ATV Maintenance Tips
Regular ATV maintenance doesn’t just allow your vehicle to perform at its best, it also ensures that your quad will last longer and be less vulnerable to mechanical failures. The good news is that many ATV maintenance tasks are simple enough to perform in the comfort of your own garage. If you’re interested in learning more about ATV maintenance, this guide from LeMond’s Motorsports has what you need to know.
Review Your Owner’s Manual
Your ATV’s owner’s manual contains a wealth of information, both maintenance-related and otherwise. If you’re not sure what kinds of products to use or when to schedule your next service appointment, the owner’s manual should be able to tell you. Always consult your owner’s manual before attempting ATV maintenance.
Oil
Oil helps lubricate the parts inside your ATV’s engine, ensuring that they glide smoothly against each other instead of grinding together. Besides just topping off the oil levels whenever they start to get low, don’t forget to check the oil itself. If the oil feels gritty to the touch, that means parts of your ATV’s engine are rubbing together and damaging each other. If the oil appears black and sludgy, it's usually too old to do its job properly.
Changing the Filters
An ATV’s filters keep harmful particles from getting into your engine. We recommend swapping oil filters whenever you change the oil to make it easier to remember. Air filters last a bit longer, so only change your air filter every three to four oil changes. Finally, there’s the fuel filter, which can be found underneath the fuel tank. It doesn’t need to be changed very often, but you should still check it every once in a while, particularly if your ATV is old.
Spark Plugs
If your ATV is having trouble turning over, check the spark plugs. You can do this by disconnecting the battery, removing the engine cover, and taking out the plug using a spark plug wrench. Check the plug to make sure that the casing is intact and that the metal gaps are clean and dry. If something is wrong with the spark plug, go ahead and replace it with a fresh one. Follow the recommendations in your owner’s manual about when to replace your ATV’s spark plug.
Shop ATVs at LeMond’s Motorsports of Olney in Olney, Illinois. We also offer financing, parts ordering, servicing, and trade-ins. We’re proud to serve the Richland County, Illinois area.