ATV, Quad-bike, UTV - whatever you prefer to call it, it all stands for a personal vehicle that offers a lot in the way of off-road adventure. And while it may be smaller than a traditional car, many owners tend to forget that it is, in fact, still a vehicle. And just like all vehicles, it requires a certain level of maintenance to ensure it performs how it should.

How to Take Care of Your ATV at Home

With experience providing high-quality AMSOIL engine oil to owners of all kinds of vehicles, including ATVs, Jim Ackney has put together a list of maintenance tips for you to keep your ATV in good shape that doesn't require a visit to your mechanic.

Don't Discount the Manual

Despite the stigma surrounding the use of an owner's manual, nowadays, vehicle are so complex that reading the manual can be considered a necessity. Whether your ride is brand new, or just new to you, take the time to read the owner's manual and learn about your particular model. If this is your first time on an ATV, consider undertaking rider training to help you learn safe riding techniques.

Break It In

It is tempting to get straight on your ATV and hit the track. However, if you followed our first tip and read the manual, you have likely found that it suggests otherwise. Look for any specific break-in procedures and follow them closely, as they are necessary for your piston rings and valves.

Keep Your Levels Right

Just like all engines, fluids are essential to not only lubricating the engine but keeping it cool. Before each ride, take a couple of minutes to check your engine oil and coolant levels, along with any other manual specified fluids, and ensure they are at the correct level. There's nothing worse than getting stuck with an overheated engine in the middle of a ride because of a simple thing like a fluid check.

Replace Your Fluids

When these fluids are dirty, simply topping them up isn't a good idea. A synthetic oil change doesn't take long and can give your engine new life and protection. If your engine oil has seen better days, don't just top it up, swap it out. If you aren't sure which engine oil to use for a top-up or a full synthetic oil change, don't guess. Using an incompatible or low-quality motor oil can damage your ride and prevent it from performing at its best. Speak with Jim Ackney at (780) 476-0545 about the model of your ride to get the right high-quality AMSOIL oil for your engine.

Tire Pressure

One of the great aspects of riding an ATV is the handling and torque. Being able to throttle out of a sticky situation or navigate a narrow track is all part of the fun. However, the ability for you to do this largely depends on your tire pressure. If your levels aren't right for the track, you could find yourself becoming stuck. Before each ride, consider the type of terrain you will be riding through, and adjust your tire pressure accordingly.

Do You Have a Spark?

Imagine that you have loaded your ATV onto your truck, driven to your track, only to find that it won't start. The most common cause is a worn spark plug. Depending on your usage, changing your spark plug around every six months is a good average to consider, or alongside your regular synthetic oil change schedule. Don't be tempted by cheaper spark plugs, as they can wear quickly and leave you stuck when you need them the most. When buying a spark plug, always buy two and keep a spare in your truck.

The Basics Matter

Overlooking basic items such as the quality of your cables or the resistance of your engine and body nuts can have a severe impact on the safety and performance of your ride. If something feels a little off, check it. If you can hear a rattling sound as you ride, find and fix it! While it may seem incidental now, it will be a whole lot more important when your ride won't move.

Keep It Clean

Yes - keeping your engine clean makes for a beautiful looking machine. However, this isn't the sole purpose of a clean ATV. With the type of terrain and mud that your ATV will see, debris and dirt are bound to get caught up in the body and exposed parts of your ride. After each ride, take the time to give your ATV a thorough wash down. Once it's dry, inspect it for any lingering debris or stubborn bits of mud. If left, they can quickly lead to corrosion which can impact not just how it looks, but how well it performs.

Only Use High-Quality Products During a Synthetic Oil Change

When it all comes down to it, how you treat your ATV, and the type of products you use will ultimately determine its performance and lifespan. Instead of using an inferior oil, perform a full synthetic oil change when your engine lubricant has come to the end of its life. With a synthetic oil change, your ride gets a high-quality product that not only helps it perform but extends its lifespan through engine protection. Speak with Jim Ackney at (780) 476-0545 about the different types of motor oil available for your next synthetic oil change, and reap the benefits of using a high-quality AMSOIL product.