UTV Maintenance Tips

UTVs, or utility terrain vehicles, are versatile machines that can be used for both work and play. Whether you're hauling heavy loads or racing through the backcountry, your side-by-side is up for the challenge. But before you hit the dirt, make sure you're up to speed on the proper maintenance techniques to keep your UTV in tip-top shape.

Advantage Powersports is your local UTV dealer in Kansas City, MO. We have provided UTV maintenance tips to help you get started. From battery care to driveline service, here's everything you need to know to keep your machine running smoothly.

Battery Maintenance

First up, keep an eye on your UTV’s battery. Nothing puts a damper on a day of riding like a dead battery. Check for any signs of corrosion or leaks and use a solar charger or tender to keep it charged when storing your vehicle for the off-season. If the battery is allowed to drain completely, it may not hold a charge again, resulting in the need for frequent replacements.

Driveline Service

Next, pay attention to the driveline of your UTV. This crucial component delivers power to your tires, so make sure it's properly lubricated and the tension is just right. Repairing a driveline is a challenging task, so you may want to bring your UTV in for maintenance if that’s the case.

Check the Tire Pressure

The tires of your UTV are the only thing between you and the rough terrain, so give them some TLC, too. Check them before every ride to ensure they are inflated to the recommended psi levels. If necessary, inflate them to the correct pressure and look for any embedded objects in the tread as well as any slices or gashes in the sides.

Inspect Oil & Fluids

Keeping your fluids topped up is another essential UTV maintenance task that helps prevent your engine from getting overheated or damaged. Change the oil regularly according to the manufacturer's recommendation, typically every 1500 miles or as specified in the owner's manual. Don't overfill the oil, as UTVs require less oil than passenger cars. Check the oil by removing the dipstick, wiping it down, reinserting it, and comparing the color to the chart provided. If the oil is gummy, it's time for an oil change. If it's gritty, seek immediate professional maintenance.

Coolant keeps your radiator functional and should be topped up regularly. If you notice consistently low coolant levels, you may have a leak. Check under your UTV for fluid puddles and inspect the radiator fittings for looseness. Any issues should be addressed by a professional.

Change the Filters

Finally, don't forget to change your filters regularly. If the fuel filter is clogged, you may find that your UTV performs badly and isn’t getting up to the speeds you want. Change out the air filter about as often as you change the tires. You may need to change it more often if you ride frequently in dirty and dusty conditions. The oil filter keeps impurities from polluting your oil and it should be changed at every oil change.

We hope that these UTV maintenance tips have been helpful. If you find while working on your UTV that it could use some attention from a professional, contact us to talk to one of our expert mechanics. We can help you schedule a service appointment to get the problem addressed or parts ordered as necessary. Advantage Powersports is located in Kansas City, Missouri, and we proudly serve all those in Columbia and St. Joseph.