How to Prepare Your ATV for Winter

Winter riding requires special gear and preparation; with this list as your guide, it can help prevent costly breakdowns or maintenance issues when returning your ATV after its long wintertime break.

Wipe any metal surfaces with WD-40 before draining and refilling your oil tank and gas tank with fresh fuel, adding fuel stabilizer to prevent rust in both places, then block any openings critters could crawl through with tape, such as exhaust pipe and intake ports.

Check the Battery

Your ATV battery is one of its most crucial components, and should always be charged before storing for winter. A dead battery prevents your machine from starting, so be sure it has full charge before placing away for winter storage. A battery tender may help extend its life and ensure it will be ready to start when spring comes back around!

Clean your ATV prior to putting it away for the season. A thorough cleaning can reduce corrosion in the fuel tank caused by cold temperatures, while fuel stabilizer can help shield the gas line and engine against further corrosion. Furthermore, draining both carburetor and tank are great ways to avoid moisture build-up that could affect engine and fuel systems performance.

Make sure that the tire air pressure of your ATV is within its optimum range; under-inflated tires can compromise traction on slippery winter terrain and reduce performance, as well as inspect the brakes for wear or damage and add winter-blend fuel that reduces condensation and freezing in its gas system.

Skid plates are another essential accessory that will protect the underside of your ATV against rocks and ice during winter riding. Available in different sizes and models, find one that best matches both your ATV and riding style to choose the appropriate skid plates.

Before storing your ATV for winter storage, it is a wise idea to change its oil and coolant. Switching your coolant for one with a lower freezing point can help avoid engine damage from frozen coolant; while switching to thinner oils will improve fluid flow and decrease wear on engine components. Furthermore, now is an opportune time to refresh air filters and lubricate any metal parts susceptible to rust during storage.

Inflate the Tires

Tires on an ATV may become deflated after extended storage, leading to flat tires when returning to the trails. Therefore, before placing it into storage for winter it is wise to inflate each tire fully to the maximum pressure setting and jack stands or blocks should also be used to relieve some stress on its suspension while being stored.

Before storing your ATV for winter, be sure to drain its fuel tank and install a fuel stabilizer to mitigate moisture build-up in its tank from winter's cold temperatures and ensure that engine starts when needed. Doing this will also protect it from rusting. Additionally, this ensures your ATV won't stop working when needed when riding!

Coolant is another essential fluid that must be changed before storing an ATV for winter storage. Antifreeze-based coolants that are specifically tailored for use in cold temperatures should be chosen, and replacing with new coolants will help the vehicle start quicker and run smoother.

Clean your ATV thoroughly before storing it for winter to prevent rust. Pressure washing the ATV will help to remove dirt and grime that could contribute to corrosion on metal parts, while wiping down chrome or painted parts with a cloth dampened with wax can keep them looking new.

If you have access to a covered storage shed or garage, storing your ATV there will protect it from elements and wildlife. Otherwise, place it on jack stands or cinder blocks so the ground doesn't freeze up, potentially straining its suspension system and increasing repair costs.

Although there are various things you can do to prepare your ATV for winter, following these tips is key in order to prevent condensation, rust and pests from turning it into a winter-wrecking machine when spring arrives. By taking these simple steps you can safely enjoy your ATV for the remainder of 2018 without worry that it might break down or not start.

Add Fuel Stabilizer

Preparing an ATV for winter riding is just as crucial for all-weather riders as it is for fair-weather ones. A few simple tweaks and the appropriate gear can ensure a hassle-free start up come spring time; key is making sure cold weather, condensation and wildlife won't disrupt its operation and cost extra in repairs or unexpected start up.

Step one in winterizing an ATV involves draining and flushing its fuel tank. This will remove any moisture build-up over summer that may prevent starting or run your engine properly. After emptying it out completely, add fuel stabilizer to it, run engine for 10 minutes to help disseminate product throughout your system.

Drain and replace your radiator with fresh coolant formulated for use in cold climates - using such coolants will allow your ATV to start more easily while maintaining performance throughout winter. In addition, make sure that you check and replenish any necessary fluids like oil or hydraulic fluid as soon as possible.

Your ATV should be thoroughly cleaned to eliminate dirt, mud and grime that could damage it during storage. Failure to do this could result in corrosion and rust build-up; so after cleaning you should lubricate any chains, sprockets, cables etc that may need it in order to ensure they will not corrode over the winter season.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated to help prevent flat-spotting and protect them from moisture and temperature changes. Inflation slightly above riding pressure will help retain their shape - particularly important if your ATV will be sitting for long periods. You may want to add ATV tire deflectors for additional protection against rocks and debris entering through gaps between treads.

Seal Any Openings

ATVs aren't only great fun in the summer months; they also present some unique opportunities for winter trail riding. Snow can make every trail look completely new, creating more challenging riding conditions that help develop skills like drifting and loose surface climbing.

Before storing your ATV for winter, it's advisable to thoroughly clean and lubricate it in order to reduce corrosion caused by chemicals breakdown and condensation. Be sure to wax painted parts, chromed components and any areas likely to dry out or rust with use, such as chains, sprockets or cables that might dry out over time.

As part of your routine maintenance routine, it's also crucial that you change the oil frequently as dirty oil can clog up engine components over time and corrode certain areas. Furthermore, fill up your gas tank and add fuel stabilizer in order to keep it fresh over time.

Finally, ensure to block any openings where mice could nest. Steel wool will not only deter rodents but can help keep the tailpipe from freezing over. Also block access to your timing belt by layering up layers of tin foil or using peppermint packets as rodent repellants.

Storing an ATV in a garage under breathable cover is ideal, but not everyone has access to one. In an emergency, tarps may serve as an adequate cover option - though their durability won't measure up against fabric covers made out of quality fabrics. You could also consider adding a full cab enclosure which not only protects it from the elements, but allows operation in subfreezing temperatures too - the downside being you will lose some cargo capacity but this could be offset with creative storage solutions or accessory racks.