Tips for UTV Maintenance
A UTV is a great asset to have, whether you use it for recreational off-roading fun or for transporting supplies to your work site. No matter how you use your side-by-side, there are some important steps you’ll want to take to ensure your four-wheeler is always ready and raring to go! Just like any other passenger vehicle, your UTV also needs regular maintenance to keep it in good shape so you don’t suffer a mishap out on the trail. Imagine the chaos caused if your UTV broke down while it’s loaded with heavy cargo. It certainly pays to keep your vehicle in good condition, and you can perform several basic maintenance tasks in your shed or garage.
At Magnum Power, we are well-versed in UTV maintenance, so we’ve crafted this guide to help you get your utility vehicle in shape for your next adventure or job.
If you come across any repairs you can’t perform yourself, call our service department to schedule an appointment with our mechanics and we’ll be happy to help you. We’re located in Lawson, Missouri, and proudly serve Clay County and Kansas City.
Tires
Your tires hold up the entire weight of your UTV and serve you well on even the roughest terrain, so keep them in great shape and check them before every ride. Having an air compressor that you can take with you to the trail will let you air them up if they’re low on pressure so you can still ride. Check the pressure and make sure it’s up to the manufacturer’s recommendations, and examine the treads for uneven wear and embedded objects.
Oil
Just like you change your car’s oil after a certain mileage, you should also change your UTV’s oil on a regular basis. Oil can be topped up between changes if the levels seem low. You can inspect the dipstick to check whether the oil left is still clean and in good condition. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it, re-insert it, and remove it again. It the oil on the dipstick is sludgy or opaque, that means you’ll need to get the oil changed. Metal shavings or grit in your oil means that parts of your engine are grinding against each other and you’ll want to get the engine checked by a professional.
Battery
As batteries become older, they’re unable to hold as much of a charge as they did when they were brand-new. Exposure to harsh conditions like extreme temperature fluctuations only shortens their life further. Check your battery regularly to make sure the connections are strong and that there’s no corrosion. You should look at the battery terminals every month or so. If they start rusting or have a layer of crust around them, you’ll probably have to buy a new battery.
Coolant
The coolant in your engine needs regular top-ups, too. If you find that you’re often low on coolant, look under your UTV to see if fluids are pooling beneath it. This means you have a leak in your radiator that needs repairing. Every time you replace the coolant, make sure the cap on your radiator is tightly secured.
Spark Plugs
Your UTV’s spark plugs provide the ignition to your internal combustion engine, so you should check these regularly, especially if your engine isn’t turning over easily. Disconnect the battery and remove the engine cover, then use a spark plug wrench to take out the plug. Make sure that the metal gaps are clean and dry and that the ceramic casing is intact. You can replace the spark plug yourself if you have the know-how, otherwise this task is best left to a trained mechanic.
We hope that this guide to UTV maintenance is helpful! If you’re still seeking the perfect side-by-side for work or play, visit Magnum Power in Lawson, MO. We welcome all our friends from Clay County and Kansas City.