Prepare Your ATV For Winter
Winter is just around the corner, so it is time to start preparing your ATV for the colder season. Whether you plan to store it or use it on even the coldest of the days, there are a few things you should do to make sure your ATV lasts. Your ATV dealer at the Lake of the Ozarks has a few tips to make sure your ATV is prepared for winter.
Winterizing ATV
If you plan to store your ATV this winter, it is a good idea to have it winterized. Here are a few things you should consider doing to make sure it is protected while in storage.
1. Make sure it is clean before storing. Although it is not recommended to clean it during cold days, it is a good idea to at least wipe it down before placing it in storage. If there is a nice warm day, take some soap and water and rise it down. It is also a good idea to lubricate the drive chain and anything else that takes some grease. Use either a muffler plug or stuff a rag into the exhaust pipe to prevent dust and bugs from getting inside.
2. Add stabilizer to your gas to prevent it from going bad while sitting for the extended periods. However, if your ATV has a plastic gas tank, it may be better to drain the remaining gas. If you use stabilizer, make sure to run the engine to get the stabilized fuel throughout the system.
3. Tires tend to deflate over time, but they also deflate during cold weather. It is important to remember to inflate the tires before placing in storage to prevent them from becoming completely flat over the course of the cold season. In addition, it is a good idea to make sure the ATV is not resting on cold concrete, so use blocks to lift the ATV off the ground.
4. Use a cover to protect your ATV from the environment. However, remember to use breathable fabric. Otherwise, moisture can't evaporate, which could create a rusty environment for your ATV as well as a good environment for mold and mildew to arise.
Using ATV During Cold Weather
If you want to use your ATV during the colder season, there are a few things you will need to do to ensure your machine will start smoothly in the winter.
1. It is nearly unavoidable to get water in your gas tank. However, the effects of having water in your tank become extremely noticeable during colder weather. To prevent this from causing issues, use fuel stabilizer to mitigate moisture and keep ethanol from causing long-term problems.
2. Keep the battery alive by using a trickler on extremely cold nights. It is also important to make sure the battery connections are clean and tight.
3. One of the best ways to make sure your machine will start smoothly in the winter is to change your oil. Having old oil may have a big impact on your ATV during the colder weather. In addition to changing the oil, it is also a good idea to change the air filter.
4. Make sure you warm up your ATV before taking off. Once your ATV is idling, it is a good idea to use the engine to warm the transmission and differential. It is not a good idea to hop on and take off into the cold weather. Start your ATV and let it sit for a good 10 minutes at an idle to allow the heat from your engine to warm up the rest of the parts.
Keep Your ATV Running Smoothly
At Surdyke Yamaha, we are here for you not only during the purchase of your ATV, but also during its life. If you are needing help taking care of your investment, your Lake of the Ozarks ATV dealer can help! At Surdyke Yamaha, we have a service department that can help make sure your ATV is running smoothly no matter the season. To schedule an appointment with our Lake of the Ozarks ATV service department, call 573-348-6575 or visit us online at www.SurdykeYamaha.com.
If you plan to store your ATV this winter, it is a good idea to have it winterized. Here are a few things you should consider doing to make sure it is protected while in storage.
1. Make sure it is clean before storing. Although it is not recommended to clean it during cold days, it is a good idea to at least wipe it down before placing it in storage. If there is a nice warm day, take some soap and water and rise it down. It is also a good idea to lubricate the drive chain and anything else that takes some grease. Use either a muffler plug or stuff a rag into the exhaust pipe to prevent dust and bugs from getting inside.
2. Add stabilizer to your gas to prevent it from going bad while sitting for the extended periods. However, if your ATV has a plastic gas tank, it may be better to drain the remaining gas. If you use stabilizer, make sure to run the engine to get the stabilized fuel throughout the system.
3. Tires tend to deflate over time, but they also deflate during cold weather. It is important to remember to inflate the tires before placing in storage to prevent them from becoming completely flat over the course of the cold season. In addition, it is a good idea to make sure the ATV is not resting on cold concrete, so use blocks to lift the ATV off the ground.
4. Use a cover to protect your ATV from the environment. However, remember to use breathable fabric. Otherwise, moisture can't evaporate, which could create a rusty environment for your ATV as well as a good environment for mold and mildew to arise.
Using ATV During Cold WeatherIf you want to use your ATV during the colder season, there are a few things you will need to do to ensure your machine will start smoothly in the winter.
1. It is nearly unavoidable to get water in your gas tank. However, the effects of having water in your tank become extremely noticeable during colder weather. To prevent this from causing issues, use fuel stabilizer to mitigate moisture and keep ethanol from causing long-term problems.
2. Keep the battery alive by using a trickler on extremely cold nights. It is also important to make sure the battery connections are clean and tight.
3. One of the best ways to make sure your machine will start smoothly in the winter is to change your oil. Having old oil may have a big impact on your ATV during the colder weather. In addition to changing the oil, it is also a good idea to change the air filter.
4. Make sure you warm up your ATV before taking off. Once your ATV is idling, it is a good idea to use the engine to warm the transmission and differential. It is not a good idea to hop on and take off into the cold weather. Start your ATV and let it sit for a good 10 minutes at an idle to allow the heat from your engine to warm up the rest of the parts.
Keep Your ATV Running Smoothly
At Surdyke Yamaha, we are here for you not only during the purchase of your ATV, but also during its life. If you are needing help taking care of your investment, your Lake of the Ozarks ATV dealer can help! At Surdyke Yamaha, we have a service department that can help make sure your ATV is running smoothly no matter the season. To schedule an appointment with our Lake of the Ozarks ATV service department, call 573-348-6575 or visit us online at www.SurdykeYamaha.com.
Connect with Surdyke Yamaha on...
Highway Store Location Marina Store Location Surdyke's Port 20
5863 Osage Beach Parkway 1660 Yamaha Drive 5395 Spruce Lane
Osage Beach, MO 65065 Osage Beach, MO 65065 Osage Beach, MO 65065
(573) 348-6575 (573) 348-9283 (573) 348-3178
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