Top 10 ATV & UTV DIY Maintenance Tips

An ATV or UTV can be your best friend, both off-road and on. ATVs let you tear up your favorite backwoods trail, dunes, anywhere you want, and UTVs will help you get your chores done or any other heavy duty job you've got lined up. But ATVs and UTVs alike both need proper care and maintenance to make sure you've got the power you need, when you need it. At Destination Powersports, located in Punta Gorda, Florida, serving Cape Coral and Fort Myers, we want you to have the most fun possible, regardless of where you ride. Our fully trained and professional service department will keep your ATV and UTV running in peak condition for years to come, but there are a few things you should keep your eye on in the meantime.

Check Your Oil

Check your oil. Regularly. This is an easy thing to forget but it can be costly if you do. It may seem tedious, but checking your levels before every ride will make sure you're not putting undue strain on your engine. Oil can break down over time and this will burn off through weak pistons or seep out through compromised gaskets. And run hot long enough without proper lubricant, you're going to lock up your engine and then it's game over. Check your oil level before every ride, regardless of if you're riding an ATV or UTV.

Change the Oil

We know, it goes without saying, but if you're regularly checking the oil on your ATV or UTV then you should be regularly changing the oil. Oil is what keeps your ATVs and UTVs running clean and healthy, keep it fresh and changed regularly and your ride will run smooth every time you need it to. It's just like the oil in your car, check and change it regularly to keep your engine running strong.

Check the Coolant

Coolant helps transfer heat to the radiator for cooling and lubricates the seals, which keeps rust from forming inside your ATV or UTV engine. Realistically, you can run coolant in your engine for years, unless your engine is exposed to dirt, debris, or you've got a leak. But if you're already keeping an eye on your oil levels, and changing the oil regularly, remember to monitor your coolant levels. Maintaining the appropriate levels of coolant will keep your engine running smooth and in peak condition.

Check the Radiator Cap

The radiator cap actually controls the coolant in your ATV or UTV engine. The cap regulates the pressure of your coolant and allows negative pressure to pull this coolant into the radiator when it needs more fluid. What you're looking for here are cracks or wear in the radiator cap, in which case, replace them as quickly as possible.

Change Your Spark Plugs

Worn spark plugs can cause a loss of power to your ATV or UTV engine. And things like bad gas, an improperly jetted machine, etc., can cause early wear and tear to your spark plugs. The good news? They're fairly cheap and not terribly difficult to change and replace. Make sure you're keeping an eye on your plugs and replace them as needed to keep your ATV and UTV in top performing condition.

Electrical Wiring

For wiring, definitely bring your ATV or UTV to our service department. Watch out for cracked, worn, or exposed wires, as these can ground and essentially ruin expensive components on your ATV or UTV. If you do see any wear to your electrical system, bring it to our dealership ASAP and let us take care of your machine.

Use the Best Fuel

Make sure you use high-octane, high-quality fuel in your ATV and UTV. Yes, it'll cost a little more now, but it'll save you money in the long run by keeping your engine in peak performance condition. While ethanol has stretched our nation's fuel supply, it is damaging to internal carburetor components, so use the good stuff when you're filling your machine. Additionally, you can extend the life of these parts by adding fuel stabilizers to your tank!

Check Tire Pressure

Your ATV or UTVs tires are your connection to the ground. It's what grips those off-road trails and sand dunes, letting you tear through your favorite landscape. Improperly inflated tires, or even poor tire pressure, can cause instability and loss of grip while you're riding. To prevent any injuries to either yourself or your machine, be sure to keep your tires properly inflated and regularly check the air pressure.

Service Your Driveline

It doesn't matter if your ATV or UTV is chain-driven or belt-drive, your driveline connection needs to be checked often and serviced regularly. And we definitely recommend coming into the service department to get this checked. A good general rule, however, is to check the chain or belt tension after every third oil change. If there are early signs of problems, come see us immediately, as nothing is worse than finding yourself stranded on a sand dune with a 500-pound machine that needs to be pushed or pulled back to civilization. If you're keeping an eye on your oil, and checking and changing regularly, getting your driveline connection serviced should be a snap!

Don't Neglect Your Battery

If your ATV or UTV has a battery, and more and more of them do now, make sure you're keeping of track of when it was installed. Also, place it on a battery tender during the off-season to make your battery life last longer, and save you from having to buy a new one each season.

Remember, check and change your oil regularly, keep an eye on your fluids, check your tire pressure, and if you have any questions or concerns, bring your ATV or UTV in to our service department for maintenance and repairs. Destination Powersports, in Punta Gorda, Florida, serving Cape Coral and Fort Myers, has a fully trained and professional service department, ready to keep your ATV and UTV running in top form for years to come. Stay on top of the suggestions above and the only thing you'll need to worry about the next time you're on your ATV or UTV is where your ride will take you!