Winterizing Your ATV or UTV

Depending on where you live, it might be time to store your ATV or UTV as the cold weather arrives. You definitely shouldn’t leave your quad sitting outside and getting buried in snow. In fact, there are a few steps you can take to ensure your machine is properly winterized. Once these steps are complete, you’ll be able to store it. When the warm weather returns, you’ll be ready to ride without any delays. 

The staff at Abernathy’s Cycles want to help you with this process. We’ve gathered some helpful tips on completing the ATV/UTV winterization process. For more information or to browse our inventory, stop by our dealership in Union City today. We carry a wide variety of powersports vehicles and we’re confident that you’ll find an ATV or UTV to suit your needs.

Cleaning & Lubrication

Before you can start performing proper maintenance for winterization, you need to give your quad a thorough cleaning. Make sure it’s washed, rinsed, and fully dried. You don’t want to leave behind any debris, bugs, or brake dust as this can increase the risk of corrosion. While you’re at it, wax any painted or chromed parts on your vehicle. Lubrication is key to preventing corrosion, so be sure to lubricate vulnerable parts like cables, lug nuts, sprockets, and chains.

Fuel & Oils

Almost all fuel that is obtained from the gas pump has ethanol in it, which attracts water. You definitely don’t want that sitting idle in your tank for months. Eventually, a separation process will occur and can cause problems if left in the tank. Fortunately, a bit of fuel stabilizer can help you avoid this issue. Start by filling your tank with fresh fuel and then proceed to add the fuel stabilizer. You need to get it well distributed, so start up your vehicle and run the engine for at least five minutes. This last step is crucial because you want to ensure the treated gasoline makes its way to all the fuel-related components.

Now that your engine is warm, it’s a good time to change the oil and oil filter. Remember, used oil contains acids and other combustion by-products that’ll damage your machine if left sitting during the cold months. If you know for a fact your oil is used and dirty, you should replace it prior to storage. If you’ve kept up with routine maintenance throughout the year, this might not be an issue.

It’s a good idea to fog your engine if your ATV or UTV is going to sit for a long period of time. You’ll need to remove the air filter and start the engine. While it’s running, spray fogging oil right into the intake track. It combusts relatively quickly, which you can watch for as it exits the exhaust. This process will apply a protective residue to the internal components to prevent rust and corrosion.

Tires

You’ll want to refer to the manufacturer of your tires for specific information on preparing for winter. When it comes to radial tires, some will suggest simply inflating them slightly above riding pressure. For bias-ply tires, it’s often recommended to deflate the tires to expel moisture and then re-inflate to the recommended level. This prevents flat-spotting, which is damage that occurs when the vehicle sits in the same spot for an extended period of time. If you’re able to do so, it’s especially helpful to elevate your machine while it’s in storage. This will reduce the weight placed on the tires, which is key to preventing those flat spots.

Battery

You should always remove your battery before you store your ATV or UTV. Make sure to store it in a place where it won’t freeze. It’s also ideal to hook it up to a trickle charger. If you want to go a step further, you can install quick-disconnect leads. This is most helpful for those machines with batteries that are tricky to remove and install. The goal here is to preserve the life of the battery and prevent loss of charge.

Storage

It’s officially time to store your ATV or UTV for the winter. A breathable cover is always a wise investment, but even more so if you anticipate freezing temperatures, which can definitely happen if you’re up in the Appalachians. The last thing you want is any moisture or critters getting inside your vehicle. If you’re adamant about keeping critters out, you should tape over any entry points, including intakes and exhaust pipes. Don’t forget to choose a waterproof cover if you plan to store your machine outside. 

If you’re in the market for a new ride or want to learn more about winterizing your ATV or UTV, visit us at Abernathy’s Cycles in Union City today. Our staff would be happy to answer your questions and help you find what you’re looking for! We also carry a full inventory of powersports vehicles for sale, including ATVs and UTVs. Our dealership additionally serves the cities of Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee.