the battery. Make sure you place it in a location where it won't run the risk of freezing. If you can, connect it to a trickle charger. It can also be helpful to install quick-disconnect leads, which are great for batteries that are difficult to remove and install.

5. Put it in Storage

You'll want to get a breathable cover to help guard your powersports vehicle against moisture and pests. You can even tape over any entry points to help keep pests out, such as intakes and exhaust pipes. If you plan on storing your ATV or UTV outside, you will want to invest in a waterproof cover that can help keep your powersports vehicle protected from the elements. Once you finish this step, you will be done and ready to count down the days until the spring riding season starts.

We hope you found this guide helpful. Remember you can always bring your ATV or UTV to the service department at Motorcycle Maxx and our experts can help you with the winterization process. We also offer a range of powersports vehicles for sale. Whatever you need, you'll find with us. We serve those in Columbus and Cincinnati, OH so visit today!.