ATV Maintenance Checklist

If you have an ATV, UTV, or any other off-road vehicle (ORV), regular maintenance is a must. Poor ATV maintenance habits can cause your ride quality to diminish quickly. You may experience breakdowns and a host of other issues that can be avoided. If you don't know exactly what to check, our ATV and UTV maintenance checklist can help.

1. Lubricate your zerk fittings, ball joints, bushings and bearings.
   

   These parts are essential to the long-term health of your ATV. They assist with steering, suspension, and shock absorption. If you don't maintain these properly, your steering can become unpredictable and create a serious safety hazard for you and others.

2. Check the brake pads and lines.
   

   The brake pads and lines on your ATV will wear over time. You don't need to wait until they're squeaking to replace them. If they appear thin or uneven, that's a good indicator to get new ones.

3. Change and fill fluids (Follow manufacturer's recommendations).
   

   Just like with a normal car, you'll need to change and fill the fluids in your ATV regularly. Be sure to regularly monitor your:

   • Brake fluid
   • Engine coolant
   • Transmission oil
   • Gear case oils
   • Engine oil

4. Replace or clean the filters.
   

   As with fluids, your filters will also need regular maintenance. Before your next ride, remember to check your oil and air filters.

5. Inspect the driveline and look for signs of wear.
   

   The driveline of your ATV is what transfers power to the wheels from the engine and transmission. If your driveline is faulty, you could find yourself stranded. Check for the following things:

   • Glazing
   • Cracks
   • Breaks
   • Missing cogs
   • Flat spots
   • Abrasopms

6. Replace spark plugs.
   

   Over time, spark plugs can become worn and dirty. This could reduce your fuel economy and as a result, you'll need to fill your tank more often. You might save money by simply getting your spark plugs replaced.

7. Air up the tires and examine the tread.
   

   Your owner's manual should tell you how much air pressure you need in your tires. You can use a tire pressure gauge to see how much pressure you have. If it's below the recommended amount, add more. Additionally, be sure to examine the tread on your tires. If it's wearing down, it may be time for a new set.

8. Check all electrical wiring for cracks or exposed wires.
   

   Cracked and exposed wires are a serious hazard. If you notice that any wires are exposed are cracked, seek professional assistance immediately.

9. Inspect the body for any damages every time it's driven.
   

   While most body damage is purely cosmetic, there can be times where it is a safety hazard. For example, if your bumper or wheel well is dented in, it could eventually start to rub up against your tire, potentially causing it to pop while you're riding. Even if it seems like it's not a big deal now, it may be a good idea to get any body damage checked by a professional.

10. Wash the vehicle (especially after muddy rides!).
    

    You want your ride to look good, right? Of course! Besides wanting that squeaky clean shine, failing to wash your vehicle can cause certain parts to rust. In some cases, this could lead to a loss in functionality.

We suggest you create a regular ATV maintenance schedule to keep your UTV in good shape and ride safe!

As far as ATV insurance goes, if you don't know what coverages you need, we've prepared a list of questions you can ask your insurance agent.

 

If you're looking for ATV insurance, UTV insurance, or insurance for another off-road vehicle (ORV), you can get a quote with Foremost^® today!

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