Using Your ATV During The Winter

Winter is just around the corner, and Surdyke Yamaha knows that it’s a good time to start preparing your ATV for the colder season. Whether you plan to store it through the winter or plan to 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.


Using Your ATV During the Winter


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.

Use A Stabilizer  
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 a fuel stabilizer to mitigate moisture and keep ethanol from causing long-term problems. 

Check The Battery 
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. 

Change The Oil 
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. 

Warm It Up 
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. 

Winterizing Your 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.

Make Sure It's Clean
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 where it will sit for a period of time. If there is a nice warm day, take some soap and water and rinse 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. 

Add Stabilizer To The Gas.
It’s a good idea to add stabilizer to prevent the gas from going bad while it sits for an extended period. 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. 

Air Up Your Tires 
Tires tend to deflate over time, but they also deflate when the weather gets cold. 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. You should also make sure the ATV is not resting on cold concrete, so use blocks to lift the ATV off the ground. 

Keep It Covered
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 breeding ground for mold and mildew.

Keep Your ATV Running Smoothly


At Surdyke Yamaha, we are here for you not only during the purchase of your ATV but once you take it home. If you need 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.
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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 
Location: Osage Beach, MO, 65065, USA

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