After a long winter, it's time to prepare your UTV for spring. Off-road trips long and short beckon, especially as the weather worms up. If you properly prepared your vehicle for storage last year, you should be on the road after a few steps.
Even if you have ridden the vehicle during the winter, take some time to inspect and maintain it before a new season brings new challenges on the road. You may even decide that before you put the UTV on the road, you want to add a new windshield and other accessories.
Check the Fuel Tank and Fluid to Prepare Your UTV for Spring
Last fall, you should have changed the oil and oil filters, cleaned the air filter, and added fuel stabilizer to prevent the fuel from separating, evaporating, and forming a varnish-like gunk in the tank. If you did not, you will need to clean the engine, tank, and carburetor with cleaner made for that purpose as you prepare your UTV for spring.
Even a well maintained engine can attract insects, water, or dirt, or develop fuel leaks or tiny pricks in the line from cats, mice, or raccoons over the winter. Start fresh for spring by draining the tank and carburetor before adding new fuel.
As you are working with the fuel tank, check all the fluid levels, including the oil. Make sure to fix any leaks you find, and change the oil if you did not do so when you winterized the vehicle. Clean the air filter to make sure that it is free of debris or leaked fluids.
What Else to Check
Starting and stopping your vehicle begins with your battery and brakes, so it is important to check both. Although you may have charged your battery over the winter or kept it on a battery tender, give it a charge and add water if it is a sealed type. Test the brakes to make sure that the pads are good and that they stop properly.
Visually inspect your tires and then test them with a kick, a squeeze, and a pressure check. Underinflated tires will not do the job on the trail, while overinflated ones might burst on the road. Add enough air to meet the manufacturer's instructions.
Give everything else a once over, including the spark plugs, radiator or fan, drive chains, and hand grips. The extra time you spend will ensure a smooth trip once you hit the road.
Give Your UTV a Spring Upgrade
As you prepare your UTV for spring adventures, assess whether you want to upgrade your windshield or add any other accessories. Accessories such as windshields, soft tops, and rear windows make for safer, more comfortable rides. For durable windshields made to fit your vehicle, contact a UTV accessory shop that is an authorized dealer for your make and model UTV.
Performing necessary maintenance and adding safety and comfort accessories is a great way to prepare your UTV for spring.
