ATV Maintenance

Your ATV proves its ability each time you conquer rough terrain for work transport or recreational fun. Regardless of how you use your quad, it’s critical that you perform proper maintenance to keep it performing well. Just like with your standard passenger vehicle, your ATV requires routine maintenance. If you neglect this, you run the risk of suffering a mishap out on the trails or at the job site. 

Here at Holzhauer Pro Motorsports, we’ve got the information you need. You’ll find some essential ATV maintenance tips below. If you have questions, give us a call or stop by today! We’re located in Nashville, Illinois just outside of St. Louis, Missouri. We also serve Carbondale, Mount Vernon, and Salem, Illinois.

Protect the Battery

The battery may seem like a simple component, but it’s what keeps your four-wheeler running. As a result, it’s important that you keep it charged up or your engine won’t get a spark from the plugs. This means that your ignition won’t turn over and the lights and gauges won’t work, either. In order to keep your battery in good condition, examine the battery posts each month. These are the metal parts that connect the battery to the rest of your ATV’s components. The battery posts should be clean. If you notice corrosion or a layer of crust around them, it might be time for a new battery. 

During the winter months, make sure to remove your battery and put it on a tender. If you allow your battery to sit and drain during the off-season, it might not be able to hold a charge again. Save yourself a lot of money, time, and hassle by keeping your battery charged up.

Check Tire Pressure

You need a set of reliable tires to keep your powersports vehicle on the trails, so you should make it a point to perform regular tire pressure checks. If you ignore pressure checks for too long, you might end up with a flat, or worse. No one wants to experience a blowout while riding at full speed on the trails. Pick up an affordable tire pressure gauge and be sure to fill up before you head out if the pressure is too low.

Change the Oil

Oil is key to keeping your engine components from destroying each other. Your ATV needs regular oil changes, just like your car or truck does. When you inspect the oil, be sure it’s free of metal shavings because this can indicate that parts are grinding together. If it’s black or sludgy, that means it’s time for an oil change. After all, thick fluid isn’t going to do a good job of lubricating the engine on a quad. While we’re on the subject of oil, don’t forget to change the oil filter every time you swap out the oil. 

Spark Plugs

Your vehicle’s spark plugs provide the ignition to your internal combustion engine, so these need to be checked regularly as well. This is especially important if you happen to notice that your engine is struggling to turn over. To remove a spark plug, you’ll need to disconnect the battery, remove the engine cover, and use a spark plug wrench to remove it. Check the metal gaps to ensure they’re clear and dry. You’ll also want to confirm that the ceramic casing is still in one piece. If necessary, you can replace these yourself. On the other hand, if this isn’t something you’re familiar with, it’s better left to a professional mechanic.

Find the best deal on ATV parts at Powersports Parts Warehouse!

If you’re in the market for a new ATV or you’d like some assistance with parts or service, visit us at Holzhauer Pro Motorsports today! Our dealership is located in Nashville, Illinois just outside of St. Louis, Missouri. We also serve Carbondale, Mount Vernon, and Salem, Illinois.