UTV Maintenance Tips

Keeping up with your UTV maintenance will help ensure your powersports vehicle runs smoothly and goes longer between mechanic visits. While there are some maintenance tasks best left to the professionals, there are plenty of projects that even beginners can tackle. We've created the following beginner's guide to UTV maintenance. If you want more advice or need to take your UTV to a service department, visit the experts at Tracy Motorsports, located in Tracy, California. We welcome those coming from Modesto and Stockton, California!

Check the Tires

There are two key things to monitor on your UTV tires: the tread and the air pressure. Tread helps your tires maintain traction with the ground and can get worn down over time. Make sure to measure your tread and check it against the manufacturer's recommendation.

It's also important to ensure the tires are inflated to the right air pressure. If they are not, you could get a flat tire or even a dangerous blow out. Use a tire pressure gauge to measure, then check the levels against the manufacturer's recommendations.

Check the Oil

Oil helps keep the engine components from damaging each other. Your UTV oil needs to be regularly checked and changed just like your car. When you inspect your oil, be on the look out for any metal shavings. This indicates parts are grinding together and you should make a visit to a service department. If the oil is black or sludgy, you will want to replace it. This thick substance won't be able to offer the lubrication you need to prevent damage.

Check the Brakes

Your UTV brakes are a crucial component. They keep you from going too fast or running into something. Take the time to regularly inspect the brake pad thickness, routing of the lines, and the condition and levels of braking fluid. If you start to notice any problems with your brakes, visit a service department right away. You don't want to ride a UTV that has a potentially compromised braking system!

Check the Wires

When you hit the open trail on your UTV, you inevitably bounce around. All the quick acceleration and movement can take a toll on the wiring system. Wires can easily shake loose after a few exhilarating rides, so you will want to check the wiring harnesses that keep your electrical system running well. You may even want to bring duct tape on your rides in case any wires get loose during your adventure (and keep them from getting ripped off by a branch).

Change the Filters

Your UTV comes with filters that keep damaging particles from getting to your engine. The fuel filter usually doesn't need to be changed very option, but you will want to get it checked if your UTV is older. You will want to change the oil filter any time you change the oil. You will also want to get a new air filter about every three or four oil changes.

We hope you found these tips helpful. Taking proactive care of your UTV can help prevent some problems and also minimize the impact of other issues. While there are plenty of things you can handle on your own, you will eventually run into something beyond your skillset. When this happens, you can take your UTV to the service department at Tracy Motorsports. Our expert staff can help get your side by side ready to ride in no time. We also offer a range of models if you are looking to buy. Whatever you need, you'll find it with us!