Powersports Maintenance Tips for the Winter
If you’re from a warmer climate, it may surprise you that people choose to ride their ATVs in the snow. The truth is that with the right precautions, enjoying the beauty of winter from the back of your four-wheeler is a real treat. Follow M2 Outdoor’s guide to preparing for a cold-weather ATV ride.
Review Your Owner’s Manual
The first step of ATV maintenance of any kind is always the same: check your owner’s manual. It contains valuable information of all kinds, and will usually have a section covering winter conditions. If you cannot find a physical copy, most manufacturers will have a version on their website and can usually be found using your model number.
Prepare for the Cold
Most ATVs are designed with the idea that they will be used primarily in warm weather. Luckily, all that is needed to allow them to handle the cold and snow is a few modifications.
Fluids
While your engine fluid probably won’t freeze, the cold can still increase its viscosity. If it is unable to flow as quickly, it cannot do its job. Luckily, your ATV’s fluids come in winter formulations, so swap them out when things get cold. If you plan to store your four-wheeler in a non-temperature-controlled area for the winter, you should still swap out the fluids to prevent freezing damage.
Fuel
All of the ice and snow make it easy for water to get inside your fuel tank, especially if condensation forms inside your fuel jug. Always check before you refuel.
The Battery
If not kept charged during cold weather, batteries can suffer damage. During the winter season, change your charging habits to top off your batteries more frequently.
Prepare for Snow
While a four-wheeler will never beat out a snowmobile when it comes to hitting the powder, a few additional upgrades can make your ATV much better at navigating the snow and ice.
Tires and Tracks
To get traction on the snow, you’ll need either snow tires or snow chains. If you really want to go that extra mile, you can convert your ATV to using treads so it’s even better prepared for icy terrain.
Covers
Nothing in winter hits as hard as wind chill, and flying around on an ATV can make it much worse. Luckily, there are all kinds of ways to keep that wind off you so you can have a more enjoyable ride. These include aftermarket parts like windshields or cabin covers. Soon the cold won’t bother you at all!
If you follow this advice, no amount of cold weather will be able to stop you from enjoying yourself on a cold day. For more information or to view ATV models, visit M2 Outdoors at our dealership in Dexter, Missouri, or our other dealership in Kennett, Missouri. That puts us within an hour’s drive of Cape Girardeau and Sikeston. We are proud to be your one-stop shop for all of your outdoor needs!