UTV Maintenance Guide
Utility terrain vehicles, or UTVs, are used for transporting heavy payloads on farming or construction sites, and they also serve as fun vehicles for off-roading on the weekends. No matter how you use your UTV, you’re bound to get excellent performance for both recreational and professional purposes. However, all that rough usage will take its toll if you don’t stay on top of maintenance. UTVs, like any motorized vehicle, have a number of components that need to be serviced on a regular basis.
Fortunately, there’s a lot that you can do at home to keep your vehicle in great shape for years to come. Boehm Tractor Sales has created this guide with some important UTV maintenance tips. Keep reading to learn more and if you have any questions, get in touch with us at our dealership in Shiner, Texas.
Read Your Owner’s Manual
First and foremost, the best thing you can do as a responsible owner of a side-by-side is to read your owner’s manual to make sure you understand what needs to be done and when. Your owner’s manual will contain all of the manufacturer’s recommendations for what maintenance to perform, what parts to replace, and how every control works. You don’t have to read it cover-to-cover, but it’s a smart idea to keep the owner’s manual handy so that you can easily access it for reference.
Monitor the Oil
Even if your UTV is new, you should make it a habit to check your oil as part of your pre-ride checklist to make sure that your oil levels are topped off. You should also set aside some time to change the oil every so often, especially if you ride frequently.
Coolant
You won’t have to replace the coolant quite often, but it’s important to make sure that it stays on your radar when you’re doing maintenance. If your coolant is consistently low even when you top it off, this could be a sign of a bigger problem. If you suspect that there’s a leak, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the expert mechanics at Boehm Tractor Sales.
Air, Fuel, and Oil Filters
Filters may not seem like a significant maintenance issue but as your vehicle gets older, a clogged fuel filter can severely affect performance and power. While the air filter blocks harmful particles from getting into the engine during combustion, the fuel and oil filters help keep your fluids clean. Each time you bring your vehicle in for an oil change or tune-up, you should have mechanics look at the fuel and oil filters to make sure that everything is looking good. Fuel filters tend to last a long time but you’ll want to change the filter at every oil change. You can count on swapping out the air filter once or twice a year.
Tend to Your Battery
Regularly inspect your UTV’s battery for signs of corrosion or leaks. As time goes on and you use your UTV, your battery will hold less of a charge, but you can do a few things to help maintain its power so it lasts longer. When storing your side-by-side for the off-season, you can either use a solar charger to keep the battery charge topped up, or you can remove the battery and place it in a tender so that it stays charged. If you allow the battery to drain, it may never hold a charge again, so keeping its power topped up will prevent you from having to replace it.
Tire pressure
Another maintenance factor you should be aware of is tire pressure, which is especially important in off-road vehicles. Incorrect tire pressure can lead to blowouts and flat tires. You will benefit by keeping your tires properly inflated because this will make them last much longer. Remember to watch your tread as well because if it’s worn down, a small puncture could cause serious damage. Invest in a tire pressure gauge so you can always be on top of your vehicle’s tires.
Inspect the Brakes
The brakes are a crucial part of your side-by-side. They help you control your speed and come to a quick stop when needed. Take time to regularly inspect your brakes. Check the brake pad thickness and the condition of your braking fluid. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, bring your UTV to our service department to get it checked. Brakes are integral to the safety of your ride, so leave any fixes to the professionals.
Service Your Driveline
The driveline is an important part of your side-by-side since it gives power to the tires. It’s either a belt or a chain, which should be lubricated regularly to keep it flexible. Check the tension every so often to make sure it isn’t too tight or too loose. Repairing a driveline is something of a difficult task, so you may want to bring your UTV in for maintenance.
We hope you found this UTV maintenance guide helpful. If you need help to fix any issue, get in touch with us at Boehm Tractor Sales in Shiner, TX. Our mechanics can repair your side-by-side so you can get back on the trail where you belong. If you’re still in search of your dream UTV, visit our dealership to explore our selection of side-by-sides for sale. We proudly serve all those in Seguin and Austin.