ATV Maintenance for a Long-Lasting Quad

A white ATV is a mechanical workshop.

ATV Maintenance for a Long-Lasting Quad

Your ATV was built to take a beating, but these things aren’t bulletproof – they benefit from maintenance like any vehicle. Take care of your quad and it will take care of you. Follow some simple maintenance tips and you can get a long life out of your 4x4, and you’ll also be able to notice problems before they turn into a big deal.

You can always rely on the expert techs at Lintlaw Service in Lintlaw, Saskatchewan, to take care of any maintenance and repairs. If you’d rather spend your ATV time in the saddle instead of the garage, we get it!

Read Your Manual

Your manual will tell you how to take care of your ATV, and it might offer you some handy tips on its operation that you weren’t aware of. Read it and take heed! It will tell you about your model's maintenance intervals along with some important specs such as what type of oil to use.

Follow the Break-in Procedure

Your manual will also tell you the recommended break-in procedure. Brand new engines need a break-in period, and you need to make sure all the fluids are flowing where they need to be. Don’t skip or skimp on this!

Check and Change the Oil Regularly

Oil is a precious substance, at least in terms of the role it plays in keeping your engine purring. Because quads tend to kick up way more dirt than cars and trucks, the oil is prone to getting dirty fast. The good news is that it’s super easy to change your oil on a four-by-four, and they only take a couple of quarts so there’s not a big expense either. Check the oil once a week or every time you take it out. If you notice any oil drips during storage, track down the problem.

Clean The Air Filter

Air filters are designed to protect your engine from dust, dirt, and water. If they’re cruddy and crusted, they can’t let the air in, so check your air filter regularly. You can blow it off with compressed air, and replace it when needed.

Check Tire Pressure

The right inflation is good for your tire lifespan as well as your traction and handling. Check it with a gauge regularly.

Check Your Coolant Level

Make sure your cooling system is fully functional. Top off the coolant as necessary, flush and replace it on schedule, and always inspect your radiator and hoses when you’re doing any maintenance.

Wash Your Rig

Sure, it’s fun to show off how dirty you can get it, but mud and dirt contribute to the corrosion of your paint and metal, so clean them off. All that dirt and dust also has a negative effect on air vents and can impact your engine.

Check Your Belts

Belts suffer from dirt, grit, water, and age, so the harder you ride, the sooner they need replacement. Pay special attention to the nasty scent of burning rubber–that probably points to a belt problem. Otherwise, regular visual inspections will do the trick.

Treat Your Gas

You probably store your quad for the winter. Before you do that, add a fuel stabilizer. Gas breaks down over time and this is especially true with gas that contains ethanol.

Inspect Bolts, Nuts, and Boots

A visual inspection of nuts, bolts, and boots can help you resolve a problem before it turns into a bigger problem. When you’re doing an oil change, tighten nuts and bolts, and grease the bearings and pivot points on your frame and suspension.

Get a long, reliable life out of your quad with these tips. Got any questions? Talk to the team at Lintlaw Service in Lintlaw, Saskatchewan, where we also serve Yorkton and Saskatoon.