UTV AND SIDE-BY-SIDE MAINTENANCE

You can’t beat a UTV in terms of versatility and fun. These four-wheeled machines work hard and play hard, whether they’re on the job site or the forest trail. But with such a high-octane life, UTVs can experience some major wear and tear. It’s important to stay ahead of the game when it comes to maintenance so that you can avoid catastrophic problems that can risk your safety and also cost a lot to fix. Here at Campers RV Center, we understand that a little bit of prevention goes a long way. That’s why we’ve designed this guide that’s full of useful knowledge for taking care of your UTV. Most of these tips are things you can do yourself, but if you find a problem that’s outside your mechanical abilities, stop by our Shreveport, Louisiana service center for affordable parts and services.

Oil

Oil is a crucial component in internal combustion engines, and it helps them operate smoothly and last longer. The primary function of oil is to cut the parts of the engine and reduce friction between them, otherwise the parts can heat up, grind against each other, and eventually break down. When you’re checking the oil in your UTV, you want to look for signs that this is working correctly. Oil enters the engine a tan color, and usually by the time it’s ready to be changed, it’s close to a molasses color. Engine heat and friction cause the oil to break down, hence the color change. What you shouldn’t see, however, is dark, sludgy oil. This can indicate that your oil is well-past its prime. You also shouldn’t be able to find anything like flecks of metal, water, or gasoline in the oil, as these indicate major problems with the engine.

Coolant

Engine coolant is nearly as important as oil, in that it also works to help keep the engine cool. Coolant pumps through the block of the engine and carries heat away from the engine. The coolant is then cooled off in the radiator, where air can pass over it. You should never check your coolant and radiator when your engine is hot. The coolant can come under great pressure, and removing the radiator cap can lead to an explosion of superheated liquid. Check your coolant when the engine is cold. There should be a coolant tank which will have a recommended level of coolant indicated. Add coolant as necessary to keep this topped off. You should also check the radiator cap for cracks, wear, or damage. Make sure to look under the UTV so that you can spot any coolant that might be leaking. Just a small stick or rock can severely damage a radiator.

Battery and Electrical

Once you’ve checked your fluids, take a look at your battery and electrical systems. The first step is to simply see if the UTV starts. If it does, start checking any other electrical systems. Check the brake lights, the headlights, and any winches or other features your personal UTV might have. If you feel comfortable with it, you can also check the spark plugs. The engine should be off when you do this. Remove the positive lead from your battery terminal. Then, find the plug wires. Remove one plug wire, and then unscrew the spark plug. The tip of the spark plug should be dry, and will probably be covered in soot. If it’s gummy or covered in grease, you’ll want to replace it. Check each spark plug, but make sure to reinstall each one before moving on to the next so that you don’t mix up the order of the plug wires.

Fuel

Fuel is an important consideration in UTVs. Their small engines perform extremely well with the right type of gas, but with too much ethanol, they can slowly build up deposits that rob performance. Try to use low-ethanol gas as much as possible. If you know your UTV will need to sit for several months without being used, remove the gas from the gas tank so that it won’t corrode the parts of your fuel supply.

Tires

Tires are the foundation of your UTV. Make sure to keep a tire pressure gauge handy whenever you start your maintenance routine. Keeping your tires at optimum pressure is the best way to ensure their longevity. After a hard ride, make sure to wash your UTV and especially its tires. This will remove any debris or chemicals which could lead to rubber corrosion. If you notice your tires are starting to wear down significantly, make sure to change them. You don’t want to get stuck out in some inaccessible landscape with a flat.

Campers RV Center is here to help with any of your UTV maintenance needs. Give us a call today and chat with one of our team members about how we can fix your UTV. We proudly serve Shreveport, Bossier City, Ruston, and Monroe, Louisiana, as well as Marshall, Longview, and Tyler, Texas. Stop by today!