UTV Maintenance Tips

Tearing up the trails takes a powerful machine and UTVs are considered to be one of the best vehicles for off-roading because of their powerful torque, sporty control, and unmatched stability. However, to keep your side-by-side firing on all cylinders, you’ll need to perform a few maintenance tasks. This is easy to do if you implement a routine to care for your utility vehicle, and this guide will help you out. If you're not comfortable doing these tasks or need assistance for service or repairs, feel free to bring your vehicle into our service department.

Protecting the Battery

The battery is a simple component, but it’s vital to keep your UTV running. If it’s not charged up, your engine won’t get a spark from the plugs, the lights and gauges won’t work, and the ignition won’t even turn over. To keep it in good condition, examine the battery posts every month or so. These are the metal components that connect the battery to the rest of your vehicle's components, and they should be clean. Once they start getting corroded or have a layer of crust around them, you’ll probably need to buy a new battery.

Driveline Service

The driveline is a chain or belt that distributes engine power to the wheels, and like any other moving part, it can get stuck if you don’t take proper care of it. To keep it moving smoothly, apply a chain lubricant to it regularly, and also check the tension. If it’s too tight or too loose, you’ll want to take help from a mechanic for adjustment.

Fluids

The oil keeps your UTV’s engine components from destroying each other, while coolant prevents your motor from overheating during intense rides. Both these fluids are vital for engine life and performance, so you’ll need to regularly check and replace them. When inspecting your oil, make sure it doesn’t have any metal shavings in it, as this would indicate that parts are grinding together. If it’s black or sludgy, that’s time to replace it, since thick fluid won’t do a very good job lubricating the engine.

Changing the Filters

Every UTV utilizes filters to block harmful particles from getting inside your engine. The fuel filter, located below the fuel tank, doesn’t need to be changed frequently. However, if your side-by-side is a little older, you might want to consider getting this checked. The oil filter should be changed every time you swap out the oil and get a new air filter every three or four oil changes.

With these tips, you’ll have no problem keeping your UTV in great condition for years to come. If you need any assistance, feel free to get in touch with us at Sky Powersports Cocoa. You’ll find us in Cocoa, FL, where we serve all those in Palm Shore and East Orlando.