ATV Maintenance Tips
Proactive ATV maintenance will help ensure your quad runs smoothly and will help keep it out of the service shop. While there are some tasks best left to professionals, there are plenty of DIY maintenance projects owners can tackle. We've gathered up a list of four-wheeler maintenance tasks for beginners below. If you encounter something beyond your experience level, bring your 4 wheeler into the service department at Mid-State Motorsports. Our experts can repair your four wheeler in no time. Our dealership is located in Cookeville, Tennessee. We also proudly serve those in Nashville and Knoxville, Tennessee.
1. The Battery
The first step in battery maintenance is checking the battery posts about once a month. These metal parts connect the battery to the rest of your quad. Check to ensure they are clean and clean them as needed.
When you put your four wheeler away for winter storage, you will want to remove the battery. Then connect it to a battery tender. Otherwise, your battery will drain during the off-season and it could struggle to hold a charge again.
2. The Driveline
The driveline gets power from the engine to the wheels. It's either a chain or a belt. Its moving parts can get stuck without proactive care. Regularly apply chain lubricant to keep it moving smoothly. You will also want to periodically check the tension. If it's too tight or too loose, bring it to our service department and we can adjust it for you.
3. The Tires
Use a tire pressure gauge to measure the air pressure in your quad's tires. Check this reading against the manufacturer's recommendations and then adjust as needed. If the tire pressure is not adjusted correctly, you could face a flat or a blowout.
4. The Oil
Check the oil in your four wheeler regularly like you do with your car's oil. If the oil is black or sludgy, you will need to replace it. If you spot any metal shavings in the oil, this is a sign the parts are grinding together and you'll need to bring your ATV in for a repair.
5. The Filters
Filters work to keep damaging particles from harming your engine. Replace your oil filter each time you change the oil. Replace your air filter every three or four oil changes. The fuel filter won't need to be changed that often, but you will want to check it every once in a while to ensure it doesn't need replacing.
6. The Wiring
The thrilling adventures you take your quad on can result in the wires getting shaken loose. Inspect these every few rides to ensure they are all in place. It doesn't hurt to bring duct tape on your rides so you can secure any wires that get loose before they get ripped out by a branch.
7. The Brakes
Make sure you inspect your brakes regularly. Look at the brake pad thickness and the routing of the lines. You will also want to check the condition of your braking fluid as well as the amount of it. Brakes are such a crucial part of your ride safety and not something to mess with, so you will want to bring your four wheeler to a professional if you notice your brakes need a repair.
We hope you found this guide helpful. If your quad needs any repairs or a trip to the service department, visit the experts at Mid-State Motorsports. We can get your quad back on the trail in no time. You'll find us in Cookeville, Tennessee, and we also serve those in Knoxville and Nashville.
