ATVs are highly sought out vehicles among adventure lovers and find multiple applications in hunting, military, agriculture, outdoor labor, and hauling. Though these machines are built to endure heavy usage, it is important to have regular maintenance in place to steer clear of common troubles and subsequent repair expenses. Whether you’ve purchased a brand new ATV from a showroom or got one from an online auction featuring salvage ATVs for sale, it is important to know about keeping your prized possession in top shape. Continuing on the subject, we present four maintenance tips to keep your ATVs running strong.
Perform Timely Oil Changes
Just like any other automobile, ATVs also require timely oil changes for optimum performance. Engine oil helps in reducing friction among the moving parts in an engine and ensures smooth performance. Generally speaking, changing the oil in your ATV is much easier than changing your car’s oil. Having said that, ATVs demand more frequent oil changes compared to cars. Failing to perform oil changes on time and letting your ATV run when it’s deprived of engine oil will lead to an engine failure which is highly expensive and undesirable. As a rule of thumb, stick to the manufacturer’s recommended engine maintenance schedule for the smooth running of your ATV.
Get the Gas Treated with a Stabilizer Product
If you leave your ATV unused and unattended for a long time, it will be prone to damage from gas breakdowns. Unfortunately, the gas available in our present time is not stable and when it’s left unused in the gas tank for long, it degrades and breaks down. When that happens, gas leaves sediments and deposits in your ATV’s tank that results in clogged fuel lines. It takes as little as 45 days for the gas in your ATV to breakdown. Hence, it is advisable to treat your gas and gas lines in the ATV with a stabilizer product. Simply procure a stabilizer product, add it in your ATV’s gas tank and idle the engine for a few minutes so that the stabilizer will circulate through all the fuel lines. This way, your fuel line walls are free from build-up and clogging.
Check the Belt and Spark Plugs Periodically
Old or faulty spark plugs can lead to increased exhaust emissions due to misfires, wasted gas, and will reduce the power of your ATV. Get your spark plugs inspected often and change them when required. Also, it is advisable to perform a cold start before riding your ATV. Your ATV comes equipped with a transmission belt known as the CV belt. Over time, these belts can over-stretch and wear out. On top of that, there are cases of mud, debris or dirt accumulation on these belts causing them to tear. If your CV belt tears, your ATV simply cannot move. It is wise to watch out for the signs of CV belt damage such as a strong decline in performance and erratic gear shifting. Also, if you happen to smell burning rubber, it is a strong sign to stop immediately and inspect your CV belt. Stick to the maintenance schedule of the transmission belt to prevent such issues.
Inspect the Brake Pads and Brake Fluid Levels
The brake fluid used in ATVs is a hydraulic fluid which is capable of handling high temperatures and pressures. However, the brake fluid is prone to suffer from moisture absorption. Moisture degrades the brake fluid and decreases the braking efficiency. It is advisable to check your brake fluid levels on a timely basis and replace them once every year to ensure a safe riding experience. Brake pads tend to suffer from wear and tear over a period of time. Riding style, terrain and many other conditions determine the life of brake pads. If you hear grinding noises or feel a noticeable drag upon braking or general non-responsiveness, it is advisable to get your brake pads inspected and replaced if needed. Also, installing the right brake pads for your ATV is crucial and installing the wrong brake pads can be more dangerous than having no brake pads at all.
Wrap Up
Follow a strict maintenance schedule and keep checking your ATV for the above mentioned aspects. Keep an eye on the coolant levels, tire pressure, and the air compressor. Wash your ATV after extensive periods of usage to keep the parts free from dirt accumulation. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast looking to own an ATV or are in need of an ATV for other purposes such as mowing, transportation, or killing weeds, buying one doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Check out the salvage ATVs for sale listed at AutoBidMaster.com and take your pick from an exhaustive array of repairable and salvage ATVs for sale. If you have any questions, simply call +1 (503) 298-4300, fill out our contact form. To get started with our salvage ATV auctions, register now.
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