UTV Maintenance Tips
Whether you use your utility vehicle for work or recreational riding purposes, it’s important to keep it well-maintained. While you may think that this means frequent trips to the service department at your local dealer, the fact is that you can do a lot of maintenance at home on your own, given the right tools and knowledge. You’ll save yourself expensive repairs by doing these small tasks and your UTV will perform better, too.
At Loewer Powersports & Equipment, we are well-versed in UTV maintenance, so we’ve crafted this guide to help you get your vehicle in top shape for your next adventure. If you come across any issues that you can’t fix yourself, call us to schedule an appointment with our expert mechanics who will be happy to help you. You’ll find us in Alexandria, Louisiana, and we serve all those in Lafayette.
Consult Your Owner’s Manual
Don’t just dive into the maintenance process straightaway. Consult your owner’s manual to see what your UTV’s manufacturer recommends for your specific make and model. This could save you a lot of time and money by helping avoid doing any damage to your side-by-side. The owner’s manual will serve as your primary resource for everything that needs to be done, as well as helping you to locate specific parts on your vehicle.
Check Tires
Every vehicle needs to ride on good, solid tires. Riding a UTV that has worn-out tires with poor pressure is asking for a blowout on the trails, which is particularly dangerous. Use a tire pressure gauge to get an accurate reading for all the tires and inflate them up to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure level. While you’re checking the pressure, inspect the sidewalls for any cracks, and look at the tread to make sure that it’s sufficiently deep and that there are no objects embedded in your tires.
Change Oil & Filters
The oil in your UTV keeps the engine running smoothly and it needs to be checked and changed just as you check and change the oil in your car or truck. Remove the dipstick, wipe it with a soft cloth, reinsert it, and remove it again to check the color and consistency of your oil. Sludgy, opaque oil needs a change, but clear and runny oil can simply be topped off. Watch out for metal particles in your oil as these can indicate that parts of your engine are grinding together.
Battery
Batteries won’t necessarily need regular maintenance, but you definitely want to take a look at it to make sure it’s going to be good for a longer trip. If the side-by-side has issues starting or won’t start at all, you may need to charge a drained battery or get a new one altogether. If you charge your battery and it drains fairly quickly again, you’re probably looking at needing a new alternator. If you notice corrosion on the posts, try cleaning them with a baking soda and water solution by using a toothbrush. Keep in mind that an old battery may just need to be replaced.
These UTV maintenance tips should form a good foundation for moving forward with regular upkeep for your side-by-side. Just remember that some preventative work can save you time, energy, and money in the long run.
A little bit of know-how can go a long way, so don’t hesitate to visit Loewer Powersports & Equipment for more tips and tricks for getting the most out of your next adventure. Our team of experts will be happy to answer your questions and help you find what you’re looking for. We are located in Alexandria, LA, where we proudly serve all those throughout Rapides Parish and Lafayette.
