"UTV's" are becoming more and more popular for getting into places most wheelers couldn't dream of going with their 4x4 rigs. Of course, we all know they can be quite costly, but their popularity is growing daily.
One of the essential aspects of offroading, especially within the UTV world, is maintenance. Those who neglect their UTV's will see it through in time, but we assure you that your wallet will be taking the brunt of the hit!
To prevent this from happening, go to a tractor repair shop and keep in mind these tips on how to keep your UTV's looking good and working well.
Tips on UTV Maintenance
To start off with, we'll go over some UTV maintenance tips.
- Always check fluid levels and tyre pressures before and after use, and never run the machine without checking tyre pressures first!
- Clean all components of your UTV thoroughly after every ride. It is essential that contaminants such as dirt, mud, etc., are removed from the working components of your machine. If you fail to do this will result in corrosion which can lead to expensive repairs.
- To clean your UTV, use a mixture consisting of water and an anti-corrosion solution. A good tip is to get a water bottle with a mix of 3 parts water and 1 part of the anti-corrosion solution. This way, you can give those components a quick spray and rub them down after every ride.
- Clean and dry all other agricultural parts of your UTV thoroughly, too, especially components such as the seat and plastics, which can become dirty really quickly!
- Ensure all loose items are removed from inside your vehicle; these can be safety hazards if they become dislodged while you are driving.
- Perform regular checks on tractor parts such as safety harnesses, steering components, and brake pads. You should also check the throttle for any signs of binding. If found, replace immediately!
- On a fresh motor, always run the engine until it is fully warm before leaving the camp; it will ensure that any moisture in the engine is expelled and can help prevent corrosion.
- After a day's wheeling, always change the gearbox oil; if you don't do this, it could result in significant farm equipment repairs when you least expect them!
- Avoid sitting on the road as much as possible. If you must use the road for any reason, ensure that you clean your UTV when you get back to prevent corrosion.
- Drive-in lowers gears and avoids lugging the engine; this will help reduce the engine stress and prolong its life.
- Ensure all fasteners (nuts and bolts) are kept tight at all times, especially after a day's wheeling!
- Always let your engine thoroughly warm up before engaging in any serious wheeling.
- Keep the UTV dry and out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Also, keep it away from sources of ignition, such as cigarettes, etc. This is important for both safety and preventative maintenance reasons!
- Clean the air filter frequently by using a suitable cleaner and a brush; if you do this, it will ensure that your UTV is as efficient as possible.
- Regularly check all moving parts for excessive play or binding; if found, they should be replaced immediately!
- When storing the UTV, remove the battery and store it in a place with minimal humidity. The ideal temperature range for battery storage is 15°c - 22°c.
How to properly store your UTV
If you want to store your UTV for a long period of time (2 weeks or longer), then the battery should be removed and stored in a cool, dry place such as inside your house. Ensure that the battery is upright; never lay it flat!
Even if you don't plan on storing your machine for this long, it is best to remove the cell and keep it inside, or at least not directly on the ground. This will also prevent corrosion.
Finally, ensure that you charge your battery up before putting it back in your UTV.
Conclusion:
The best way to maintain your UTV is through prevention. It can be done by simply adhering to all maintenance procedures as discussed above. Then, get your vehicle to a tractor repair shop, and they will ensure a longer life span of your machine and less time spent fixing it, which means more fun wheeling!
