Tips for UTV Maintenance
Keeping your UTV in tip-top shape is a challenge, but like any sort of machine, maintenance is an important part of ownership. So, Lake Life Powersports and Marine thought we would outline a few of the most important tips to keeping your UTV running.
Oil
Oil is the lifeblood of your side by side so make sure you're checking it regularly! Newer UTVs usually run pretty efficiently until you've had a chance to mess them up a bit, so if you've got a vehicle right off the factory floor you may only have to check your oil every few rides, but if your side by side has a few years behind it, you'll want to make it a habit to check your oil levels and top it off every time you ride. Change your oil regularly as well to ensure you keep your UTV running smoothly and efficiently.
Coolant
You probably won't have to replace coolant very often, but if it starts running low and you're unaware of the problem you're going to kill your side by side in no time. Check before you ride, and if you notice that your coolant is dropping consistently from ride to ride, keep in mind that it may be an indicator of a deeper problem such as internal debris or a leaking head gasket, which you'll probably want to take care of before you ride again.
Radiator Cap
Your radiator cap needs to have a tight, solid seal to do it's job properly. If the seal on the radiator cap is starting to crack or corrode get it replaced and you can prevent some pretty expensive repair bills from piling up.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs are pretty cheap, so replace them regularly. It doesn't take much for your plugs to get coated in a sludgy layer of gunk that will cut your UTVs performance, so keep a few extra around your shop, and swap them out every few months of riding (and install a fresh set before you store your UTV for the off season).
Electrical
Your electrical system is one of the more delicate elements of your side by side, and as such, it only takes one stray rock or a rogue branch to start knocking things out of place. Make sure you give your electrical components an inspection before you ride to make sure everything is set and secure without any points where friction can wear down the casing of the wire. Replace the harnesses and wires as necessary.
Fuel System
Ethanol is great, unless you're an engine. Ethanol enriched fuel can gel in your engine, causing corrosion and generally messing up your good time, so when possible use high octane fuel mixes stabilized with an ethanol neutralizing stabilizer. Also, drain your carburetor after each ride to prevent fuel from wearing down the carb.
Tires
Keeping your tires in good shape allows you to get more performance out of your UTV, and prevents undue stress on the rest of the side by side. Keep your tires inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure, and check them before and after each ride. This will allow you to identify a slow leak that may come back to bite you if you're only checking before you ride.
Battery
Your side by side's battery will slowly discharge while it's waiting for you to come back and ride, which means that if you're not careful you could get out to the trail and then waste plenty of time trying to actually get started. The best way to ensure your battery is full of juice is to remove it from the vehicle when you're not using it and hook it up to a battery tender, which will keep the battery topped off so you'll be ready to roll.
Check your battery, tires, fuel system, electrical system, spark plugs, radiator cap, coolant, and oil on your UTV to ensure that it keeps running strong. We know this list can be a little bit daunting, and for that we have a great service department ready to help you with a few of the more complicated tasks on this list. Come visit our dealership with any service you may want or questions you may have for your UTV. We are located in Benton; near Paducah; Bowling Green; and Louisville, Kentucky!