How one cares for and maintains UTVs (Utility Terrain Vehicles) is important to all who invest in these recreational vehicles. Whether you’re a hobbyist, a year-round diehard rider, or a seasonal utility driver, desert racer, cargo hauler, trail rider, off-roader, mud spinner, rock crawler, or dune runner on your SxS (Side-by-Side) unless you keep it in peak condition.
Your vehicle can only serve you well while it’s in prime condition, which means that you’ll need to maintain it to continue to run strong for years to come. While some more complex issues will require the help of a professional mechanic, there are several maintenance tasks you can perform on your UTV right at home.
We at Shock Therapy have provided this handy guide to all the basics of UTV maintenance in order to help you keep your power sports vehicle in tip-top condition and ensure that it doesn’t cut down your play or work time. We also offer Ride Improvement Systems to upgrade your UTV and keep it in tip-top shape!
Check the Brakes
Brakes are the most important parts of your UTV's function and your safety; so you should inspect them regularly. The brakes on your UTV will take a lot of wear while you’re off-roading. Make sure the brake pads' thickness, the brake fluid level, and the lines are in good condition and there isn't any debris contaminating the reservoir.
You may want professional help from your UTV manufacturer if anything ever feels unusual with your brakes. Don’t try to ride with bad brakes. Polaris, Can-Am, and others offer help in this regard.
Inspect the Tires
The tires hold up the weight of your UTV and bear the brunt of the rough terrain you drive through, so it makes sense to inspect them to make sure they’re safe for you and your passengers.
Inflate the tires up to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure level and also examine them for embedded objects, uneven wear, or bald spots. Pay attention to your tires' tread depth so that you may know when it's time to replace the tires. Never ride on poorly inflated or worn-out tires!
Check/Change the Oil and Oil Filter
Topping off the oil as needed and changing out the oil and oil filter regularly is a very important step in UTV maintenance. However, most UTV owners take this for granted and end up damaging their engines or motors.
An unlubricated engine could lock up and become costly to repair. It's best to check your oil levels every time before every ride, or out on the job so you never put unnecessary strain on your engine or motor.
Recommended: If the oil is opaque or thick and goopy, it’s time for an oil change. Top up the oil between changes.
Maintain or Replace the Battery and Spark Plugs
A bad battery or a dead battery is another serious issue you can experience when you park your UTV to sit in the storage for a long time. Always keep your battery charged while the UTV is in storage.
To keep functioning, check the status of your battery and inspect for low electrolyte levels, corroded terminals, and so on. Proper maintenance will extend battery life as long as possible. Consider getting a new battery if this problem persists.
Fluids
Keep an eye on your differential and coolant fluid levels. Change differential fluid according to the recommended owner’s manual. Also, top-up coolant regularly and ensure that the radiator cap is tightly sealed or doesn’t have any leaks.
Finally, never start your rides on a partial tank only to hit empty in the middle of nowhere. Don't run your UTV with bad fuel. It’s a good idea to top up your fuel tank with high-octane fuel to keep your system running in tip-top condition.
Conclusion
We’re hopeful that this guide will help keep your UTV well maintained and save you time and money. Still need UTV parts? Visit our store to view a large and premium selection of UTV suspension products, shocks, toe link kits, limit straps, and more!
Contact us at (623) 217-4959 to order for your Teryx, Can-Am, Polaris, Honda, or other Utility Terrain Vehicle! Shock Therapy, LLC welcomes all of our customers both local and worldwide.
Thank you for reading this article. We are a world-class suspension tuning and component company based in Phoenix, Arizona. We make original products right here in the USA and ship worldwide to all customers. Whether you are a casual owner or a racing enthusiast, we shall make sure to place you FIRST in any situation. Purchase our sway bars, toe links, shocks, ride improvement systems, and more at www.shocktherapyusa.com. For more information on Shock Therapy, keep up with us on our other Social Media:
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