What to do to prepare the ATV for winter
In order for your ATV to be ready for harsh winter cold, you need to take care of its preparation in advance. It is desirable to make preparations in late summer or fall. The first tip will be to change the oil and other fluids necessary for the operation of the vehicle. This is considered a mandatory part of ATV maintenance, so it is quite logical to begin with this preparation of the ATV for the cold weather. Water tends to penetrate the oil and lubrication of the machine, while riding in deep ditches that are filled with water. Also water can form in the form of condensation when there are sudden changes in temperature. You should not leave water in the mechanisms of the ATV, as parts will wear out much faster and eventually cease to function properly. If your locality is famous for very cold winters, the water can turn into ice and, accordingly, increase in volume. In this case, the probability of damage to the integrity of parts of the ATV increases.
To avoid such problems we recommend changing oil and filter in the engine, as well as oil in the transmission and four-wheel drive mechanism. We have no doubt that you will easily notice the watery oil, as it has a milky color.
The second equally important item is engine lubrication. You may ask a pertinent question why the engine of an ATV needs additional lubrication, because it is practically “bathed” in oil. The reality is that the oil is in the lower part of the engine. Cylinders, pistons and rings remain dry. This is what causes corrosion processes. To treat the engine with oil, you should remove the air filter and start the car. After that, oil is sprayed into the throttle or carburetor intake. It is likely that the engine will reduce the revs and produce a lot of smoke. This means you need to open the throttle valve more. Keep the engine running until the oil has covered all the parts.
Additional off-season ATV maintenance activities
The next step is to remove the battery. If it is stored for long periods of time during the cold season, there is a risk that the battery will not work in the spring. We recommend removing the battery from the ATV. This will help prolong the life of the battery for several years. The battery should be stored in a warm place. Place it on a shelf or wood stand. Remember to charge it for a few hours each month to keep the battery in working order.
Carburetor clogging and fuel drying out in the carburetor can be prevented by adding a fuel stabilizer before the cold weather sets in. Just a few minutes will save you time and nerves in the spring. Before you make your last ATV trip, pour the stabilizer into the tank and hit the road. If you do not need to go anywhere, it is enough to fill the stabilizer and start the engine for a couple of minutes. This operation should be done before greasing the engine. We wish you success! Take care of your ATV!