UTV Maintenance - Tips to Keep Your UTV Running Like The Day You Picked It Up | UTV Source
Are you keeping up on your UTV's Maintenance?
UTVs are designed to be tough and durable, but they still
need to be maintained. So if you own a UTV, then you should understand that it
is important to keep it well-maintained. After all, your UTV is a huge
investment and you want to ensure that it lasts many years. Luckily, there are
some easy maintenance tips that you can follow to keep your UTV running in
tip-top shape so you know it will be ready to rip when you fire up that engine.
Servicing and inspecting components like Brakes, drive belts, air filters,
engine oil, and the many joints and fitting on your Polaris RZR, Can-Am X3, or
whatever UTV Model you ride is key. All these items play a significant role in
the operation of your UTV, below are some tips to consider when it is
maintenance day in the garage.
Fluids
UTV owners should be changing the oil and oil filter regularly, following the manufacturer’s recommendations which is usually 25-50 hours of normal riding use. If the UTV is used frequently and driven hard in hotter climates, the oil will likely need to be changed more often. Checking the oil before each ride is highly recommended to ensure it is not low thus needing to be topped off. While you’re at it be sure to check the rest of the fluids like Coolant, Transmission, and Differential fluids making sure they are full. Changing oils and fluids is much cheaper than having to get a new engine or replace expensive drive terrain parts from ignoring them and assuming they are ok.
Brakes
By now you know how important it is to keep it running like new, we've made
that clear. Some of us push the limits of our UTVs more than others and being
able to stop is crucial or you may end up in a position less than desired. One
of the most important things you can do to care for your UTV brakes is to check
them regularly. You should do this at least once a month, but more often if you
use your UTV frequently. Inspect the brake pads for wear and tear, the
thickness of the pad, brake line fittings and routing of the line is where they
should be, and ensure sure the brake fluid levels are where they should be (top
off as needed should it be low). If you notice any problems with your brakes,
don't hesitate to take your UTV to a mechanic for further inspection.
UTV Brake Parts, Accessories, Complete Kits
Ball Joints, Wheel Bearings, Heim Joints
UTV ball joints see a lot of wear and tear and can eventually damage other
parts of the vehicle if they aren't replaced. If you notice any wear on the
ball joints, it's time to replace them. Similarly, wheel bearings and heim
joints are also subject to wear and tear and should be checked regularly.
Replacing these components as needed will keep your UTV feeling tight, running
smoothly, and prevent you from being stuck in the middle of know where
wondering how you are going to get it back on the trailer.
Drive Belt
The drive belt is a key component of your UTV's engine, transferring power from the engine to the transmission … “Putting those Ponies to the Ground” as they say! It's important to regularly check the condition of your drive belt for any excessive wear, including cracks, breaks, flat spots, glazing, or missing cogs. You should also make sure that the inlet and outlet ducts are not obstructed, as this can cause the belt to overheat and fail. If you notice any of these issues, it's important to replace the drive belt as soon as possible. Fortunately, most UTVs have easy-to-access drive belts that can be replaced without too much difficulty.
One thing with drive belts is that we highly recommend you carry a spare with you at all times because they are know to break and when they do you are dead in the desert. At UTVSource.com we offer a great selection of belts and a nifty tool and belt storage case from Savage UTV that bolts right onto your UTV’s roll cage.
Air Filter
The air filter in your UTV is extremely important to keep clean in order to
prevent dust and dirt from entering the engine. A serviceable air filter from
companies like K&N Filters or S&B Filters can be cleaned regularly,
while a non-serviceable air filter will need to be replaced as needed. Keeping
your air filter clean will help your engine to run more efficiently and prolong
its life so that it runs at peak performance just like when it was new.
Replacement Filters and Upgrades
Final Thoughts
Lastly, just a few simple basics we want to finish with as prepare for your ride:
- Check your tire pressure the day you are heading out to ride and look over the tires for cracks, bubbles, or anything out of the ordinary.
- Take 5 minutes and look over the entire UTV while touching and feeling parts looking for anything out of place, possible loose bolts, or anything that is not quite right. Don’t ever hesitate to though a wrench on those moving parts either to know they are tight and going to stay put.
- Oh, and make sure you wash your UTV thoroughly to get all the dirt and grime off when you get back, you don’t want stuff building up and ruining parts over time because you said “I’ll wash it later, I’m tired!”
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your UTV runs like new for many years to come. Life’s a Ride, Make it Your Own at www.UTVSource.com
