Essential UTV Maintenance Tips
UTVs are designed to tackle any task and give you the best performance, whether you’re hauling farm equipment across the property or flying over a sand dune at top speed. However, to get the most out of your utility vehicle, it’s important to keep it in good condition. Regular maintenance is an essential responsibility of all side-by-side owners, which is why Gina’s Motorsports of Monee has provided some UTV maintenance tips to ensure you’re staying on top of things.
If you need any help, don’t hesitate to give us a call or stop by our location in Monee, Illinois, to chat with our experienced staff. You can also check out our wide selection of UTVs for sale, so visit us today! We welcome all our friends from Chicago and Kankakee County.
Read Your Owner’s Manual
The first and most important step is to familiarize yourself with the owner’s manual for your side-by-side. It contains important information specific to your model, which can be particularly helpful when you’re working on UTV maintenance at home. Whether you need to know the type of oil you should be using or the right tire pressure, you can find all these details and much more in the owner’s manual.
This is also a good place to make note of any repairs you have made, parts you have replaced, and other routine maintenance tasks. Make sure you keep your manual in a convenient place where you can easily find it and refer to it whenever required.
Engine Oil
It’s no secret that the engine is the heart of your side-by-side, but it’s not going to get you very far without the right oil to lubricate the critical parts and components. The oil’s primary function is to form a protective layer on metal parts so they don’t grind against each other and wear out. The heat generated from the stress you place on your machine in the form of the extra weight of accessories can cause oils to break down sooner. This puts your engine at risk of extensive wear and tear. Upgrade to high-quality synthetic motor oil to ensure superior lubrication and better performance. While the initial cost might be higher, synthetic oils resist extreme heat and maintain a strong protective film, which means they deliver top-notch performance and last longer.
Like with all vehicles, check the oil regularly. Remove the dipstick, clean it, reinsert it, and then take it out again to note the current level of oil. If it’s low but otherwise looks light and isn’t sludgy, add a bit more oil. If it’s sludgy and dark, replace the oil and filter altogether. If you happen to find metallic shavings or powder in the oil, it’s definitely time to visit a mechanic.
Inspect Filters & Fluids
Next, you’ll want to check the filters and fluids in your four-wheeler. Your gas tank should always be full of gas that’s recommended for your model. If you use ethanol in your UTV, you’ll probably want to add a fuel stabilizer. This is especially true if you're planning to put your vehicle into storage for an extended period.
The coolant in your engine also needs regular top-ups. If you find that you’re often low on coolant, look under your vehicle to see if fluids are pooling beneath it. This means you have a leak in your radiator that needs to be fixed. Make sure the cap to your radiator is tightly secured after you replace the coolant.
Check Tires
Checking the wheels is a very simple but vital step in maintaining your UTV’s health. After all, it’s the tires that support the entire weight of your vehicle and tackle all that muddy, rough terrain. Remember to check the tire pressure regularly and inflate your tires up to the manufacturer’s recommendations. This will improve fuel efficiency and keep you protected from a blowout. Imagine if you had to deal with a flat tire right in the middle of your worksite while your vehicle is loaded up with heavy cargo. Remember that you should never ride on damaged or worn-out tires, as you’ll risk a serious accident that could harm your UTV and injure you.
Service Your Brakes
The brakes will endure a lot of wear on rough terrain, so you should always inspect the brake system when performing UTV maintenance. Brake pads should wear evenly, so any signs of uneven wear should be further examined. Replace worn-down brake pads and make sure that there’s enough brake fluid in the reservoirs. If your brakes sound squeaky or make a grinding sound, consider taking your side-by-side into the shop for some professional help.
With these essential UTV maintenance tips, you’ll be well on your way to keeping your four-wheeler running smoothly for years to come while also avoiding costly service and repair. If you need more help with your vehicle, or if you’re still looking for your dream side-by-side, head over to Gina’s Motorsports of Monee. You’ll find us in Monee, IL, and we proudly serve Chicago and Kankakee County.